I have done 3 and it is not an enjoyable ride. My first one was in 2001 on the Detour route from the OE batch. I was pushed off the road 5 times and could not cycle up Ou Kaapse as we had all come to a standstill as bikes were spread across the road. My next one was in 2009 - need I say more!! This year it was promised that the wind would not be a factor - I thought gusts of 55 knotts was a factor? And the undisciplined riders!! Starting from the W group there always seemed to be slower riders in front riding all over the place - the seeding for this event is not good. I wa going for a 3:30 and as we left the start and had to get off our bikes to push, I thought there goes my Goal again. I was proved right. As mentioned in another post the finish was not enjoyable with all that constuction and unlike last year, we did not go to the beer tent as it was an awfully long walk on cleats from the bike park on hard surfaces. What were the organisers thinking? Put the bike park next to the beer please!!!!!! Why do I ride this "race"? I am not good enough to contest a place and the weather plays too big a role to set any meaningful goals. The main reason is the whole Cape Town experience and the camraderie within our group. The beautiful scenery of sea and mountains, the friendly people and the great restaurants and pubs make it all worthwhile!! The new refurbished airport is also awesome. See you next year Cape Town!!!!!
