dancingthroughchaos

‘Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.’ – Albert Einstein

The annual Cape Town Cycle Tour took place here last weekend.  Formerly known as The Cape Argus, the men’s course is 68 miles long (109km), the women’s 48.5 miles (78km) and takes in some of the most breathtaking scenery you could ask for.

This was the 47th year it’s been going, although I remember a few years ago, in 2017, it was cancelled because the Cape winds were so strong competitors were literally blown off their bikes.  Safety has to be taken into consideration when you have approximately 28,000 individuals settling on their saddles, clipping their feet in and hurtling round the course in 57 timed starting groups.

If it were just a case of a gentle ride while admiring the views, perhaps even more people would sign up.  In fact, some of the hills that need to be navigated have been referred to as ‘lung-busting’ (Time Out magazine), and even free-wheeling down the welcome descents may not be enough to compensate for that.  

This year 1,000 marshals were posted around the course to guide the participants, check on the spectators and monitor traffic.  230 traffic officials and 222 national and local police officers were on hand to ensure everyone’s safety, while over 200 medical staff were available to help as required.  Over 180,000 of liquid refreshment was supplied to ensure everyone kept hydrated. All contestants had to finish the course within seven hours. 

The winner of the men’s race, Tyler Lange, was following in his Dad’s footsteps/pedal rotations (?) and completed the course in just 2:25:42 – a new record. The fastest lady was German rider, Pia Grünewald who also set a new record of 2:05:17.  Pretty impressive.

The oldest cyclist this year was 91 years-old, so perhaps there’s hope for us all.

Frankly, I don’t think this is the sport for me.  Navigating life at a pace that sometimes feel like a whirlwind is more than enough for me at present, although there are times when it all feels rather like wading through treacle regardless of whether that’s on foot or on a bike.  Perhaps you feel the same.  The advice for all of us is probably much the same: keep pedalling!

One of my Dad’s favourite maxims was, ‘Keep on keeping on.’  It’s an echo of the ancient wisdom that equates life with a race:  But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize…

Similarly: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last for ever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Whether you feel as though you’re cycling or running, walking, or shuffling along with very little strength and a world-weariness that is sapping your resolve (completely understandable given the contents of my news feed), let’s keep our focus on the ultimate goal and keep on keeping on. Finishing well is another good maxim, whether it refers to a personal project or an entire life.

Read more about the 2025 Cape Town Cycle Tour here: https://www.timeout.com/cape-town/news/by-the-numbers-cape-town-cycle-tour-2025-030725 and here: https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/sport/other-sport/2025-03-09-lange-wins-cycle-tour-just-like-dad-malcolm/#:~:text=Tyler%20Lange%20followed%20in%20the,fight%20hard%20for%20the%20victory.

Wisdom verses: Philippians 3:13–14; 1 Corinthians 9: 24–27

Images: My own; Dimitris Vetsikas, Faris Hamza, Andy H, Pexels and Siggy Nowak all from Pixabay with thanks.