Cape Town Cycling

Despite my fear and hesitation, this was one of the best decisions I have made in a really long time. I originally had found a bike to rent via a local shop, and was in touch with a local tri group to join some of their group training. But with limited time and a very tight work schedule, I really only had Wednesday for some personal time, and I decided it was worth the extra money to simply hire a guide and leave it up to a professional. Through some googling, I found iRideAfrica, a smaller touring company with guides who had some major road and mountain biking credibility. It was refreshing and made me comfortable booking - many of the tours I was finding were the 'hybrid, 12-mph, picture taking' type of tours, and while there is a time and a place for that type of cycling, it wasn't what I was looking for.

I have nothing but glowing things to say about iRide Africa, and my riding partner for the day, Jennie. She is a local, very competitive pro cyclist and knew just about everyone on the road.I booked an 'all day' tour, but told Jennie up front i was looking for 3ish hours, 45-60 miles in the saddle. Looking back, I would say this is my one regret. I booked all day, I really should have stayed out there much longer! We did about 75km, but to go all the way down to the Cape of Good Hope (where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet) is about 120km round-trip, and I was trying to be smart and avoid doing my first century ride of the season 1) 4 days after racing a half marathon, 2) less than 2 days after flying from DC to Cape Town, and 3) in the middle of a really intensive and important week of work. So I'm bummed I didn't do more, but at the time, and looking back, it was likely the best decision.

Despite my worries, the bike was amazing. It had a nice, cushy saddle and was perfectly set up! It was a mens Giant, and the only thing was towards the end of the ride my shoulders and hands started to hurt, as I am used to the more narrow handlebars/grips of my women's frame.

My trusty ride for the day! Surprisingly totally comfortable!

I got picked up at my hotel, which is not a very conducive neighborhood for cycling (GREAT for running though!) and we drove and parked in Sea Point. We headed south through Camps Bay (quintessential surfer town), Hout Bay (simply stunning) and the highlight of the ride was riding up and over Chapman's Peak. The road I can only describe as similar to the PCH along the California coast.

Climbing South up Chapman's Peak.

I was so happy with my cycling fitness, and was able to not only get in some solid climbing, but also enjoy the views and go a bit camera happy while riding. After descending the other side of the Peak (which I realized was quite a bit steeper/longer than the ride up!!) We added some more kms on through Fish Hoek, avoiding the baboons and tourists in Simons Town and Boulder Beach.

We stopped for the obligatory cycling cappuccino and scone, and headed back, where I did decide to play tourist and make a few stops to enjoy the views and snap some photos. We also got joined by a friend, who proved that you can find 'those type' of male cyclist anywhere - I don't think I need to elaborate.

Fresh cream? Why not :)

Back up!

You can see the road along the mountain. so amazing.

Climbing back up Chappie's - we made a friend.

Me and Jennie - Top of Chapman's Peak overlooking Hout Bay.

Looking back towards Hout Bay area.

After all was said and done, a post-ride Fanta (so good and so much better in South Africa!) with a view finished the day off.

El fin!

I have always said Cape Town is my favorite city, hand down. I gush about the city and the culture. Getting out on the open road only cemented this fact and I am already scheming about getting back.

Feeling Good.

Just returned from a 75 minute spin class, hip only hurt a bit at the end of a 10 minute climb- however most of my legs were hurting at that point, so I am not too sure the hip pain was injury related. My hip did feel significantly better all day today, hoping that no running this week will do the trick.

I can't decide if I love or hate the spin instructor for tonight's class. People seem to LOVE his classes, always full, have to sign up about 30 minutes prior to even get on a bike. He is a 'real cyclist' IE, it isn't an aerobics-esque spin class, it's the real deal. It's mentally challenging, he isn't a screamer/loud teacher, he just puts on the music, tells you how much resistance to have on a scale from 1-5, and tells you when to climb. No countdowns, no sugar coating. I think the mental toughness in getting through his classes will be very helpful when it comes to my first Half Ironman in June, Eagleman. It is a notoriously flat course, and to me, that equals boring!! So I think if i can develop some mental toughness though this spin class, it will go a long way 30 or 40 miles into the Eagleman bike.

I am going to put my main focus and energy into the bike before I leave on my trip in 6 weeks. This will take the form of mostly spin classes, as I am too lazy and broke to invest in a trainer right now. However, it also means that if there is a nice day, I WILL get out on my road bike!! I even ordered a cute cycling jacket today so I have no excuses. It will be easier to run/find treadmills while traveling, so if I build up a big base on the bike over the next 6 weeks before leaving, I will be a bit less nervous about the time away and off the bike.

I also found out today the hotel I am staying at for 9 days in New Delhi has an outdoor 50 meter pool!! That doesn't even bring back the dread of sat morning long course practices from college, it gets me quite excited!!

Plan for tomorrow is to book the details of a work-related training I have to attend in Philly in a few weeks, as well as my one way ticket to Mumbai. I have time to figure out the second half of the trip and just how I am getting from India to South Africa, but for now, at least knowing I have (hopefully an aisle) seat to Mumbai on Feb 14 will make me rest a bit easier about all I have to do in the next six weeks!!