A series of stories & tips about training & traveling. 

Heard of the Cape Town Cycle Tour? I can’t blame you if not, I hadn’t before researching how to ride bikes in Cape Town during a business trip in 2011. But the Cape Argus event is “world’s largest timed cycle race” and I can attest that the route is one of the world’s most beautiful.

I didn’t do the race, I just missed it. But some quick googling turned up iRide Africa, an outfit that rents a range of quality road and mountain bikes and does private tours on road and dirt. A quick email resulted in a Giant TCR and a ride with one of iRide’s pros.

It was incredible. The riding I do every weekend in Northern California makes it tough to be awestruck by riding in other places. Snobby? Sure. But riding in the Bay Area is exceptional and diverse. Having said that, this was hands down the coolest ride I’ve ever done. Sheered cliffs, big climbs, fast descents, oceanside flats – this ride had it all.

It also is not for the faint of heart. To the tune of:

• 73mi
• 11,000 ft
• +4.5hrs
• See the route and stats on my Strava

So long as you aren’t looking for a beach cruiser tour of the wineries (which also sounds awesome), do not go to Cape Town without renting a bike and doing this route. And instead of figuring out the ride by yourself, give iRide Africa a call. Lunch next to Ostriches included!