Q-Blog

On March 12, 2006 I was inducted into a long list of privileged individuals who get to participate in the largest organized cycle race in the world. The Cape Argus. This year they estimated over 35,000 entries. It is an organized, well oiled machine. That by the way is the most spandex bike shorts one will ever see at one time…in one’s life…

Once again, my co-worker and friend—Froneman and his wife Virna lead the way. Virna—the logistical queen found us lodging in Bloubergstrand and the weekend was set with an incredible bike expo and meals. The only threatening thing was weather—this, I found, was a typical thing for Cape Town.

Woke up on Sunday, March 12, 2006 and began the arduous mental process of accepting my fate. The weather was barely subsiding and the wind seemed like it was going to be a factor… I remember running the 400m race in high school…the inevitable start…the line…ooooh, the race. It makes you sick.

This was really no different—except there were thousands of people in the same situation. The race started and I have to admit—it was nothing like 400m. It was really 108,000 m…on a bike…

108km (67 miles) through and around Cape Town—probably one of the most beautiful rides in the world. The weather cleared, by the way, and the sun and coastal breezes made the day almost surreal. The terrain, the scenery—the best I can do is reference some pictures off the web…And, as with most things in my life…Adventure.

Adventure is almost hitting a baboon at 28kmh (17mph)—sliding to avoid it and miraculously missing it…Adventure is having a conversation about who was winning the South African cricket match after one of the hardest climbs of my life…Adventure is meeting up with a 65 year old and laughing all the way to the finish line. All this goes without the mention of excruciating pain…Fond memories are seasoned with that stuff…I can’t imagine what next year’s race will be like.



Results for: Crow, Quincy
Date:2006/03/12
Distance:108 km Race
Time:04:09:15
Position:12516/27573
Gender Position:10926/21666
Age Position:831/1713
Group Position:128/498
Avg Speed:26 km/h


I congratulate myself for being 12,516th ! Next year I’m shooting for 11,000th…