BICYCLING: Surviving the 94.7 Cycle Challenge

inGEAR:

Words: Francois Flamengo | Photos: DO IT NOW Media & Christopher Holt

Surviving 94.7 Cycle Challenge

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The 94.7 Cycle Challenge is known as one of the best annual cycle events on the calendar, and so it comes as no surprise that this race has proudly established itself as the world's second-largest timed cycle race, after the Cape Argus Cycle Race. This year's event lived up

to its reputation as thousands of participants and myself took to the streets of Johannesburg, which were closed just for us, to conquer the 94.7 km ride that took us into the heart of the CBD and surrounding highways. This was the third time that I'd competed and was amazed at how this event has grown, in terms of the number of riders and spectators, over the years.

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But this race is not just about crossing the finish line as quick as you can, it has transformed into an event where participants are encouraged to ride for a purpose; and they do, raising millions for a host of worthy causes. This year was the first time that I rode for a cause, as part of the DO IT NOW for the Hunger and Thirst Foundation team. Our aim was to raise funds for the Hunger and Thirst Foundation, a non-profit organisation that believes in changing the future by investing in our future leaders today. Riding for such a worthy beneficiary was incredibly humbling and hugely motivating, as no longer was my purpose just to survive J!

I arrived at the prestigious Waterford Estate, in Midrand, early on Sunday morning, rearing to go and raise lots of money. From there, we made our way to the intersection of Woodmead and Maxwell Drive, where the groups took off in short intervals. Finally it was our turn, my pulse quickening in anticipation as the MC counted down 3, 2, 1 ...

GO! And my team and I were off.

The initial ride up Woodmead Drive certainly got the heart and all the other 'mechanics' going, and by the time we'd turned right onto the M1 highway, towards town, we had settled into a good, steady pace. This is always one of the best sections for me, as there are plenty of spectators cheering and encouraging you on from every bridge you pass under, and everyone is enjoying the fantastic spirit of the event.

About 12 km further along is the Killarney Mall, and thereafter the route took us to the Houghton/Joe Slovo Drive off ramp and into the CBD. The climb up St. Andrew Main Road was a relatively gently one that didn't have your quads screaming by the end of it, and the first of many water points is most welcome. From there, we cruised down a nice descent that passed the renowned Ponte Towers and Ellis Park, then took us through town and back onto the highway, this time the M2. Riding in a westerly direction, the route led back into town and then onto M2, where we continued west towards the M1 double section highway.

With the Johannesburg skyline on our right, we made our way back to the north of Johannesburg.

But no Jozi race would be complete without a ride over the Nelson Mandela Bridge, and what a fantastic landmark it is!

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The race changed its face as we headed down Jan Smuts Drive and past the Johannesburg Zoo. The streets were once again lined with crowds of people, who were making a day of it and had set up their gazebos and camping chairs, and the delicious aroma of braaied meat filled the air. As we passed the popular Bar One stand, we grabbed Bar One’s that were being offered to us, to refuel on glucose, before tackling the long hill into Randburg, and all the way to the Sandton Clinic. Turning left in Homestead Ave we weaved our way through Bryanston, which is a very scenic part of the race as you cycle through streets lined with trees, which provided much-needed protection against the merciless sun. Some of the supporters really got into the 'spirit' of the things by erecting stalls offering 'banned substances' such as tequila shots and beer to riders. And there were some takers too!

A small detour along Moray Drive saw us grinding our way along Grosvenor Road and into Douglasdale on the Douglas Road. This is one of the fastest sections of the race and a good time to recover before reaching the halfway water point on Witkoppen Road. We knew we had to make the most of this stop because from that point it got a whole lot tougher, as there were less protected roads to cycle on, the wind had picked up, and the heat was relentless and unforgiving.

Turning right into Malibongwe Drive, the road opened up and a gentle climb took us through the industrial area of Kya Sands.

We then had a brief respite on a downhill past Cosmo City before toiling up and over the next hill, and onto the N14 highway.

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Riders had to take care not to burn too much energy at the start of the N14 because it's basically a long climb all the way to Diepsloot.

From there, we took the R511 off ramp to Summit Road, another challenging climb but with a rewarding water point to help cool you down at the top. Thereafter, it was smooth sailing, or rather easy pedalling, as we made a final right turn onto the R55 that led to Kyalami. With just 10 km to go, the knowledge that we were almost home helped rejuvenate tired legs and we picked up the pace down Main Road and passed Kyalami Raceway. Once again supporters crowded both sides of the road and their cheering and the incredible vibe encouraged us to dig deep once more for the last few kilometres. Entering the final section through Waterford Estate was awesome as you couldn't help but feel like a champion with everyone welcoming you back and screaming for you as you crossed the finish line. Exhausted, but elated, I collected my medal and went in search of some shade to relax under, whilst savouring every mouthful of a very cold and refreshing Coca-Cola.

The 94.7 is a fantastic race for everyone because regardless of whether you are racing to beat your best time or riding for a cause, the reward of finishing this race is in itself a great achievement! And I am pleased to report that the DO IT NOW for the Hunger and Thirst Foundation team raised R94 000. This money will be used to develop future leaders by feeding and helping disadvantaged children with their homework and sport, thereby improving their school results and developing sport talents. In the process, these children are also helped to understand that a better education means a better future, which ultimately empowers communities by creating jobs.

I' ll definitely be back next year and supporting my cause, and I hope to see you there, riding for yours! •

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