THE cycle challenge..

This is a loooong overdue post ! But with Argus around the corner I figured I had better get to it!!

Since 2008 I have been singing a song about riding the 94.7. So much has happened over the last 5 years that I just never got down to it. In 2012 I was spinning seriously and said this is it. But God had a better plan! After 4 years of desperately wanting another baby we were finally pregnant! So other than walking and swimming I was banned from all sorts of exercise. And there went my cycle yet again. My second miracle was born on the 20th of February 2013 and 6 weeks later I was back on the bike!!!
I was determined and said to my husband come hell or high water I will be taking part this year.
I starting spinning 3-4 times a week and thought I was heading in the right direction.

About a month and a bit before the race Ahmed (my husband) and I decided to do a small road event to prepare me. Ahmed is one of those that are naturally fit. So there was I (on my mountain bike with no slicks) panting and climbing and watching him whizz past me and not even break a sweat. He had ridden all of 1km his ENTIRE life and yet was annihilating me!
At the end of those 50km I realised an actual road bike was a must if I was to even think of finishing the 94.7cycle challenge.
So off we went to Cajees Cycle Corner and kitted up with all kinds of crazy gadgets, safety devices, gear and ofcourse  2 gorgeous bikes!

Now I was ready!! Or so I thought!

Ahmed fell ill and couldn't ride so I was on my own when the day eventually came

Before I knew it the 17th of November rapidly arrived and there I was with just 2 road cycles in my pocket about to take on one of the hardest challenges of my life.

I started off pretty well and was going at a pace that was faster than what Ahmed and Hamza (my older son) were able to get to the water points. By the 3rd point we made a decision to then meet at the end. Little did I know the worst was yet to come !
Everyone speaks pf the dreaded Witkoppen climb. 7.8km of climbing. SO, I practiced it. So I climbed with ease . NO ONE talks about what comes after Witkoppen.

And then we hit the highway. It was just one hill after the next. In 36 degrees with just open road in front of you I was pretty sure I was never going to make it.
I looked at my watch several times on that highway , just wanting to make cut off and get the medal by this point!

The final climb before Waterfall is another test of just how fit you actually are . But did I climb and then ... finally...the finish line... with my amazing support waiting for me !

The race itself was not physically challenging but the heat was horrendous and I think that made it all that much more demanding. I am all set to do it again this year, but I will definitely train MUCH harder this time!

This is my BEST photo of the day!

You see all kinds of people on the race. Young, old, rich poor, fit, and unfit. I started the race with a 12 year old on one side and on the other was a young black man who literally had a vest, a soccer shorts and shoes that I wouldn't even consider shoes, to ride with!

Each person decides if they are riding for fun, fitness or a purpose.
And my purpose was simple...I rode to prove I am and always will be a mum first in my life but after this I can safely say I am a fit, non-quitter, dedicated mama! So this one is for my boys!:)