Tips for the Cape Argus Pick n Pay cycle tour
Monday, March 5, 2012 at 10:49PM 
This Sunday I will be riding my 10th Argus (I think it is 10). I have been looking forward to it for ages! I love this race, it is one of the highlights of my cycling year, one of only 3 road rides that I do each year.
Last year I did my 'competitive' ride - I was 39 years old and wanted to do a fairly good time. I managed to do the 110km Argus cycle tour in under 3.30 hours. It was fairly tough since I was riding with a cracked rib, having done the Argus Mountainbike the week before. I left in group R, if I am not mistaken. There were a lot of serious cyclists around me! I felt quite inspired and a little competitive. This year I will be setting off at 6.51am in group J. I will be aiming for a comfortable 4 hour ride - no racing this year!
In part it is because I have just returned from a week in England where I did no riding (except for a short jaunt on a 'Boris Bike' from Waterloo along the South Bank of the Thames up past Tower Bridge). In part it is also because I just want to enjoy my 10th Argus and have fun among the riders, enjoying the scenery and the company. Riding a sub 3.30 means chasing the clock, not stopping to get extra water, and certainly not stopping to chat or admire the view.
But, regardless of planning a slower ride here are a few tips for this week leading up to the race:
- Taper down your training: I did a 25 km light ride this morning from 5-6am, just spinning out my legs. I'll do another one of these on Thursday morning and then rest my legs for Sunday.
- Rest well: If you plan to ride this week don't do anything strenuous after Wednesday. But, more than resting your legs also remember to sleep well this week - try for 7-8 hours a night. You'll be amazed how much it helps!
- Watch what you eat or drink: certainly don't drink too much alcohol. In fact, don't have any alcohol this week if you can help it. Also watch what you eat. You don't want to pick up unnecessary weight this week while you're training less.
- Don't try any new supplements: be sure to make use of trusted supplements this week, and also during the race! Avoid the temptation to pick up the newest fad supplement at the the Argus Expo - you may just end up with a sore stomach and no power in your legs!
- Test your bike, then don't mess with it: Make sure everything is OK on your bike by Tuesday. That way if you have a problem you still have time to get it fixed, even if you need to order a spare part. Once it is working don't mess with it!
- Drink lots of water: I would normally drink rehydrate once a day from Thursday to Saturday to make sure I am well hydrated for the race.
- Relax and don't stress about the ride: this is more important than you may realize! I know a few folks who jeopardize their chances for a good, fun, cycle by getting all panicked and stressed out. It is what it is, a fun ride! Go out to enjoy it!
- Pack your kit for race day on Saturday: yup, pack it, check it, then make sure you take it! The last thing you need is to arrive in the City and realize you've left your helmet or your cycling shoes back home.
Those are my basic tips. What do you do in the week leading up to the Argus?
Reader Comments (2)
You can read my original (and far more comprehensive) set of Argus tips here http://www.dionforster.com/blog/2010/3/8/final-tips-advice-and-preparation-for-the-cape-argus-cycle-t.html
Great Tips , Thanks for sharing.