It’s over. It’s strange to wake up and not be on the Tour d’Afrique 2011 anymore, and it will probably take a long time for everyone to really get back to the “real world”. That is, off course, for those who are really going back to their normal lives. Some decided to stay in Cape Town for a while; many decided they want to restart their lives in a completely different way now. Couples are formed, skills are discovered, professional links get established, and much more happens on the road and inside the Tour d’Afrique nomadic little world. Also, putting your whole life on standby back home and stepping away from everything for 4 months is a wonderful opportunity to think about your life and happiness and decide what you really want to do about it from here on in.

Our last night was unusual. After an long riders meeting where Tour Leader Sharita went over every detail about the finish line with everyone, an unexpected and fantastic sea food feast showed up in Kim’s kitchen. Many people stayed awake late celebrating with their friends - the last night and the last camping spot. A strange mix of anxiety, happiness, sadness, exhaustion and all kinds of intense feelings were in the air. People who had been serious and quiet and had gone to bed right after sunset for 4 months were now up drinking, laughing, zip-tying the sleeping ones inside their tents, hiding wheels, seats, helmets and everything they could find.

The last day on Tour was quite different from the previous TDA final days. Cape Town has just finished building a big network of cycle paths and our way into Cape Town would find us on one of its legs. Why not to throw a big event to receive the Tour d’Afrique riders and to promote the idea of using those cycle paths to commute in the city in a more fun, healthier and faster way than driving a car. We left the little spot by the beach where we had our last lunch as a big group.

There were cyclists from many different groups from Cape Town, TDA former riders and other people who learned about the event somehow and showed up ready for the “The Big Ride In”, as the event was named. No official numbers, but considering that our group was about  85 people and disappeared in the middle of that huge critical mass, I would say we rolled along Cape Town’s new cycle paths with at least 400 bicycles and a couple of dozen skateboards and roller blades. We entered the Green Park under applause for a long ceremony where the winners and EFIs received their medals and there was a final bike donation by TDA.

It’s been an amazing journey. It was hard, both for the riders and the staff, but it was the experience of a lifetime. It was challenging in many different ways. It was an especially hard TDA, but it was an especially good one. The group was fantastic. We got to really respect each of these individuals who decided to take part in this. I was sure to meet a bunch of very interesting people, and I certainly did.

The fact that so many TDA 2011 riders are registered or registering for other TDA tours is very rewarding for us. A few of the riders who were supposed to do only a short section of the Tour decided to keep going with us instead of going home, which is another rewarding fact. Others who did a long part of the Tour on previous editions and therefore knew what they were signing up for came back to finish the other half of the route with us in 2011.

What about coming back one day and repeating the same tour? “Would you do this all over again?” I asked a few riders on the end. “I don’t think so”, said most of them. “But would you ever recommend doing it to a good friend or a relative of yours?” “Hell yes!”    


    - Cristiano Werneck    

One of the tour support vehicles, subcontracted from Indada, had an accident today. The two crew (one Tanzanian and one South African) on board suffered non-life threatening injuries and are both doing OK. Thankfully, no cyclists were on the vehicle or in anyway involved in the crash. The Tour Leader and Indaba staff are assessing the damage and making arrangements for the baggage and equipment to be transferred to another vehicle and for the tour to continue as scheduled tomorrow.

Two days after crossing into South Africa the Tour d'Afrique trucks have arrived at Strandfontein, a quiet summer cottage resort along the Atlantic Ocean about 300 km north of our final destination of Cape Town.

The riders should start rolling in soon, after completing their last real tough day - a 164 km ride from the dorp of Garies to a campsite overlooking the waves of the Western Cape coast. Yesterday brought a challenge in the form of a cold and heavy morning dew that meant we rode in thick soup-like fog up to the lunch truck along the N7 and up and down the heather-strewn hillsides of Namakwaland before the sun broke through.

But nothing can stop the excitement now that the riders' (and staff's) goal of reaching Cape Town and completing this epic trans-Africa odyssey on two wheels is in sight. From here its only 2 more nights next to the roar of the Atlantic surf before Table Mountain looms in sight and we convoy for the final time with friends and family into one of the stunningly situated cities in the world.

Tour d’Afrique Finish Line and Arrival Ceremony
Cape Town – 14th May 2011


Photo courtesy Alastair Humphreys

Having cycled 12 000 km through 10 countries in 4 months, the heroes and heroines of the 2011 Tour d’Afrique Bicycle Expedition and Race will cycle into Cape Town and cross the official Finish Line on Saturday 14th May.

For friends and family planning on being there to welcome the riders, there are a few ways to participate in the celebrations being planned for the big day.

The Big Ride In


Weather permitting, we’re hoping that thousands of Capetonians will answer The Big Ride In call to abandon their cars and get out on their bikes to celebrate the new cycling paths recently created by the City.  Those who do heed the call will use the new cycling paths from wherever they are and will converge at the Civic Centre at 12:45.  From here they will cycle with the Tour d’Afrique riders through the City to the official Finish Line at the Greenpoint EcoPark.  
If you’d like to participate as a cyclist, there are two meeting points you could join from:-

Meeting Point 1
If you’re up for cycling with the Tour d’Afrique riders on the final stage of their journey along the new cycle path to the Finish Line, you should plan to be at Kreefte Baai by no later than 11:45.

From: Kreefte Baai Beach, West Coast
To:  Greenpoint EcoPark, Cape Town
Start time:  12:00 sharp!
Distance: Approx 35km
Map to Kreefte Baai Beach

Contact:
If you’d like to participate from Meeting Point 1 at Kreefte Baai, please email your name, which Tour d’Afrique rider you are associated with as well as the number of people who will be cycling with you to Theresa@tourdafrique.com

Meeting Point 2
If you’d prefer a shorter ride, you can meet up with the Tour d’Afrique riders and local riders from all over Cape Town at the Plaza  at the Civic Centre. From here, you will cycle through the city to the Finish Line at the Greenpoint EcoPark. To be safe, you should plan to be at the Civic Centre by no later than 12:45

From: The Plaza, at the Civic Centre, Cape Town
To:  Greenpoint EcoPark, Cape Town
Start time: Between 12:45 and 13:00 (Timing is approximate)
Distance: Approximately 6 km.
Map to Civic Centre

If, after reading the info above and checking out the maps you have a specific query about other cycle path routes or meeting points, please email Andrew@benbikes.org.za for details.


The Finish Line


Greenpoint EcoPark, Cape Town
Start Time: 10:00
Finish Time: 17:00
Map of EcoPark

The beautiful new Greenpoint EcoPark is the venue for a day of fun and cycling celebration – and the place where the Tour d’Afrique riders will cross the official Finish Line between 13:15 and 13:45.

If you’re not up for taking part in The Big Ride In, mosey on down to the EcoPark from 10:00 am onwards.  Explore the beautiful space and be entertained by a variety of fun activities, live performances, interesting speakers and eco-exhibitors.

Light snacks, soft drinks and hot drinks will be on sale from the restaurant area, but you’re encouraged to bring your own picnic, cushions and blankets if you’re going to make a day of it. 

Please note that no alcohol is permitted in the EcoPark.

The Finish Line Position
In front of the Tour d'Afrique/Castle Light VIP Hospitality Tent
Between 13:15 – 13:45
Taking into account the weather and the speed of The Big Ride In, the Tour d’Afrique riders are expected to cross the official Finish Line anywhere between 13:15 and 13:45. The Finish Line is positioned in front of the Tour d'Afrique/Castle Light VIP Hospitality Tent.
Please see map for position of the Finish Line.

The Tour d’Afrique/Castle Light VIP Hospitality Tent
10:00 – 17:00
Thanks to the support of Castle Light, we've arranged a VIP Hospitality Tent for the riders, their family and friends, City and Embassy officials and the media. It’s the official Tour d’Afrique meet and greet hub for the day, a place to get to know others associated with the tour and enjoy a cup of coffee as well as a celebratory drink after the Medal Ceremony. 

If you’re a friend or family member of a Tour d’Afrique rider and would like to be included on the VIP Guest List, please email your name, which rider you’re associated with as well as the names of those who’ll be joining you to
Nancy Sida:  nancyjanesida@gmail.com
Apologies - but space is limited. First come first served basis.
You’ll receive a security sticker on arrival which will allow you access to the tent over the course of the day.
Please see map for position of VIP Tent.

The Medal Ceremony
At the Amphitheatre
Between 14:00 – 15:30
Around 30 minutes after the riders have crossed the Finish Line, they’ll take the stage at the Amphitheatre, where they’ll be greeted by the people of Cape Town, the Minister of Transport, The Deputy Mayor, City and Embassy officials. Riders will be presented with their full tour and EFI medals. The winners of the race will be announced and the final Tour d’Afrique Foundation Bicycle Donation will take place.

While there is seating space around the Amphitheatre, it’s limited. We advise that you bring a cushion or blanket to sit on.
Please see map for position of Amphitheatre

The Quickie Celebration!
In the Tour d'Afrique/Castle Light VIP Hospitality Tent
Between 15:30 – 16:30
After the Medal Ceremony, all Tour d’Afrique VIP’s on the Guest List are invited back to the VIP Tent for celebratory glass of cheer and snacks. (A small amount of alcohol is allowed in the VIP tent only!)
Please see map for VIP tent

The Parking Situation
For those cycling to the event, a bike park area with a ticketed security system will be in place at the EcoPark.
For those driving to the event, please make sure you park in the public parking area off Vlei Road - which is in between the EcoPark and the soccer stadium. 
Please check the map for details.

The Accommodation

The Ritz Hotel
From 16:30 onwards
Map to The Ritz Hotel
After the celebrations at the EcoPark, the riders will make their way to The Ritz Hotel which is about 1 km down the road from the EcoPark. They’ll park their bikes, check in, grab their bags from the trucks and freshen up for the Awards Dinner.

For family and friends who would like to stay in the same hotel, please contact:

Bronwyn Du Toit
E-mail: ritz-2@africanskyhotels.com
http://www.africanskyhotels.com/hotels/cape-town-ritz-hotel
Tel:  +27 (0) 21 439 6010
Fax: +27 (0) 21 434 0809

Special Tour d'Afrique Rates for Riders, Family and Friends:
    
Excluding breakfast and taxes
R 450 (US$ 65) per single room per night
R300.00 (US$ 44) per person sharing double room per night

Breakfast is an extra R50.

The let- your -hair -down- dinner celebration!

Venue: Atlantic Imbizo, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Time: 19:00 for 19:30
Cost per person:  R185.00. Pay at door on arrival.
Please bring exact change.
Map to Atlantic Imbizo (General position)
Map to Atlantic Imbizo (More detailed)

We’re planning a free-grazing, eat-as-much-as-you-like, floating buffet dinner for the starving riders!  It’s a casual, social, cocktail style event – not a stuffy, sit down affair!  We’ll be treated to a slide show of the tour, fun prizes, lots of laughs and an evening of chilled Cape Town rhythms overlooking Cape Town’s magnificent waterfront.  If you’re a friend or family member of a Tour d’Afrique rider and would like attend the occasion, please email your name, which rider you’re associated with as well as the names of those who’ll be joining you to Nancy Sida:  nancyjanesida@gmail.com
Apologies – but space is limited.
First come, first served basis.

The Transport:
Minibus taxis will be outside The Ritz Hotel from 18:45 to shuttle Tour d’Afrique riders and their family and friends staying at the hotel to the dinner venue.  They will shuttle everyone back to the hotel at the end of the evening.

We look forward to welcoming you on the day!

Our Partners
Tour d’Afrique is delighted to be associated with the Bicycling Empowerment Network, the National Cycling Academy of South Africa and the City of Cape Town in the planning of The Big Ride In and the celebration of cycling and non-motorized transport at the EcoPark.

Our Sponsors
We’d also like to thank our sponsors:
The Cape Argus, The Andrew Roberts Memorial Trust, Castle Light, Jacobs Coffee, Coca Cola, Pick ‘n Pay, Nederburg and Squirt for their generous support once again.

A physically and mentally exhausting 120-day journey from Egypt to South Africa has finally come to an end for a group of adventurous souls from all over the world.

Tired, sore, and weathered from sand and sun, 55 cyclists have completed their 12-thousand kilometre mission ― riding Africa from top to bottom on the seat of a bicycle in just four months.  

Stuart Briggs, 27, of Australia took this year’s win for the men with a time of 398:26 hours, while 25-year-old Gisela Gartmair of Germany cycled her way to the top of the podium with a time of 404:34 in the women’s division. South African Jethro De Decker, 27, took second in the men’s race with a time of 414:11, with American Tim Thomas, 40, taking the third place spot with 418:09. Two Canadian women took second and third in the race; Juliana Austin-Olsen, 39, won silver with a time of 452:38, while Jennifer Crake, 40, took home the bronze with a time of 531:33.

13 more TdA participants, including 11 racers and 2 expedition riders, have also been inducted into the EFI Club having ridden Every F*cking Inch from Cairo to Cape Town. They are: Rod Atkinson, Juliana Austin-Olsen, Jason Becker, Hartmut Boegel, Stuart Briggs, Gerard Coniel, Jethro de Decker, Simon Francis, Gisela Gartmair, Paul Porter, Sunil Shah, Frans Smit, and Daniel Spasojevic.

What some of the riders had to say about finishing:

Stuart Briggs "The feeling of being finished is pretty surreal. These were some of the simplest days of my life, riding from one camp to another, enjoying the day. Now it's back to the reality, back to the real world."  

Jethro De Decker “The tour might be over but the adventure is about to begin.  Tour d’Afrique was north to south, Freedom challenge completes the journey from east to west.  Only this time I’m going to do it one better and win this race!”  

Tim Thomas  “The arrival ceremony in Cape Town super-ceded the race. Crossing the finish line and watching everyone soak up the experience was amazing”   

Gisela Gartmair  “Winning Tour d’Afrique is a tremendous honour, pushing myself harder every day, harder than I ever thought possible.  Some days were extremely difficult and I wondered if I could still get EFI. I came to the Tour d’Afrique knowing that I could do well but I had no idea that I could win.  I loved being able to ride with the men and found each ride more challenging and interesting than the last.”  

Eric Olverson:  “It seems like a lifetime of emotions and experiences have been packed into four months; I’ll need time to work it all out inside.  I’ll tell you what,  though, the sight of the ocean and Table Mountain today is the nicest sight I’ve seen in four months.”

Michelle Sephton "It's bitter sweet to be finished with the tour; I will always remember the challenges. I’m very glad to be home; it was beautiful to cycle into Cape Town."  

Andre Van Eeden It's bitter sweet for me as well. It was a great experience that I would never do again!"  

Jason Becker “Wow.  It’s amazing to me that after two years of dreaming about this, and planning for it, and training for it and picturing how I felt in Cairo, thinking, ‘can I do this or not?’ and now to be standing here at the base of Table Mountain and realizing that I rode every inch of it – it’s kind of a testament to what you can do if you put your mind to it. I don’t think I’ll ever look at a world map again without thinking of this trip and how big it was. Every morning when I stretch I look at the map of Africa on the truck and it’s amazing to look at that line and think I did all that on a bike. “

Congratulations to all the heroes and heroines of TDA 2010!  You're champions, one and all!

How do you describe the best/worst/most intense 4 months of your life?  I’ve been asked to write up a little thing about the Tour D’Afrique, a four month-long bike ride from the top of Africa to the bottom.   Ever since I was a boy I’ve dreamed of going to Egypt.  Pictures of pyramids and mummies and The Sphinx captured my imagination.  Now not only was I going, I was going to begin a huge journey there.  On a chilly January morning, myself and about 60 other riders were taking off on the adventure of a lifetime.  Bicycling from Cairo to Cape Town seemed like a good idea at the time.  How hard can it be to ride a bike down a continent?  Why do I do things like this?

Earlier today another rider and I were discussing the fact that we only have 747 more kilometres to go.  This used to seem like a pretty big number to me.  Now I’m not even remotely fazed by it.  It almost seems too easy; is there a catch somewhere?  There always is.  We’ve ridden over every type of terrain imaginable: sand, loosely packed gravel, corrugated dirt roads, lava rocks, and occasionally even paved roads in good repair.  We’ve ridden on bright sunny days, horrendous thunderstorms, bitter cold mornings, and I even got hailed on once (hail? Aren’t I in friggin’ Africa?).  We’ve ridden through the deserts of Sudan where there wasn’t another soul on the road (I was listening to my ipod one day and forgot about the folks on the lunch truck that drove by; they had a good laugh at my expense when they caught me dancing whilst riding).  We’ve ridden through Ethiopia where each and every child in every single village expects you to smile and wave at them (they’ll pelt you with rocks whether you wave or not).  We’ve ridden past the pyramids of Egypt, the waterfalls in Malawi (life doesn’t get much better than getting off the bike and soaking yourself under a waterfall on a blisteringly hot day), and the barren wasteland that seems to compose most of Botswana.  We’ve seen elephants, zebra, giraffe, springbok, and an entire barrel full of monkeys.  We’ve met starving children in Zambia (I tried to give them my broccoli... Mom, they didn’t want it either).  We’ve gotten rides in tuk tuks, cabs, backs of pickup trucks, matatus,  the odd dump truck, and a few guys even rode camels for a bit.  We bungee jumped from Victoria Falls (well I didn’t, I’m far too much of a coward to do something like that), climbed Kilimanjaro, visited monasteries in Ethiopia, went swimming in the Nile (never try to skip a stone when you’re wearing your keys around your wrist; swimming isn’t always just for fun) . We went on safari at the Ngorogoro Crater, and stayed in tiny villages where everyone who lived there was at least distantly related.   We went from huge cities where no one noticed us, to small towns where all the people would come out and watch us stop and drink Fanta, and rode through the suburbs of Nairobi which look identical to suburbs everywhere.  We’ve suffered from diarrhea, saddle sores, broken bones, back pain, leg cramps, and daily exhaustion.  We’ve complained about poor service in restaurants, long days, each other, people watching your every move, each other, overly inquisitive children, mobs of unruly boys, and each other.  Yet each day we’re up and ready to start again.  Every day on this trip has brought some new adventure, which is kind of amazing since every day is fairly similar:  wake up far too early, eat breakfast, ride your bike a ridiculously long distance, eat lunch, ride even further, eat dinner, then go to bed. 

The one thing that has made this trip truly unforgettable is the people, individuals from 20 or so countries with nothing in common other than being idiotic enough to sign up for a trip like this.  It sounds like the tag line to a bad reality show.  People that you normally wouldn’t acknowledge if you passed them on the street suddenly become you’re best friend.  I now know more about many people on this trip than their own relatives do.  When you have a 6 hour day ahead of you, with nothing to occupy your time other than pedal and repeat, you start talking to folks quite a bit.  You discover their dreams and aspirations.  You discuss what really matters, because there is no TV.  You also discuss your favourite episode of MASH and why Dick Sergent was better than Dick York.  These are people and conversations that will stick with you for life.  However, these same people wouldn’t recognize you if you were to get a different shirt, because they only know you in the three you wear every day. 

I’ve been asked if I’d do this trip again, the answer never varies, “Not in a million years!”  However would I recommend this trip to others, without a moment’s hesitation.  This trip will make you appreciate what you have at home.  It’ll also make you realize what your life has been lacking.  It will make you weep with both joy and sorrow (occasionally at the same time).  You will feel more alive than you’ve ever felt, often when wishing you were dead.  You will be ecstatic to crawl into your tent every night and eating oatmeal in the morning will be the best thing you’ve ever tasted.  You will never want to go home, but miss it with all your heart.  I could never do this again, but in my head, and for the rest of my life I will be doing it daily. 

   -- Dave Arman

After 4 months and 12 000 kms from Cairo to Cape Town, 78 Tour d'Afrique riders representing 13 countries will cross the Finish Line at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town!

Saturday 15th May

Finish Line: Approximately 13:00
Market Square, V&A Waterfront.

Access to the TDA/SABMiller hospitality tent is limited to VIP's, family, friends and media. Please email theresa@tourdafrique.com only if you are closely connected to one of the riders and would like access to the hospitality tent.

Welcome and Medal presentation: Approximately 13:45
Amphitheatre, V&A Waterfront.

The Deputy Mayor of Cape Town and Henry Gold will welcome the riders and present them with their medals.  Bike Donations will be made to Cape Town beneficiaries.
This is an Open event! Everyone Welcome!

See you there!

All Cape Town cyclists and adventure travel lovers! Your time has come!

Don't miss the opportunity to see the Tour d'Afrique film 'Where Are You Go' on Monday 17th May in Cape Town.

Produced by the Zenga Bros, Brian Vernor and Henry Gold, ‘Where Are You Go’ captures the tour as a constant adventure - full of playfulness and mysterious beauty - and is a testament to the endurance of human curiosity.

While Tour d’Afrique is rated as the one of the world’s greatest physical challenges, the film makes light of the daunting trip by sharing a universal love of the bicycle with Africa's roadside mechanics, sporting racers and innumerable curious strangers.
The film screens on Monday 17^th May, 6:00 pm, at the Labia on Orange, Cape Town.

It will be followed by a Q&A session with Tour d’Afrique’s Founder, Henry Gold and team. 

Tickets are R50 and proceeds will go to the Tour d’Afrique Foundation which donates bicycle to Health Care Workers in Africa.

View the trailer
Attend on Facebook

To book tickets contact the Labia 021 4245927   

Enquiries:
Theresa Brown Event Coordinator
E:  Theresa@tourdafrique.com
C:  084 353 1975

Tour d’Afrique Finish Line
Cape Town, South Africa
Saturday 15th May 2010

With just over a month to go before the riders cross the final finish line in Cape Town, family and friends planning on meeting the riders may find the following information useful.



Meet & Greet
Venue:   Tour d’Afrique/SABMiller VIP Tent, Market Square, V&A Waterfront
Time:      11:30– 17:00

Family and Friends, Embassy Officials, Bicycle Donation Beneficiaries and the Media are invited to make use of the Tour d’Afrique/SABMiller VIP tent on Market Square at the Waterfront as a meet & greet base for the day.  Join us from 11:30 onwards for complimentary refreshments while we wait for the riders to cross the Finish Line on Market Square at around 13:00. For security reasons, entrance to the VIP tent is restricted.  Please email Theresa@tourdafrique.com requesting a security pass, which will be given to you on arrival.




Finish Line
Venue:  Market Square, V&A Waterfront
Time:      13:00 (approximate)

The riders cross the Finish Line on Market Square at approximately 13:00.  They park their bikes and greet their loved ones before making their way to the Amphitheatre (a few metres away from Market Square) to receive their medals.




Welcome to Cape Town! Medal Ceremony
Venue:  Amphitheatre, V&A Waterfront
Time:  14:00 – 15:30 (approximate)

The riders are welcomed to Cape Town and South Africa by The Office of the Mayor of Cape Town.  They receive their medals from Henry Gold, Tour d’Afrique Founder, and the winners of the mens’ and womens’ races are announced.  Bicycles are donated by the Tour d’Afrique Foundation to South African Health Care Workers.



Celebrate!
Venue:  VIP marquee, Market Square, V&A Waterfront
Time:  15:30 – 16:30 (approximate)

After the Medal Ceremony, the riders and VIP guests are invited back to the VIP tent to celebrate with family and friends over a glass of great South African beer and some delicious snacks.



Hotel Check In
Venue:  Breakwater Lodge, Portswood Road, V&A Waterfront
Time:  16:30 onwards

The riders make their way to the hotel (approximately 300 metres up the road from Market Square) where they check in and freshen up for the Awards Dinner. Family and friends requiring accommodation should contact Eldine Pera eldine@bwl.co.za or call her on +27 21 406 1063



Awards Dinner
Venue:  Atlantic Imbizo Conference Centre,  V&A Waterfront
Time:  19:00 onwards

Riders and their guests enjoy a three course buffet dinner, complimentary wine and a slide show of the tour.  Awards and prizes are presented to riders. The cost per head for guests is ZAR185 (includes two glasses of complimentary wine and a service charge) A full cash bar will be set up.  Due to limited seating, booking is essential and will be done on a first come, first served basis.  Please email Theresa@tourdafrique.com to secure your reservation and to advise if you require a vegetarian meal.


MAPS

V&A Waterfront:  Market Square, Amphitheatre

Breakwater Lodge

Atlantic Imbizo

We look forward to celebrating with you!

L-R Tim Gane (3rd) Bruce McPhail (2nd)  Allan Benn (1st), Executive Mayor:Grant Haskin, Taryn Laurie (1st) Shanny Hill (Tour Director) Paul McManus (Race Director)

After four months of cycling across Africa, riders of the 2009 Tour d'Afrique Bicycle Race & Expedition crossed the official Finish Line at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on Saturday, 9th May.

51 intrepid cyclists representing 11 countries crossed the official Finish Line to the applause of hundreds of supporters.

“The sense of achievement felt by each and every participant cycling those last few meters of the 12,000-kilometre event is beyond words.” said Henry Gold, Founder of the world’s most gruelling bicycle event. “It is one of those rare moments in life when everything seems to be crystal clear, when you feel secure about yourself, your life path, your place in the world and when you say to yourself “After this, I can do anything”.”

In the men’s race, South African riders Allan Benn, Bruce McPhail and Tim Gane took the honours in 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively, while Taryn Laurie, also from South Africa, won the women’s race.

The annual trans-continental bicycle race-expedition which travels from Cairo to Cape Town through ten African countries was officially welcomed by the acting Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Mr. Grant Haskin, who presented the riders with their medals.

“It has been an amazing journey and we are very proud of the cyclists and their accomplishments on this tour.” said Tour Director, Shanny Hill. “We’re honoured that the Mayor was able to be part of our celebrations and that so many people came to welcome us.”

“What an incredible adventure,” said Ethan Gelber, Lonely Planet author and one of two Lonely Planet relay team riders to complete the final section from Namibia to Cape Town. “Although I was only present for 1700 kilometres, I am proud to have carried across the Finish Line the powerful impressions and well wishes of all 16 Lonely Planet participants, all wishing they could have tackled more than they did.”

While Tour d’Afrique is first and foremost an endurance event for professional and amateur cyclists alike, its mandate is to assist desperately ill people in some of the poorest nations in the world receive better health care while simultaneously proliferating the bicycle as a viable means of transportation.

“Over the past five years, together with BEN and other partners, the Tour d’Afrique Foundation has donated and distributed over 1000 bicycles to HIV/Aids Health Care Workers through Africa,” said Gold, “but preserving the environment and combating global warming by cycling, walking and using public transport as often as possible is the message we hope to convey.”

“Cities all over the world realise that a rational approach towards sustainable transportation is essential for the future of the planet and the health of its people.” Said the acting Mayor, Mr Haskin. “We are working closely with BEN and the Non-Motorized Transportation Committee to turn Cape Town into a cycle friendly city and in the process, secure a more sustainable and healthy home for us all in the Western Cape.”

Congratulations to all the riders and staff on an incredible accomplishment