The 947 Cycle Challenge is now a race for everyone

As per the norm on a particular Sunday in November every year, the streets of Joburg were locked down by cyclists for the annual 94.7 cycle event. This year’s event took place on November 17.

For the benefit of those who aren’t cyclists, this means thousands of cyclists pedal 94.7km around Johannesburg – for pure enjoyment, competition, or for charitable causes. It’s almost like cycling a Comrades Marathon, it’s just a lot easier on a bike.

I’ve essentially become part of the furniture, with this year’s instalment being the ninth time I took part in the event. Last year, I decided to take a break, so I missed out on the reversed route.

Leading up to that Sunday, I was a little nervous because, according to the route profile, the first 60km was uphill.

With Discovery as the new headline partner, the road was plastered in bright orange, with thousands of Team Vitality members boldly taking to the streets – including me and my PopUpGym partner, Khethiwe.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4935VthRst/

Discovery decided to continue with the reversed route but added a new element to this year’s race – a shorter version of 40km. This was a brilliant move because it made the event a lot more accessible.

So, those who have always been keen to take part but couldn’t quite get the full 94.7km distance, could finally join the main race at just over the halfway mark and finish at the same finish line.

Khethiwe and I signed up – me for the full distance while she opted for the shorter version.

Having done the 94.7 Cycle Challenge eight times before, I thought I would challenge myself a bit this year by taking on the road race with my mountain bike.

I took to social media to share my choice and was met with mixed emotions. It’s a lot easier to ride a road bike during a road event and many roadies were quick to point that out to me (as if I didn’t know!), but I wanted a different kind of ride for once.

It was a real pleasure riding @Discovery_SA @947RideJoburg this morning. My 1st time riding the reverse route was tough but most welcome. @FunWasHad #RideJoburg #MoveToGive pic.twitter.com/ioxFWPNd20

— Letshego Zulu (@letshegom) November 17, 2019

I am a lot more comfortable on my mountain bike because it’s a lot more sturdy and grounded compared to a road bike, which is light and flimsy, for lack of a better word. I am lucky to have both and understand the benefits of each.

In fact, the greatest benefit of riding my mountain bike during this year’s race was the fact that I was treating it as “leg day”. It was a lot harder but I can tell you that my legs got stronger.

The race itself was challenging but, overall, a fun day on the road.

The first 60km were uphill and when we hit the M1, which is where we were supposed to experience some reprieve, a new challenge presented itself, a headwind.

The short-ride cyclists joined the main race near Melrose Arch.

I watched as many people suffered in the headwind because I did what any clever cyclist would do – slipstream.

Letshego Zulu takes part in the 94.7 Cycle Challenge. Picture: Supplied

When we turned off the M1 to Woodmead Drive, the wind died down and the heat turned up.

Cycling through Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit was a real treat, followed by the final climb up past Summit Road and into Mnandi, and a final fast downhill into the finish line at Riversands.

I caught up with Khethiwe at the finish and we shared our experiences of the full reverse route and the short ride. She was bold enough to say the finish came too soon for her, having ridden the full distance three times before.

But we both concluded the short distance is a great addition to the event and that we will definitely see a big spike in the coming years of more people taking up cycling – because moves like this are more inclusive of various fitness levels.

Well done Discovery and 94.7. A fantastic event overall.

Zulu is a qualified biokineticist and cofounder of PopUpGym. Follow her on Instagram: @letshego.zulu; Twitter: @letshegom; Facebook: Letshego Zulu

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