I used to cycle to work every day, but that was over 10 years ago. So I was a little nervous when I arrived at AWOL Tours at the V&A Waterfront to join them on a tour of the city on a bicycle. I had been reassured that this tour was for all levels of fitness and cycling skill and actually involved more “walking and talking than actual cycling”, but this did little to allay that worrying niggle. Would I wobble all over the place? Would I fall off and spend the weekend nursing bruises and cuts? Would I be able to make it up the cobbled hills in the Bo-Kaap? And the biggest one of all – would I get run over? As a driver, I know only too well how frustrating cyclists can be and now I was going to be on the other side of the windscreen!
When we went to collect our bikes for the tour, I found out that AWOL Tours mostly use Dutch bicycles which have no brakes on the handlebars. Instead you have to peddle backwards to brake. I had to laugh – after a misspent holiday in Amsterdam in my youth I could understand how the idea of peddling backwards to stop or slow down would work in Holland! I also wondered if this was where the expression “back peddling” came from? However this wouldn’t work for me, I was at the stage of barely being able to peddle forwards! To my relief there were a few bikes available that had brakes on the handlebars. After a seat adjustment I was on my wobbling way with my hands sweating from gripping the handlebars too tight. But before I knew it I was turning corners with confidence, zipping between poles with gusto and delighting in the simple joy of wind in my hair – and I hadn’t even left the Waterfront yet.
With Sally Petersen leading the group and Leonard McMillan at the rear (so no wobbling stragglers get lost or run over), we set off on the 3-hour tour. First stop was literally after 5 minutes of cycling (just enough to gain your cycling confidence) by the four figureheads in the Nobel Square. We, along with Chief Albert Luthuli, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, F.W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela, listened to Sally tell us the interesting and sometimes fascinating history of the V&A Waterfront. Then it was back on the bikes and over the bridge, past the Coca Cola lego man (made entirely out of coca-cola crates) and into the city. We zipped round traffic circles, up the cobbled hills of the Bo-Kaap, dodged squirrels in the Avenue by the Company’s Garden, cycled past the flower market in Adderley Street, alongside the gleaming Green Point Stadium, through the beautifully laid out and cyclist-friendly Green Point Park, along the edge of the sea in Mouille Point, under bridges and over hills. We chatted to an Imam about his mosque, laughed with the flower sellers, learnt about herbs in the Biodiversity Garden and how the watermill generates power for the entire Green Point Park. Sally is so passionate and knowleagable about the history of Cape Town and told us many interesting facts, proving that no matter how much you think you know your city, there’s always something new to learn and see. For example; the red and white striped lighthouse in Mouille Point is not actually the Mouille Point Lighthouse, but rather the Green Point Lighthouse and the Saffron Pear Tree in the Company’s Gardens is the oldest cultivated tree in Southern Africa (and still bears fruit!)
It was the most fun in 3 hours I had had for a long time. I acquired a few bruises, but I didn’t get run over. I learnt more about the city I live in and rediscovered her from a different angle. I also rediscovered my love of cycling.
About AWOL Tours
Fouded in 2002, AWOL Tours is a leading outdoor specialist in hiking and cycling tours. This environmentally friendly style of travelling opens doors for genuine and real interactions with locals. AWOL means ‘A World of Learning’. The name AWOL is also a play on the military term “Absent Without Leave” and implies escaping routine and indulging in an active and refreshing learning experience in a world waiting to be explored. From personal experience, I can honestly say that these tours are a fun way to see the sights and even if you haven’t cycled for years or are unfit and unsure, you will be in safe and helpful hands.
Contact AWOL Tours
You will find AWOL Tours at the Information Centre at the V&A Waterfront, next to Mitchell’s Brewery (great for a beer after your cycle!). Tel 021-418-3803, cell 083-234-6428, email [email protected], www.awoltours.co.za.
Cycling in Cape Town
Cape Town is perfect for cycling, but we have a long way to go to make the city more cyclist-friendly. On the tour with us that day was Alan Winde, the Minister of Tourism, Finance and Economic Development. After doing the tour, he agreed that much needs be done in future city planning to consider cyclists as this mode of transport is becoming increasing popular. Some areas have little or no cycling routes, forcing cyclists onto the road which is dangerous for them and aggravating for motorists. I found myself searching frantically at some points for a cycling lane and feeling great relief when one appeared. Pedestrians also need to be made aware that cycling lanes are for cyclists and not for sitting in or walking in. Having now been on all sides of the coin, I hope more is done to improve the cycling routes through the city so I too can enjoy the benefits of cycling.
For a map of cycling routes in the city, go to www.capetownbicyclemap.co.za. Maps can also be purchased from various cycling outlets, including AWOL Tours.
Cycling safety
- Always wear a helmet.
- Reflective clothing helps motorists to see you.
- If you are in a group, cycle in a single file.
- Do not hold onto any other vehicles.
- Don’t deliberately swerve from side to side and always have at least one hand on the handlebar.
