HI All
Way back in 1927 an Englishman, resident in Bulawayo, called Arthur Newton set the world record for 100 miles by running from Gweru to Bulawayo in 14:43 hours. He was already 44 years old and had won his second Comrades Marathon in 1924 with a time of 6.48 plus the largest ever winning margin of 75 minutes.
Some seven years ago a group of seasoned cyclists were out riding when one of them started chatting about Arthur Newton’s achievements. Next thing you know they had agreed to emulate his feat using road bikes to cycle the same 100 miles (160km) along the recently refurbished Bulawayo highway. Hence my appearance at the Regency Fairmile Motel in Gweru last Sunday to witness the start of the eighth (8th) holding of this event. I had coincidentally spent the previous night at my favourite lodge in Gweru so I took the opportunity to see if this sort of thing would hold any interest for me in future years.
Forty-five, fit looking riders, from all around Zimbabwe, made it to the start line for the complete 100 miles with each being given a portable timer chip to prevent cheating. These timers had to be kept on their bikes and handed in at the end of the race to prevent disqualification. Just before the start, Zimbabwe Cycling Chairman, Elton Muchengwa, towered tall on a double cab to give the competitors and seconders a detailed chat about the dos and don’ts required for such a well organised event. Safety and enjoyment were high on the agenda. Lots of emphasis was placed on educating the seconding vehicles on how to give support if, and when, their cyclist needed it giving other participants plenty of space to prevent accidents
There were two other shorter routes with about 100 riders joining in near the Imbisa turnoff (50miler) and another dozen or so at Mbembesi (25miler) – the turnout of just over 150 cyclists made it the biggest 100 miler race so far.
There is a big roadside verge along the whole route, and the fitter cyclists were expected to maintain strict conditions for riding in the Pelotons; Novices were advised to ride on their own. It was great to see that so many sponsors are starting to promote cycling with teams from Rooneys and My Gym plus a strong 32 man contingent from Mimosa. The latter have a large trailer with “Hanging Space” for about 40 bikes.
The Peloton left town at 6.30 am with the leading riders reaching the final, destination at the Kumalo hockey stadium in a slow(!) finishing time of 4:08. With very few hills in southern Matabeleland, Bulawayo is known to locals as “Skies” meaning that there were no natural wind breaks to reduce the effects of Sunday’s heavy winds. The ZITF (Trade fair) is opening later this week so there was also a lot more traffic than usual on the roads.
A few riders were raising money for SPCA like Olivia Beamish who needs just a few more dollars to meet her target – contact Michelle on 0778-005-249 if you would like to help her reach this very worthwhile fundraiser. Olivia is just 15 years old, yet she won the 160km Elite Women’s category with Lorna Doorman coming in with a very fast second place. Olivia completed the event in 4:18 – not far behind the winning man, Carlos Kee Tui. Why not give yourself the challenge of at least riding half that distance next year – great fun all round. The jury is still out for any future participation by Mike G!
