Countdown to the Argus: There's still time to back out . . .

We didn't sign the pledge. The night before the 2011 Argus, the world's largest timed cycle race, they passed around a pledge sheet stating that everyone named below would ride the Argus in 2014 in honor of our friend, Charles Uncle John who turned 80 this year. 

2011 Argus: Waiting at the Starting Line: Charles's cousin Robert, Kelly, Uncle John (76), & Curtis

2011 Argus: Waiting at the Starting Line: Charles's cousin Robert, Kelly, Uncle John (76), & Curtis

Uncle John, along with his sons and Charles's brothers and family have been riding the Argus, for years.

We didn't sign the pledge:

But we're here. . .  We arrived yesterday afternoon. Registered. And tonight after lunch at Uncle John and his wife, Marie's house (along with the whole family and all the riders in the group). The family presented Uncle John with the pledge and photos framed. (Just in case I'd forgotten, I checked: we really didn't sign.) Uncle John had special team shirts made for us all. (Photo coming soon).

                                 A Casual Sunday Ride 109 K Along the Coast with 35,000 o…

                                 A Casual Sunday Ride 109 K Along the Coast with 35,000 of our closest, cyclist friends

We didn't sign the pledge: Curtis and I were nervous as to whether, after not riding bikes for 7 years--I mean not even pedaling casually--we could finish a hilly 109 kilometer ride.

We didn't sign the pledge. Yet, here we are smiling and happy with our Argus registration bag in hand.

We didn't sign the pledge. Yet, here we are smiling and happy with our Argus registration bag in hand.

Especially as Capetown, South Africa is a far ways to go for a bike ride, we couldn't imagine we'd come back for it.

Starting Line for the 2011 Argus (we're there somewhere.)

Starting Line for the 2011 Argus (we're there somewhere.)

We didn't sign the pledge.

Now, 7 hours, 56 minutes, 8 seconds to race time, our riding gear is laid out. The bottles of energy water are filled and chilling. We're all in bed, to sleep....yeah right.

And I am older and less fit that I was then. . .

And my knee is wonky . . .

And the wind is howling . . .

We didn't sign the pledge, so then, why???

Here's the ARGUS 2014 Route Map