The Cow and Belle Run ( C & B ) cannot be explained without elaborating on the eclectic horde that is fondly referred to as the Apocalypse Cows ( AC ’ s ). Each year a group of between 40 and 60 cyclists agree to ride the 947 route twice , raise R15,000 each and wear whatever outfit Roberto Riccardi ( High Command ) schemes up . This would not be a COWS story without the fine print and so the first lap must be completed in under three hours and the outfits beg both belief and what is acceptable in any civilized society .
These are not normal people . Over the past few years there has been intense rivalry within the group that culminated in the 2018 “ Top Gun ” theme . A pack of elite front riders set off while the main AC group hunted them down through streets of Joburg . Scores were settled , egos were bruised and old rivalries stoked . The second lap was somewhat more genteel with a few of the number succumbing to both the heat as well as the infamous tequila stand on Republic Road .
The difficulty in managing such tremendous enthusiasm is that 180km is a long way and while people can sometimes overestimate their abilities , cyclist always do . For admittance to the 2019 AC ’ s an entrance test was introduced called “ Claire ’ s segment ”. This is a Strava segment that begins at the entrance to Joaquin Valverde ’ s hotel and ends at the entrance to the Maropeng Caves in the Cradle of Humankind . Claire Malik ’ s time for this segment was so fast that immediately half of the cohort of AC ’ s were disqualified .
A group ride was hastily arranged to assist those AC ’ s that had not yet attempted the segment , in order to qualify . This was both cheating and the birth of a wonderful idea . So very typical of how the COWS work . The 2019 AC ride at the 947 was the most successful AC ride to date and because of the teamwork and camaraderies we were able to get 90 % of the riders over the line within the three-hour mark on lap one . The second lap was well attended , and the Austin Powers theme , particularly our ladies ’ suits , allowed for shameless fundraising , more than had ever been thought possible .
As with all official sporting events in 2020 , the Ride Joburg ( 947 ) was cancelled . There is only so much riding on an indoor trainer , even one linked to Zwift , that one can do . Combining the pre-existing rivalries and experience of riding together in the Cradle the Cow & Belle Run for cyclists was born . This is not a race . The main event is a 180km test of endurance that is contested between teams of 10 riders . The route is a 45km lap that follows Claire ’ s segment to the Caves and then returns past Bidon Bistro , the Windmill and back to Valverde . This route is to be completed 4 times with a compulsory stop after two laps ( 90km ).
To add flavor to the competition and give Rob an outlet for his creative genius , individual riding suits and colours are arranged with team names and rider names printed on them . The teams take the names of COWS that we have said farewell to over our 13-year journey together . Jessica and Georgie Bain , Delene and Lisa Mulley , Craig Bainbridge , Mel Laskey and Del . The race in the Cradle in Johannesburg was replicated by our herd in KZN and another in Dubai . They staged very well attended and sponsored 180km events . Additionally there are options to complete 45 , 90 or 135km individually if the full distance or team pace is prohibitive .
The inaugural race in JHB did not disappoint . Rob was ably assisted by Ben “ health and safety ” Burnand to ensure adherence to the COVID protocols as well as safety sensibilities . Lessons were learned that will be incorporated into
future events . Race officials are the cornerstone of a great event and Alberto and Marco Riccardi managed the staggered start and compulsory stops in judicious style .
The fundraising results of this event were staggering and a testament to the grit and determination of the participating riderfundraisers . At a time when the country was reeling from both the health and economic impact of the Covid pandemic the event raised R1.3m . The generosity of sponsors like Meadow Feeds , the IQ Group and TechSoft cannot be understated . The water stop that was arranged by Meadow Feeds at the Lion and Rhino Park circle also saved many a cyclist from the ravages of dehydration . Richard Laskey piloted his Ice Cream Bicycle to 90km continuing his long and unbroken tradition of lunacy , for a worthy cause .
Hosted at Valverde Eco-Hotel , with all COVID protocols adhered to post race , the riders were able to relax , shower and share war stories from the day . Joaquin and his team ensured that the riders were able to enjoy the day and their hospitality was an integral part of the success of the day .
The success of the C & B 2020 , conceptualized as a stop gap for a cancelled 947 , was such that the COWS committee decided that it should remain on the calendar . This year , on the 30th of October 2021 approximately 100 cyclists will line up at the entrance to Valverde Eco Hotel for the C & B2021 . There are those teams that will contend for the glory and bragging rights of finishing in first place . The record is 5h38 set by Team Georgie . There are also those that will line up to challenge themselves to complete the distance , or if not riding the 180 then to participate and share in the unrivalled camaraderies that exists within COWS herd .
5