Argus countdown: the supporter's guide

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Published on Wednesday, 22 February 2012 21:34

Written by Caterina Aldera

With only 17 days,  28 minutes and 14 seconds to go, it's time to get excited for the world's biggest timed cycle race! We've heard enough about preparing for the Argus as a cyclist - what about the supporters who seem to outnumber them?  Here's  your guide to making sure you're ready.

Invest in some good quality sunblock. It's easy to get burnt when spending hours in the sun, even if it's just the early morning. I got my first t-shirt tan watching the Argus of 2008. I'm still trying to tan it out.

Take some water and lots to eat - for the passing cyclists! Every cyclist, young or old, is forever indebted to that helpful and selfless citizen who held out their hand with a banana or cup of coke.

Practise your cheering skills at the next Ikey's game and rest your voice for at least 3 days before Sunday. It's essential that you have the full range of sounds and tones when shouting encouragement from the sidelines; it's advised you carry a picture of a bike around campus and point to it in explaining your silence. Apart from the blank stares you might receive, we hope you get at least one or two understanding nods.

Pump some iron before standing on Suikerbossie. It's a well-known fact that cyclists will gladly and generously tip anyone who offers to push them up Suikerbossie, so strengthening your arms will definitely be a good investment. Time to earn some extra cash and expand your student budget! Either way, if they don't cough up, you'll be able to grab their cellphone and keys out of their back pocket.

But don't despair if you feel the urge to join in the fun! Substitution tickets are available until Friday, 25 February. They cost R275 and more information is available on the Cycle Tour website. Maybe it's time to pull out the fairy wings and that dodgy bike in the garage and get pedalling! Helen Zille's doing it.