Under the light of the full moon, Oli joins up with over 900 other cyclists – clad in lycra, baggies, skinny jeans and even the odd fairy outfit – on a night ride that took them safely through the streets of the Mother City.
- By Oli Munnik
The full moon beaming down on Cape Town, on a brilliantly clear winter’s night, could only mean one thing to the swarm of social cyclists in the City. It was the evening of the 6th running of Cape Town’s moonlightmass social bike ride.
In an unprecedented turnout, 913 of Cape Town’s hip and happening youth pumped up their tyres, lubed their chains and headed for the 9pm rendevoux at Green Point Circle. I didn’t quite know what to expect, but on arriving at the sub-terranian meeting point, I was literally blown away at what was unfolding in front of me … the vibe was electric, everybody was simply there to have an awesome time riding through the streets of Cape Town. Significantly, our Provincial Premier, the I-get-things-done Helen Zille rocked up, helmet and all! Now that’s what I call commitment!
Along with the usual tight and bright cycling attire, catching my eye as well were pinners, ripped and raging in skinny jeans, guys in fairy outfits, straight-peaks vibing with curved-peaks. I encountered bear man (who was sporting the raddest beard ever), ballies who were causally rolling along in jeans and a T, and then there was Bianca, surname withheld, whose outfit was very easy on the eye. Unfortunately for me and somewhat fortunately for her, I miss-timed my passing manoeuvre, a friendly tap on you-know-where! I guess you win some and you lose some. I’ll get my chance another time!
While the variety of riders was remarkable, in the same vein, so were the bikes… Nic Lamond pedalled a single speeder made from bamboo, there was a maniac riding with only a back pedal brake, Romdogg rolled along on a blue beauty that she picked up for a steal from an NG Kerk bazaar, I saw an amazing white chariot decked out with a tiny wicker basket, Michael from Utah pinned it on a Tour-de-France-worthy road bike, tubbies and all, while finally Nils Hansen (Mr Woodstock Cycle Works) eased through the masses on his well worn fixie!
With the route being pan flat this event can be ridden by anybody, regardless of their cycling ability. In addition with dedicated ‘intersection marshals’ as well as support from local traffic authorities, it is one of the safest cycling experiences in the country. The moonlightmass is an extraordinary event that I am stoked to have become a part of. Check you on the 3rd of July when we hear the howl of the next full Full Moon.
Live dangerously, get involved!
Cheers,
Oli
>> Click here for a gallery of images of the Moonlight Mass
Oli is currently living the dream as a professional mountain biker, racing for the GT squad based out of Cape Town. Keep up with Oli on his blog http://olivermunnik.wordpress.com
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