A letter to my 13 year old daughter from a very proud Dad.

Dear Kathryn

Sunday: 08 March 2009 I wake you up at 04h30, you might be slow in getting up but do not complain. We pack the tandem onto the car in wind still conditions and head to collect some friends for the trip to start of the 2009 Argus Cycle Tour. We discover the wind is howling and the nerves and anxiety start to affect you. Probably the strongest winds in the history of the Argus are blowing and the start is frightening. As we set off we cannot get on the tandem due to the wind then have to push the bike just to get over the starting mats. Anxiety turns to fear and you doubt if this is a good idea, but you put your full trust in me as I say lets just get through this bit and see how it goes. Many are turning back unable to face what lies ahead. We make it over hopital bend and start to feel great. Mechanical problems set us back on Boyes Drive but you are the one who says come on Dad we are wasting time, lets keep going even though we do not have the use of the small chain ring. We push through to Simonstown where the bike is repaired for us. Off we go again.
We fight the head winds and even lead the pack at times. We fly towards Scarborough at speeds unheard of and you trust me to keep us safe, just managing to stop for Bar Ones on the way. Leg rub for Dad at the bottom of Chappies and a visit to the medical tent for you, but this does not deter you and off we go again. Leg rub for you at the top of Chappies and we fly down at break neck speed having to put the breaks on going downhill at stages. But you remain strong. Suikebossie is a breeze, going down the otherside is the problem and your nerves and trust in me to keep us upright are tested to the full. We see Mandy pushing her bike just to stay upright. We hit Canmps Bay and the Bar Ones kick in and fly to the finish meeting up with Mandy as we cross the finish line. This was number 18 for me and by far the toughest ever. You were just awesome to have the guts to perservere under such adverse conditions, this was real character building stuff and I am so so proud of you.

Love Your Dad
(Anton)