Time stands still for no man ................ except the Cape Crusaders

The fans have started arriving early to see the Caped Duo meet the Press as part of the 'Victory send off' celebrtions. A brass band is also marching in the background playing Queen's 'I love to ride my bicycle'.

The countdown to Cape Epic 2010 was going swimmingly and the Caped Duo could follow the clock on the blog as the weeks, hours and minutes counted down. With less than one week to go , the clock appears to have blown a fuse!

Perhaps it was the Ironman grinding out the 'hills' on his spin bike or perhaps Bigman has flooded the works with his sweat. Who knows. The key thing is we are 72 hours from take off to the Cape Epic 2010 and the beginning of our Epic Caper.

It is a mixture of nervous tension and pent up excitement. We both just want to get there, get the bikes re-built, and cross that starting line. It will only then be when 52 weeks of training through all sorts of wet, windy (and that was just in the gym)ice, snow, fog, freezing, experiences will all have been worthwhile. we have yet to find someone who is saying South Africa is not worth visiting. Cape Town is stunning and that is what we expect to find when we step off the plane to a tumultuous welcome. We expect the welcome to be a bit like Elvis touching down at Prestwick ...................... or maybe not!

What ever, the bags are packed, the bike box has been re-packed for a third time, and there is no more space ..........except for the team shorts which have still to arrive. It is anticipated to be uncomfortable down under but doing it without shorts is not advisable.

The Ironman picked them up on his way to Fort William and his weekly visit to the one man gym inthe Fort.

Tomorrow, the paparazzi are coming to take pictures of the leaving party. It is anticipated that the car parking will be difficult and so autograph hunters are advised to come early. You could be forgiven for thinking it is down the Cape Duo popularity .............. but more likely it is down the the Pars playing local rivals Raith Rovers in a crunch local derby.