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During the world cup I would often see more than 10 games of soccer being played at the same time on the Sea Point Beachfront. From older lads playing more “serious” games to the smaller chaps just kicking for the joy of kicking, and there was always me and the scoops – with my “don’t do as I do” approach to teaching him soccer – it seems to be working.

But now that the world cup spirit is fading into a maelstrom of corruption, murder trials and some serious attempts at media restriction, it seems even our little sunset kick-arounds on the Sea Point lawns can’t go on unchecked. With Scoops running rings around me and ordering around the slightly bigger boys who had joined our game, we were approached by a policeman on his fancy Segway, who told us we are not allowed to play ball games on the lawn!? To his credit the cop was suitably apologetic and clearly embarrassed, but he was following orders and had already stopped a nearby game so he felt obliged to stop ours as well. So we waited until he was gone, and like the nearby game, soon started up again, playing until it was too dark to be seen by anyone, never mind the cops.

Now this law/rule (whatever) is not new. Like many other laws, it was ignored during the world cup but it’s now back and being enforced. I do understand that 22 men playing a full scale soccer match on the hallowed lawns might cause some damage but a three year old having a kick around with his dad – come on! This is what makes the beachfront special. Not just the promenade where lovers stroll, moms and dads push their young ones and grannies gossip as sexy roller bladers and sweaty runners zip past them – it’s also the adjacent lawn space where touch rugby and soccer are played, paragliders land, babies learn to walk and kids play soccer.

With Sea Point heavily populated by apartment blocks, having an open and safe public space is a must and it is enjoyed by all Cape Town’s residents not just those living in the area. It is used for a wide variety of reasons from religious ceremonies to Hara Krishna festivals, yoga and boot camp classes.

I understand Councilor, JP Smith’s problem but a firm “no ball games” rule is both draconian and ridiculous. They have already rehabilitated sections of the vast lawns, which stretch from Mouille Point to Bantry Bay, by closing off sections, and this seems a good system. I doubt anyone wants to see all games stopped on the beachfront – what kind of world cup legacy is denying kids the chance to run around, kick a ball and enjoy this beautiful and functional public space?

On Broadway do get around but they seem to have found their place now. Their new venue, 44 Long Street, where the old Space Theatre was and more recently the New Space Theatre. Driving up Long Street for my first visit at Russel Shapiro’s new venue, I soon noticed the On Broadway sign, it’s hard to miss, and I  realized what an excellent addition to an already buzzing Long Street, On Broadway is.

The popular dinner/theatre venue had humble beginnings, taking an old brothel on Somerset Road (where the New Cape Quarter is now) and turning it into one of Cape Town’s most popular dinner/theatre venues.  I always enjoyed that spot, the open windows letting in the fresh air and on occasions the sounds of the street. It was homely and comfortable but probably not the best venue for performers or ideal for audiences.

They then moved to Shortmarket Street to a larger, trendier venue. Green Point seated 120, while Shortmarket seated 150. Comfortable with a larger capacity, they still maintained their intimate dinner/theater arrangement. I always enjoy a drink with my theatre and its comforting having a bar within winking distance of your table – not that I would ever wink, I’m a blinker not a winker.

Shapiro, never one to rest on his laurels, and not afraid of a challenge, was unhappy with the new terms offered to him by his landlord and at the same time the New Space Theatre became available. He jumped at the opportunity to relocate and On Broadway has a new home. Things are slightly different this time; they have taken the space downstairs and made it their restaurant, with much of the same fare as the old and they have two theatres seating about 200 on the first floor and 95 upstairs.

Our show was at the larger theatre. 3 Tons of fun are really that – Three larger than life big mamas with more attitude, energy, talent and curves than this skinny white man can handle. Michelle Thomas, Bulelwa Cosa And Nontokozo Sithembile Mfuphi paid homage to South African music moving effortlessly from Brenda Fassie and Judith Sephuma to Mandoza, Mango Groove and others. Their energy is infectious and their fan club of eclectic supporters taking up the two back rows, added more sound, fun and colour to a very enjoyable show.

The theatre style seating means more people in a smaller space and more atmosphere, although nipping off to the loo mid show and arriving late is a no no as it means you need to walk to your seat in front of the stage. Not cool, especially those that did arrive late.

The show was great – my only two minor complaints for the new venue; the sound was o.k but lacking slightly  in quality and I’m not sure the air con was working as it got very hot and stuffy in the theatre with no air flow or fans to cool the air.

Minor gripes aside, I like the old style theatre and the separation of the restaurant and theatre works, even if I miss sitting at a table with spare drink at the ready instead of it being under my seat – drinks are allowed into the theatre.  Never mind, this venue should thrive with its new tenant and bring some additional spark to Cape Town’s favourite party street.

When Asamoah Gyan missed that penalty I first swore loudly and then let out a long mournful vuvuzela moan into the shocked Sea Point air. Watching Gyan’s reaction I felt more for him than I did for the team. In context penalty kicks don’t get bigger than that one. The opportunity to be the first African side to reach the world cup semi-finals and on African soil clearly weighed on Gyan’s mind. With Ghana the only remaining African side still in the tournament, the entire continent and millions of neutrals around the world (pretty much everyone outside of Uruguay) held our collective breath – but no Cinderella ending this time. Gyan fluffed his lines on the biggest stage of them all – one kick was all it took to change his life for ever.

He is not the first to miss a penalty at a world cup; he’s actually in excellent company;  Zico, Platini, Baggio the list goes on. Gyan came into the game a hero having scored the winner against the USA in the previous round and this time was inches away from getting the freedom of the continent and becoming an all time African hero – the line between hero and zero is a thin one.

The next day once emotions had calmed down I started thinking about that moment. For me that will be the moment of the world cup. The Cinderella ending, while making us feel warm and fuzzy, is never quite as interesting as the drama when things don’t go according to the wanted script. Gyan did well to get up and convert the first penalty of the shootout and let’s hope this moment doesn’t ruin a promising career. Life is tough but it’s those moments that can make or break you. Good experiences are great and we all want them but its bad experiences that we learn more from and that in the end are often the more memorable. Asamoah Gyan might disagree.

So my predictions for the quarters were lousy and I barely managed 1/4. In fact I picked Spain to win by 3 so 1/4 is quite generous. Time for the semis.

And then there were four:

Holland v Uruguay

Brazil looked good for the first 30 minutes but the Dutch managed to rattle them and the Brazilians fell apart. They didn’t respond with the flair and magic of Brazilian teams past, instead they resorted to trying to kick the Dutch off the park, so much for the beautiful game. A pity really, this team has potential and they certainly have the players but it seems they are a bit shy of  BMT. Well done Holland you deserved your place in the final four, I’m officially going Orange, which is probably not a good thing for Dutch supporters.

Uruguay continue on,  defined more now by another infamous handball then for great soccer, but they deserve their spot in the final four and Uruguayans must be dreaming of a possible third title for La Celeste.

You broke our hearts in the first round and in the last round – enough! Holland will have to restore some African pride of sorts.
Holland by 2

Germany v Spain

Germany rolls on and in some style dispatching Argentina and probably their loony manager as well. A lesson in football for the South Americans and its hard to see if anyone, even the Spanish can live with them at the moment. Maradona tried the all out attacking approach but we know that doesn’t win tournaments. It’s fabulous to watch but a solid defense is essential. Whether they lost because they were just not good enough or because of a lack of strategic acumen by their manager is anyone’s guess, probably a bit of both.

The Spanish battled their way to the Semis with a hard fought but fairly entertaining 1-0 victory over the Paraguayans. Torres has flattered to deceive and it’s a tricky one for the coach. Play him again, he’s got to score soon, or start him on the bench and give one of their other talented strikers a start. But at this stage the Spanish must be saying – just give it to Villa.

If the Spanish fire this could be a high goal thriller so I’ll pick Spain to win by the odd goal in five.

So a Holland/Spain final it is.

The pretenders have gone home, the party continues and we’re down to the final eight. Who can win it?

Netherlands V Brazil

A classic in the making with both teams unbeaten and looking very strong,  if unspectacular, so far. Sure, we get the odd moment of brilliance but both teams seem to be playing within themselves and hopefully this game will see an exciting and attacking clash between the yellow and orange.  Brazil in particular looks a fit and athletic side and while England were the epitome of dead legs the Brazilians always seem to get multiple yellow shirts behind the ball, whether in attack or defense, and seem to have plenty in reserve.

This game has the potential to be a classic;  Holland has a proven match winner in Arjen Robben and Brazil have a few with a rested Kaka a real threat.

Prediction: Brazil

Uruguay V Ghana

The heart says Ghana, the head says Uruguay. Ghana, with the entire continent behind them will be feeling the pressure. I don’t think they think they can really win this thing – beat Uruguay and they may think differently.

Uruguay are a good team with two excellent, and more importantly, in form strikers in Suarez and Forlan. They lack the skill and panache of other sides but are disciplined and a far cry from the Uruguay of old, once known as the dirtiest team in South America.

The teams look evenly balanced and I think the more attacking team will prosper. That might look like the South Americans at the moment but if the Ghanaians get an early goal, then anything can happen. This could be an important moment in soccer history, no African team has ever made the semi–finals before. It’s time.

Prediction: Ghana

Argentina v Germany
The two form teams of the tournament so far and should on current form be meeting in the final but one of these powerhouses will have to bow out before the final four.

I thought at the beginning of the tournament that Argentina can’t possibly win the tournament with that nutter, Diego Marradona in charge. Don’t get me wrong I love the guy – he’s a living legend and a complete loon but you can’t ignore him. He provides more entertainment than all the other coaches put together. He’s either carrying on like a six year old with a new bike when his team scores or saying it like it is at the press conferences, insulting whoever is necessary on the day.

Hey, Argentina could win it on his passion and enthusiasm alone. While they struggled to qualify for the finals they now look a happy and very entertaining team, unbeaten and probably the real form side at the moment – pity they have to play the Germans so early on.

The Germans are like a breath of fresh air compared to their teams of years gone by. They almost always perform well in major championships but in the past they have relied on a strong work ethic, discipline and a good physical presence. This time they can combine all that with attacking flair and lightning fast counter attacks, which cost England so dearly. Manager, Joachim Loew seems to have the right combo of youth and experience and the team is clearly enjoying their football.

Prediction: Argentina

Spain v Paraguay

I think this is a mismatch. Paraguay finished top of their group with victory over Slovakia and draws with the very poor Italy and the not so bad New Zealanders. They needed penalties to get past Japan and have acquitted themselves well but lack the class and skill of the Spanish. They have already made history by reaching the quarters for the first time, I don’t see them going further.

The Spanish are a class act and improving with every game. They can string dozens of passes together and deny the other team possession for long stretches of a game. Just ask the hapless Portuguese who chased shadows for most of their second round game with the Spanish. Get Torres firing and this team could go all the way, while David Villa has been one of the players of the tournament so far.

Prediction: Spain by three

That’s it – my C on a B. Bring on the soccer already, I’m having withdrawal symptoms.

Two weeks into the world cup and it now seems that South Africa was born to host the event. They might not have been born to play in it but organize it – no problem. The world celebrated with us when Bafana scored the opening goal of the tournament, a superb effort by Siphiwe Tshabalala. Bafana eventually settled for a much celebrated 1-1 draw with the Mexicans and progress to the next round was still a distinct possibility, but it was not too be. A 3-0 loss to Uruguay all but sealed their fate and a 2-1 win against a beleaguered French team, who played most of the game with 10 men, was satisfying but not enough. So Bafana packed their bags, at least they don’t have far to travel, and became the first host nation of a world cup not to proceed to the knock out stages.

Its not that we don’t have talent, we have that in abundance, but South African soccer has always made it difficult for me to support our national soccer team never mind watch them. It starts with the administration and works it way down to the players who often appeared to be a bunch of overpaid divas with little heart and not much bottle for a battle. Things were different this time, it’s a new start of sorts and this time most of us in this country and many around the world were routing for Bafana. If playing for your country in the world cup finals on home turf with millions actively behind you is not motivation enough, well then nothing is. And to be fair they gave it their all, but they are not there; they need a decent coach, hopefully local, some time and more of them need to play in Europe in the big leagues before they can play consistently at the top level and compete with the big boys. It’s possible.

So the world now knows SA can and is hosting an outstanding world cup. If you are not here for the occasion here’s a couple of other issues making news and noise at the ZA SWC.

Jabulani
The newly designed ball, generally a pretty innocuous, albeit important, part of most football tournaments has become a hot potato. The players hate it and Fifa swears by it. Who would you listen to the boots or the suits? The ball is too light, dipping and swerving is expected but so few long range goals and delicious curling free kicks into the top corner seem to support the players, who have only practiced with the ball for a few weeks, barring the Germans I think who may have played the whole of last season with it. Either way, another fail for Fifa.

The Vuvuzela
Now if the ball is a hot potato, the Vuvuzela is … the steak and chips. The noisy horn, as one footballer described it, has been around for about 10 years and is a fixture at South African soccer matches. Lots of people hate it and while I agree that a stadium full of singing fans can create a special atmosphere, and the oohs and aahs of the crowd do allow for a more nuanced experience, no one can say that local games lack atmosphere. So as some call for it to be banned, they are starting to sell by the hundreds of thousands and orders from around the world are flooding in. Hey this little plastic horn could turn out to be South Africa’s biggest export yet.

The biggest party of the year is about to start, actually what am I talking about, the biggest party of the decade and certainly the biggest party Africa has ever seen is about to start and here in Cape Town you wouldn’t know it. Sure there are a few flags fluttering around, the odd banner, a shiny multi billion rand stadium, but you wouldn’t think Cape Town is about to be joint host to hundreds of thousands of foreign football fans, thousands of media personnel and an additional billion or so watching on TV. We know its about to happen because they tell us so but Cape Town suddenly seems a reluctant partner in the Fifa Festival of money football. Yip, the city spends billions on the renovation and can’t be bothered to decorate the palace for the party.

After seven years preparation we have a fantastic new stadium, new highways and byways, walkways, bridges, thousands of new trees and plants and a plethora of large new hotels, barely out of their wrapping. Yes, Cape Town has undergone a serious makeover, and she is looking good. Lots of last minute work still going on but most of it done and The Mother City should be ready to party. But is she? It feels like the whole country’s getting drunk and we’re sitting in the corner drinking tea. Alliance Group CEO, Rael Levitt divides his time between the Fishing Village and Egoli and is in a good position to compare the two, read his take at Have the games come to Joburg and not Cape Town?

Now I live near the stadium and regularly drive my trusty Vuka past to check out what’s happening. In town I scout around looking for some sign that one of the world’s biggest sporting events is coming to town. I popped up Long Street, cut down Loop and zipped across to St Georges Mall where finally I found some life and colour but it’s not enough.

The rest of the city is pretty barren, some cars have flags and mirror gloves but still they’re in the minority and it’s the big stuff I’m looking for. I buzzed the Grand Parade and the fan park is taking shape with an odd Coca Cola dome thingy in the middle. This place should be fun and I’ll definitely watch a game or two there. From there I drove through the Waterfront and even the king of shopping malls is asleep on the job. Sure some shops have got into the spirit but the overall picture is fairly dismal. I hear they have a mini London Eye up at the Waterfront but I haven’t spotted it yet.

I don’t want to spread doom and gloom, Cape Town will wake up and come to the party. We are slow starters and always a step or two behind our younger but wealthier son up north. I do think that the extravagant amount of amount the country has spent was unnecessary and ostentatious. Yes we can and will host an outstanding world cup and had every right to bid for it, but we could have done it in a far more humble and respectful manner. The large new space age stadiums dotted around the country that cost the earth to build could have been forsaken and the money better spent fixing up existing stadia at a fraction of the cost. Then again humble and respectful are not two words ever used to describe Fifa.

Be this as it may, its happening, its happening here, soon and it’s exciting. Sure we spent too much money and not as many fans are coming as earlier predicted but for one month we will be the center of the world’s sporting attention. Let’s enjoy it for now and we’ll worry about the hangover the next morning.

Last year the Ocean2Ocean was run twice. Once in April, under very hot conditions, and once in June when it was cold, misty, wet and windy. This year was perfect, blue skies, a warm sun, a slight cooling breeze and views in every direction. Nice.

The O2O was originally conceived as the Real Two Oceans, a tongue in cheek reference to its more famous and popular long distance cousin, the Two Oceans Marathon, the 56km tour of duty for any road runner worth their sweat. It was originally also run on Easter weekend (although not on the same day as the marathon) and on some occasions runners have run the 56km tar version on the Saturday and then the 50km off road version on the Monday. This year we ran a week after Easter so the tar bunnies had a week to rest up and get their mountain legs in shape.

The run, now called Ocean2Ocean, is led by my mate, Dirk. I had run the 50km twice with him before finding myself at the back of the back in 2008 and in no mood to catch up. At the first seconding table at Silvermine, fellow runner Winston and I decided we weren’t going to play catch up all day and we would do our own route, a slightly shortened one to the finish, and so we did. The next year I suggested to Dirk that we offer a 42km (approximate) route to those who don’t want to go as far and as fast, he agreed and the shortened version was born.

We ran the 42km twice last year and once this year on April 10. Make no mistake the 50km is the tougher one, its longer and faster and comes with the added bonus of being a Puffer qualifier. The Puffer, for the unaware, is the grand daddy of Cape Town trail races. It starts at Cape Point and takes in 80km of mostly mountains (barring the chunk of tar at the start and bits here and there) ending eventually at Ferrymans at the Waterfront.

Dizzys was our target for this year’s run. Dirk led 20 runners on the longer route and I had nine in mine. I had five pullouts in the week prior but a small group works well. We started at Muizenberg and ran along the dark and empty beach, the tide low and the wind still. We made our way to St James where we headed up through the sleepy suburb and onto the mountain. We ran/walked through plenty Fynbos, an indigenous forest and some single track before hitting the jeep track back to Ou Kaapse weg, crossing the road and running via the River Trail to the waiting snacks and drinks at the Silvermine car park.

With the sun warm but pleasant we headed up to Noordhoek Peak, along the roller coaster route that is the skyline

panorama before stopping for a rest at the Hout Bay lookout. We spotted Dirk and his crowd well on their way up to the Constantiaberg mast but we headed down and around passing the abandoned manganese mines and stretching our legs on the flattish slightly undulating path before going up and over Vlakkenberg to our next seconding stop at Constantia Nek.

Having refueled it was a hop, skip and a jump over Table Mountain to

Camps Bay, where we enjoyed cold beers and pizzas at Dizzys. 10 hours and some change to cover about 42.km (and some change) but its not about numbers, nor speed, its about spending a day out on the Cape Mountains enjoying nature at her finest and Cape Town at its best.

The 50km crowd arrived an hour and a bit later looking tired but happy and the following week Dirk led another 50km run which I joined from Constantia Nek to sweep the last leg. We might run another this year – watch www.ocean2ocean.co.za for details.

I completed my fourth Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour on Sunday (14 March). I rode a PB (personal best) and felt strong at the end but no medal for my efforts. Just regular taunts of “you’re cheating” on route and then a final insult when I wasn’t allowed to cross the finish line. No glory for me, instead I was ushered into a side road for motorised vehicles. I didn’t take it too personally but it might have something to do with my first Cycle Tour a few years back when I raced some back markers to the finish, almost falling off my scooter as I raised my hands and crossed the finish line just in front of them, poring scorn and exhaust fumes on them in the process.

O.k, so I was on my scooter, my trusty Vuka 110, doing its fourth tour and still going strong.  Scooters and motorbikes don’t get to cross the finish line and the cries of cheat are good natured but as much as the idea of cycling 110km with 35 000 other cyclists doesn’t appeal to me, this is a special event and I think it might be fun to do a slow cycle around the peninsula, it is a stunning route after all. This is the one day of the year that cyclists rule the roads in Cape Town and get to circumnavigate the entire peninsula without having to dodge cars, busses and manic taxi drivers. All they need to worry about is one dodgy photographer on a scooter.

I might not have cycled the route but I still completed it, stopping every few minutes to take pics of the branding for the organisers. And despite my efforts and managing to stay upright the entire route, not easy when surrounded by a bunch of wobbly cyclists, I still didn’t get to finish with respect, no they leave that to the cyclists.

I had left home at about 5.30am hoping for two things; a wind free ride and some pics of Lance Armstrong, who would be riding his first tour. My wobbly ride to the start put paid to the wind free idea but getting some pics of Armstrong proved relatively easy despite the “media frenzy” that surrounded him. Imagine the world’s biggest cycling superstar at the world’s largest cycle race and you get the picture, or at least I did.

Once the leading group had gone off I spent the next couple of hours (I can only enter the route after 8am) taking pics of the start and searching desperately for the Pick n Pay tent which in earlier years provided an early morning snack and juice for hungry cyclists and photographers. But the wind, or the recession, put paid to that. The wind also put paid to most of the branding that usually decorates the start area. The consoling factor for most, especially those who rode last year’s tour was that compared to the gale force winds of 2009 this year’s southeaster seemed like a breeze.

I finally hit the route and played chicken with the south easter every time I got off to take a photograph. The spectators weren’t daunted by the south ester, hardy folk the Capetonians who come out each year to support and the thousands of friends and family who traveled down south to cheer on their kids, moms, dads, sisters, brothers, lovers and others. Most set up camp on route, be it on couches, the back of a bakkie, in a beer tent, a trailer or deck chair, they get comfortable and make a day of it. They’re out there stocked up with a days worth of picnicking and they essentially make the event what it is,  35 000 cyclists cycling 110km around the Cape Peninsula, and thousands more showing their appreciation and having fun at the same time.

I particularly enjoyed the Kalk Bay Main Road, which was closed to most traffic. Cyclists went over Boyes Drive while I was diverted to the Main Road. The kids had taken over with their skateboards, bikes and roller blades reminding me of Israel on the their day of atonement, when most Israelis stay off the usually manic streets, leaving it clear for the kids to take over with their unmotorised means of transport.

Back to the route and besides dodging a baboon nonchalantly crossing the road near Cape Point I enjoyed a leisurely ride to the finish, stopping regularly to photograph, snack on bananas and Barones offered to the cyclists and enjoy the views which I never tire of.

Maybe I’ll dust off my bike next year.

For my first Bat Run in 2003, I roped in two novice trail runners to run with me, one a fit hiker, the other a decent 10km runner, who had never been up Platteklip Gorge before. The fourth member of our team was Moonshine, Anthony’s Border Collie, who found the distance a bit short and her companions a bit slow, but the mountains she loved. This annual night run, run in February as close to full moon as possible, takes in Cape Town’s Three Peaks, Devil’s Peak, Maclear’s Beacon, via Platteklip Gorge, and Lion’s Head.

I remember back then reaching a cold and misty Maclear’s Beacon just after 1am. We were the lonely back markers slowly approaching what looked like a deserted beacon when a ghostly figure stepped out of the mist to great us. Stephan Moser, the hardy check point guy had waited for us, He still had drinks and snacks to offer and at least now he could leave his shivering check point, the highest point on Table Mountain.

Having tagged the second peak so could we. We eventually reached Kloof Nek, where only after a double massage by two young ladies, was Douglas persuaded to complete the last peak. We finished at 4.07am to a still and warm Kloof Nek and an enthusiastic but small group of organisers and late finishers still hanging around waiting for us back markers.

Seven years later and not much has changed. Sure there are now 100 odd runners compared to about 40 back then,  I’ve completed a number of bat runs and seconded at Maclears Beacon and on one very stormy occasion, stood check point with Brian Key on Devil’s Peak, but I am still at the back of the pack and still finishing after 4.00am.

I hadn’t entered this year’s event and thought the most I might do is one peak as a checkpoint but co organiser, Sonia Beard had other ideas. With her sweep having pulled out injured, she bribed me with promises of T-shirts, cold beers and escorting single women in the early hours of the morning to be the sweep. I told her to keep the T-shirt I’m in. Having sent off my acquiescence in some haste, I suddenly thought does this mean I need to do the whole route? “Yes!” came back the firm answer.

Cool I’m in, I’m not that fit at the moment but a slow run at the back of the pack on a hopefully beautiful Cape Town evening was starting to sound pretty attractive. And that’s how I found myself at the back of the back on a stunning Cape Town night running (well walking mostly) this year’s Bat Run. What a treat.

Peak 1, Devils Peak was warm and windy and the runners still in jovial spirits. Peak 2; and the route up Platteklip was made easier by focusing on the floating headlamps high up in the gorge snaking their way mostly down (and a few up) the mountain. The top of the mountain was an oasis of calm, a clear evening with the city lights ever present in their brilliance and the almost full moon lighting the way so headlamps weren’t needed. We arrived at Maclear’s Beacon and Stephan was there waiting patiently for the back markers, and once again I could tell him we were the last and he could go home, although on such a perfect evening, particularly on top, he didn’t look that keen to leave.

By now the winners, who had blurred by much earlier were finished with Jayde Butler picking up victory in record time with a ridiculous 3.42. It wasn’t that long ago, on Jayde’s first attempt at the Bat Run that I bumped into him on his way to Maclear’s Beacon and gave him some muti to help his cramp. The Butler bunny has come on in the proverbial leaps and bounds and is going to be a serious force to be reckoned with on the local trail running scene.

Back to the tortoises, we finally made it down to Kloof Nek, where the early finishers were having a bit of a party. But for us, Anja my running buddy at the back and me, it was up Lion’s Head, dodging scorpions and runners hurrying down to the finish. We finished at 4.03am, with a couple of runners we collected on the way and just Ashleigh and Greg behind us making their way slowly down.

The promised cold beers duly materialized and although the masses had scattered, the few late finishers and die hard organisers (“we always wait for the last to arrive”) were still around for an early morning drink.

Thanks to the organisers; Andrea Pullfrich, John and Sonja Damata, Sonia Beard and others at the checkpoints (Leo and friends on Devil’s and Stephan at Maclears) as well as the friendly and supporting faces at the seconding tables. And thanks Sonia for the late “invite” and opportunity to do this classic event again.

Folk Rock Heroes

Most South Africans over a certain age have heard of McCully Workshop. A great 70’s and 80’s band, they produced some real classics like Buccaneer and Chinese Junkman, (not quite as memorable as Buccaneer but a pretty big hit for them anyway). Mike McCullagh, founder of the band with his brother, Tully has been active in the music industry ever since mostly producing, and sometimes performing in, 70’s, 80’s or 90’s revival shows.

His latest show, Folk Rock Heroes is now on at On Broadway. It’s a collection of songs incorporating elements of rock and folk music. I always enjoy On Broadway as a venue, its cosy enough to make the show intimate but not too small that you feel cramped and they can get a decent size crowd in. The dinner theatre vibe is always popular with many patrons arriving early to enjoy a meal and you can enjoy a cold beer, glass of wine or hot chocolate during the show, always a plus in my book.

The music covered included some Bob Dylan, his ex flame, Joan Baez, some Simon & Garfunkel, The Eagles, Paul McCartney and quite a bit more of older, instantly recognizable tunes. The 6-man band, including McCullagh on drums and backing vocals all performed well and the show was certainly entertaining but it lacked oomph for want of a better word. Besides McCullagh and lead female vocalist, Bronwyn Reddy the rest of the band lacked stage presence and the show suffered as a result. Maybe it was too early in their run, maybe the audience was a bit subdued but the show needs to be more than just a few musicians singing a few songs, it needs to capture the era and the audience’s hearts but didn’t do this. Entertaining but easily forgettable is the only way I can describe it.

This is often a problem with revival shows, what do they do to make it come alive? Some have tried weaving a story into the music, but unless expertly done this seldom works, so the musicians on stage need to really rock to connect with the audience and make the

foot-tappers become get-out-of-your-seat dancers. Reddy rocked and McCullagh always rocks, the rest are good musicians and singers but they need to connect with their audience more.

Muizenberg

Speaking of revivals Muizenberg is also undergoing a revival of sorts and this sea side town is slowly making a return to its glory days. In summers past it was the place to be seen and a social hub of note, ask your folks about the snake pit at Muizenberg. Millionaires owned large fancy properties close to the beach and many Joburgers wouldn’t stay anywhere else when making their annual summer visit to the Cape.

Over the last few years, many people have made the move to this deep south suburb, its run down hotels are one by one being revamped, coffee shops and restaurants have sprung up and slowly but surely Muizenberg is once again a place where people want to visit regularly and many have moved to permanently. This is great news and I for one wander why it took so long and why it’s still taking so long. This is a good spot, mountains in your backyard, the warm False Bay water to swim in (so what if you share it with a few great whites), long stretches of beach to walk and play on and nice weather, albeit frequently visited by the south easter.

Anyway, Sunday, the weather was crap on the Atlantic Seaboard so we took a drive to Muizenberg. Popped into the Gaslight Café for coffees and chicken mayo sandwiches, both were good and reasonably priced, unlike some of the other pretentious coffee shops in the area, where the food might be good but not always so reasonably priced. Gaslight also makes a superb chocolate cake, it is pretty rich so beware, I once got a head rush after taking a large mouthful – but its good stuff.

With Scoops getting impatient and bored with the laid back coffee shop vibe, it was off to surfers’ corner, just opposite. I love this part of the beach, there’s always a mixed bunch of surfers, from old hippy long boarders to young fearless short board riders. No matter the conditions or shark warnings, and there are shark spotters on the look out, the corner is always abuzz. It’s a great learning area for wannabe surfers and it won’t be long before Scoops has his first lesson, although Scoop’s mom will be kept in the dark – too many shark stories for her sensitive ears. More importantly its a great place for Scoops to run around, build sandcastles, get wet in the small surf and spend some quality time in the sun. We definitely need to do this more often because as much as I love swimming in the refreshing Atlantic, the warmer water down south can be a blessing.