Meet Stan Engelbrecht, half of the duo behind Bicycle Portraits, a photographic documentary project showing ordinary South Africans and their bikes. The other half is Johannesburg-based Nic Grobler.

Their photographs and the accompanying interviews provide a fantastic insight into how bicycles can enable and empower people. In a country such as South Africa where public transport is often limited, or dangerous, it always surprises me that bicycles aren’t more popular. Many of the stories are inspiring and illuminating, a real window into contemporary South African culture.

They’re using the innovative Kick Starter platform to raise funds to complete the project. People can make pledges for any of various amounts, but funders are only charged when the project meets its funding goal, in this case $15,000. If the goal isn’t met, the project is cancelled. This provides a great motivation for funders to share the message to ensure the project meets its target funding.

So this is my call to support the project to make sure it happens. $50 or more gets you a copy of the book. Cheap at the price.

This morning was the annual Argus Cycle Tour, apparently the world’s largest timed cycling event, with 35,000 competitors. I was entered in the veterans 40-49 racing group, but random illness at the end of the week made me reconsider actually racing the event. Instead I decided to join my mate Pieter and capture a few shots of him as he competed wearing a pink fairy outfit. His strange dress decision was the result of losing a bet and getting some charity fund-raising going.

Pretty in pink

There was a lot of press for the event this year, mainly because Lance Armstrong was in Cape Town doing fund-raising work, and also racing in the pro-race. I think Pieter’s outfit got as much attention as Lance. Almost every spectator we passed had something to say. He was called everything from the tooth fairy to a pink elephant.

Lance who?

All the girls loved pink. Here Pieter is accosting some young promo girls.

Mmm, can I take you home?

In Noordhoek we spotted someone that had their coffee machine wired up next to the road. So of course we invited ourselves for a round of cappucinos.

Coffee!!

A great way to spend the Argus. I think next year I’ll also be dressing up. Any suggestions for costumes?

This evening was the final Killarney race of the year. Moolman Welgemoed (not pictured) was the race and series winner.