Francois Pienaar

I have done the 80km once and the 42km 4 times. The morning is COLD, but the race is HOT. Don't bother with longs etc.

Coolio, moving on. In terms of Knox / Bell, I think they can take it considering most of the local talent will be at the UCI XO World Cup events. Not sure about Johan Rabie etc though?

How was I attacking? I'm really surprised that you can say that (them having sponsors...) Let's all calm down.

Actually a great way of sorting out partners. Go and ride and see who copes.

A mate is asking me to join him. Am I totally STUPID to even think we can do this? I ride +-7hrs a week, have completed transbaviaans and all the major stage races in the country (ex Cape Epic / Joberg2C)

How can you say that? They were 24th overall?

I also wrote a 4 part blog series on my first experience. Read it here. Let me know what you think - https://fhpienaar.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/losing-my-virginitysani2c-2013part-1/

A few minor points: - A stage race is NOT as scary as one thinks. - You DO NOT need to take the kitchen sink with you. At berg n bush I needed a new tyre, bought it and got it fitted for LESS than my LBS. - There is ENOUGH food en route. Sure, a goo or two or your type of drink will work, but the tables are STACKED so don't stress about taking too much - Key things to bring (chain link, brake pads, lube (needed en route), plugs, Imodium.

Check out @farmer_glen on twitter. He posted pictures on the routes. Very cool. @farmer_glen Also possible changes to the route on Day 1 for 2016.

I got my entry a year or so back by going online and entering when it opened. It's not impossible.

I reckon every year will be rough, but it all depends on mother nature and terrain. I've never done an epic, but I understand there are hardly any free kilometers so I doubt there will ever be an easy "Epic."

I will go on the odd ride alone, but then I stick to the suburbs. 99% of my rides are with friends and with cellphones.

I do aspire to ride in it one day, but to my knowledge there isn't a MTB stage race that ONLY features PRO riders. 90% of the field are privateers / amateurs and currently the race organisers need that to cover 30% of the cost with the rest coming from sponsors et al. As for le tour and tv coverage, I will for sure dig to watch more from the sharp end of the race. Atm, I don't see a day that a privateer 'can't' enter. I mean, privateers can enter the Dakar rally through a few qualifications. Regular people can do the comrades and other mega races. Anyway, keen to ride it in the coming 5 yrs.

Love watching the EPIC, but can't help but wonder IF we don't do it soon it will be impossible to afford / get in a few years from now. It's growing up a RAPID pace, both in popularity, stature etc. Thoughts?

Is anyone riding without a GPS this year? I don't own a GPS element with mapping capability and really not keen to drop 5k+ just for this race. Any place to hire?

I think you guys are being a bit harsh. The race atmosphere is different to a social ride. You push that little bit harder and don't stop as often to smell the daisies. As for the route - well the single track has expanded almost every time I've ridden there in the past few months and you can be sure that the race will not be 100% the usual. Traffic for getting in and out is however a total disaster, so hope they somehow figure that one out.

It's a lovely ride. The first climb up samola is even on tar (yay). you and your wife will have a groovy time.

Hi Louis, Any luck yet. I've got a Trail, but looking for another Trail entry. If you don't come right and want sell your entry for 2015, we'll assist. Have a great day.

Worth the cash? I say hell ye - https://fhpienaar.wordpress.com/2015/02/25/wines-2-whales-2015worth-the-cash/. Read why I say so.

The spruit is not the place where you should be getting to your technical bonifides. As above, check out thaba or one of my favorite little gems, rosemary hill. Irene also has a few pearler single track cornering sections.

Did you cycle around Spitzkoppe? This looks very familiar.

I honestly don't get the point of this thread. Posers or not. If you're on a bike and you're trying, good for you. Just understand when I come up behind you I'll be shouting "TRACK" with a please.

I find it fascinating that we are actually discussing this point. Why sweat the small stuff boys? I received 4 shirts at W2W, 1 from the race and 3 from the FNB private clients thing. I've given a shirt to a mate, so be it.

My bags are packed. Fly to CPT tomorrow. Ride starts on Monday. #Amped.

I used to ride Camelbak all the time, but now find 2 bottles does the trick. If you have space, go for 1 x 750ml and one regular side 500ml one. Day 1 got VERY hot last year, but not even a camelbak could save me from popping. The water points are stocked to the max ala Sani / Bergnbush. Just eat and drink early and often and you'll be fine. Watch that HR and survive till you summit the friggen walking of St. Lowry's pass. From there, lovely single track and district road to the end of day 1!