lukelockie

I had the pleasure of working with Tim on many occasions during my years at Cape Epic. We laughed, we stressed, we swore, we laughed some more. Tim's wit was and will remain unmatched, and I'll cherish every moment I got to spend with him. RIP, my friend.

Can confirm that this event is incredible! The logistics of the event behind the scenes are absolutely nuts as you have to travel between islands before you actually do some of the stages. I was in the hotel when I did it and have had some mates who were on the boats. Will try detail my experience versus their feedback: Hotel: Rooms were decent, food was great, vibe was excellent. It felt more inclusive because we got to mingle with everyone and not just the peeps on the boat. There is some stress on moving mornings as you need to check out of the hotels, catch busses to the ferry ports, board the ferries and then sail to next islands before racing, then jumping onto a bus, heading to the next hotel for the night and then repeating. What was epic was the chance to meet people from all over the world and share race stories over a cold beer. Boats: Once in a lifetime type of experience (the more you spend, the better the boat and the greater the experience). Far less hassle as you essentially wake up at the next island, jump off the boat, head to the startline, race, then return to the boat after. Rinse and repeat. Mates' feedback was it was definitely worth spending the bucks on being on a boat if you are going with a group as the people on the boat are who you will spend your evenings and mornings with and you tend to miss out on the vibe of the race village and the hotel lobbies. The riding: The riding is unreal! Climbs are steep, you'll experience more rocks than you've ever seen in your life, and the views will take your breath away. If you're going to do this event once and only once, forget about doing it as a race. Rather embrace the magnificence of the experience, meet some new people, soak in the beauty, and enjoy it Tips: Make sure your transfers from airport to the first island are sorted as well as the transfer back. Pack some warm gear as it can get VERY cold in the mornings and evenings (as well as on the bike) If you can, pack a spare chainring as you may want to drop a size for one or two of the days. Enjoy the free beer and coffee at the end of each stage. Be fitter than I was.

So proud to be part of the team behind the brand! We're having a load of fun with it and I believe it's showing through in the product(s) we've designed! Thanks for the support!

Hey Kyle, the Giant Trance 29 2 is rad! I think you grabbed the link for the Trance Advanced 29 2. Here's the link to the Trance 29 2 (aluminium frame): https://giant-bicycles.co.za/products/trance-29-2-metallic-black-black?available%20colours=metallic%20black%20%2F%20black&available%20sizes=s

Are you buying new or second hand?

You can buy two top of the range Giant Anthems for this price.

My two cents (highly unqualified to comment on nutrition, so keep that in mind) is that you will have access to USN products at every water point during each stage of Epic, so why not keep trialing USN products in the build-up to the event so you can figure out what does and does not work with your system? That way you know how your body reacts to the different products in the range; otherwise you're going to carry your mix/gels/bars with you and then be faced with the concern of trying something new midway through a stage when you stop at a water point. Good luck with the training and prep!

Don't forget about the Giant Happy Hour from 5-6PM each day (FREE beer) and the Liv Nail bar for the ladies after Stage 2! (Shameless punt to get some friendly faces across to the Giant and Liv tents )

Erik, if you haven't done this already, put a proposal together that you can send to/present to the company. You should cover things like: - Who you are and why you ride - What your goals are for the events you have lined up - Why you think that XYZ company is a good fit for you - Why you think you're a good fit for XYZ company - How you plan to bring them value - How you're going to report on said value - What the exact request is: do you want a bike and kit and entries or just kit, or just entries. Be specific as it makes the decision maker's life easier. Good luck.

Mr. Sheen Carpet Fresh powder... dry your shoes out and sprinkle some of the lavender and vanilla scented power in there. Laugh if you must, but give it a bash.

Event Name: FNB Wines2WhalesWhen: 20/10/2023 - 29/10/2023Where: Curro Hermanus high school, , Sandbaai, Western CapeCategory: Mountain BikeThe Race with GEES! The FNB Wines2Whales was born out of the desire to create a world-class 3-day stage race in the Western Cape of South Africa. Since inception in 2009, the three events, aptly named after the wines of the area, have become a must-do event on the mountain bike calendar with riders from the farthest reaches of the country and the world.  The spirit of the FNB Wines2Whales is “gees” – truly South African phrase that is only understood once experienced. The race's biggest drawcard is undoubtedly the route, which has been perfected over the past 13 years. In 2022, the race followed the traditional route and took teams from the wines of Lourensford to the whales of Hermanus. It was only traditional in direction as Cape Trails, Agrimark, and many landowners poured countless hours into uplifting the route and building new features, thus ensuring it was #SeriousGEES throughout.  In 2023, we're switching things up as we host the FNB W2W Switchback that will take teams from Curro, Hermanus to Oak Valley Estate to Lourensford Wine Estate. And, you guessed it, the route will be new, it will be improved, and it will deliver Serious GEES at every possible opportunity! Entries to the 2023 FNB Wines2Whales open on 14 February 2023! Be the first in line or you will miss out! Go to Event Page.

Event Name: SPAR Swiss EpicWhen: 15/08/2023 - 19/08/2023Where: , Davos Platz, GraubündenCategory: Mountain BikeConquer the Alps Eat, sleep and breathe mountain biking at this premium, all-inclusive MTB stage race situated amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Graubünden region. With a fresh new route each year, the SPAR Swiss Epic is a unique test of endurance, resolve and skill with the staggering beauty of the snow-capped, jagged skyline set as the perfect antidote to the physical and mental demands of off-road racing. Two-person teams and share an unforgettable 5-day adventure together on fast-flowing trails. Go to Event Page.

Event Name: Andorra EpicWhen: 05/07/2023 - 08/07/2023Where: La Massana, La MassanaCategory: Andorra EpicDiscover an unbeatable spirit born of the Andorran Pyrenees The Andorra Epic stage race is surrounded by the beauty and intensity of the Andorran Pyrenees mountains and promises excitement, thrill and reward for two-member teams on the quest for adventure. The premium MTB experience is more than a bucket list race, it is the very heartbeat of mountain biking in Andorra. Feel the pulse of the Andorran Pyrenees and allow its beauty and mystique to be revealed in the trails.  In 2023 riders will experience more of the Andorran Pyrenees than ever before. The 2023 edition of the event features four stages for the first time giving riders more kilometres, more Pyrenees, more of the Epic Series experience. Go to Event Page.

Event Name: 4Islands CroatiaWhen: 18/04/2023 - 22/04/2023Where: , Baška, Primorsko-goranska županijaCategory: Mountain BikeRace where islands are stages, goat paths are trails and the sea plays hide and seek! 4Islands is a totally unique event within the world of mountain biking. During the five days of racing, teams of two will experience four different islands, each with its own challenges and demands. In 2023, the route takes in 298 kilometres and 6 020 metres of climbing from the start of the Prologue to the finish of Stage 4. Go to Event Page.

Event Name: Absa Cape EpicWhen: 19/03/2023 - 26/03/2023Where: Cape Farms, Cape Town, Western CapeCategory: Mountain BikeThe Absa Cape Epic is the most televised mountain bike race in the world and the only eight-day mountain bike stage race classed as hors catégorie by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI); this official UCI status makes it a highlight on the professional racer's calendar. The Absa Cape Epic also attracts aspiring amateur riders wanting to test themselves against the best. It is a full-service race, meaning that everything is taken care of from the start - all riders need to think about is riding. The race must be completed by both members of a two-person team with only 680 teams allowed to ride the race each year. Every edition follows a different route, leading aspiring amateur and professional mountain bikers from around the world through roughly 700 untamed kilometres of unspoiled scenery and up 16 000m of climbing. Go to Event Page.