mrcg

I've only done one Epic (2017) - am I allowed to comment? (for completeness, I have done nearly ALL the SA races in the last 14 years (some times multiple times - don't worry, won't list them all 😉) . I also worked and supported on a few ACE's. For me (disclaimer: these are my own opinions and do not translate into any fact for all at all), the Epic for the last 6+ years has seen a drastic decrease in overall value to the "general customer satisfaction" outside of the riding experience (I'll come back to this). 80% of the field is not necessarily experiencing what I personally think they could/should in SA, considering the level set by the early events, most notably Sani2c. The value proposition of the Epic is: world toughest MTB race, the Tour de France of MTB. Enter ye fools and pay a crazy premium price tag to ride "with" Nino the GOAT. Suck it up, toughen up and ride, or be spat out. F#$k the food, the comforts and extra costs - you are privileged to be here in the first place. Before I get to the riding experience, let me state (again, only my own personal opinion), that each rider is such an individual (hence training plans copy and paste usually fail), that each individual who steps up needs to understand their own body, physique, history, propensities in actions, specific talents, adaptive qualities etc. etc. This will determine individual outcomes. There are riders in the top 250 ACE field who are very strong riders on flats and up the steepest gradients, but who still walk technical bits, or fall down switchbacks, or slow to a crawl in rock gardens. Not only due to lack of skills, but mostly due to this and then their risk/reward calculation. The further back in the field you go, the more the issues compound (preparation being equal-ish). However, you can take a life-time athlete, who has never ridden a MTB, but has a "feel" for riding, is not scared, used to possibly ride bmx as a kid, and within a good 3-6month period build him/her up to ride ACE and finish comfortably/top 300 teams. Ultimately, you can be a Mini racing in F1 race with the best tuned engine, chassis, tyres etc. - but you will be lapped many many times. So, I think the courses have become harder, because the racing focus is on the top athletes. Less kilometers, but more climbing per kilometer (not sure about this "fact"), way more technical and challenging. And this is the most important factor for ME to ride the Epic. The challenge of the course (taking away the ridiculous entry fee). I wasn't keen to ride this year (couldn't afford it anyway), because I knew most stages intimately (Durbanville Hills, Paarl). But if a spare, free ticket cropped up, guess who would be on the start line? Anyway, my overall point is: the Epic is not for everyone. Most riders (mostly international) do not really know what they are getting themselves into. TIA. It is even harder for them, despite decent talent and preparation. For us poor locals (in all respects), we need to decide if we are looking for an ultimate challenge. Because, in my opinion, you do the Epic to "race". And here I mean, race yourself within the limitations of yourself or your partner. This needs to be your best performance, how well can you ride, how quick can you finish (all within reason of course). The Epic is surely not a participation event. Not for that price tag, and the REAL prospect of great harm possibly coming to your body (excluding death - nobody signs up for that!). There are so many great events, who prioritise the gees, great rider experience, more "chilled" routes, better tent villages, food, limitless drinks (although that might have disappeared forever) etc. etc. - that is more for the mainstream rider. Final disclaimer: this does NOT absolve the ACE of such poor organisation, off-bike experience, lack of interest of the sub-elite level rider etc. (see previous post of mine). But it is a clear "maximising for profit" event. Accept it and deal with it. Forgot what my point was 😂

Remember the pros have their own people supporting them. I would assume they handed them the 5l. They are usually cognisant of the fact that the backmarkers need it more. But of course it is possible. What usually happens though is that riders from about midpack take the "showers" at the waterpoints and this escalates and compounds to the backmarkers. But this is all known, yet planning remains inefficient and questionable. Hopefully a water problem did not lead to the possible deaths and dozens of hospitalisations, as there would be a strong case for negligence. Having ridden and worked at the Epic, there are soooo many areas that need improvement. But the arrogance of management is mindblowing. Perhaps a proper comeuppance is what is needed. If lives were again lost, serious questions need to be asked

as expected...but the right thing to do! I saw few people on course today who are prime heart attack and kidney failure candidates 😷

C'mon man, what are you expecting for a bargain price event??! Although I believe there are luxury upgrades 🤪 Is the kos also premium grade as every year?

Spent a few hours out there with the boys and girl too, having ridden from Blouberg to D'Ville and over to Airfield and then back home. By 11am it was a cool decent 32C, by noon it hit 38C. And that wasn't near Paarl. Feeling sorry for those backmarkers, as the temperature increases every 10km toward Paarl. So tomorrow and Thursday, the heat will also be a factor for the pros, as the temps will be around 40, if not slightly above, while they are finishing off their rides. Wouldn't be surprised if a stage gets shortened. And then there's possibly some rain on the weekend. Lots of interesting racing to come. Let's go N1no and Colombo!

https://youtu.be/242BZrw-U2U?si=gZN2FgNaN8gSwsBD

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our little worlds, we forget the basics and how the basics can also connect us back to nature and each other. Thought it might be nice to have a thread with stories that inspire awe, wonder, respect and connections. All under the banner of: "Get out and ride!"

A stated above, Platteklip and Lion's Head will be very busy, especially on weekends. And there are some security about now and then, normally at the trail start. If you want to choose the less travelled routes, then the danger potential will increase significantly. Even with a dog and/or guide. This is more true after main season (November to February). My friend who lives in Vredehoek and has been walking his dog for years was mugged not 2 weeks ago. So, as always, nothing is 100% safe. Local knowledge helps a lot but is no guarantee.

For your request for ease of access, the Tygerberg trails will be more than you can wish for. It's got all different specs and you can pick and choose distance and elevation accordingly. Perhaps also look into holiday membership options, as paying every day might add up. But you will want to ride every day - so many good trails to explore: Hoogekraal, Contermanskloof, Bloemendal, Meerendal etc

Spaffy, welcome to the sport. Nothing wrong with your entry choice. As described above, there are limitations to your current choice. BUT it suits the current conditions. Ride as much and as frequently as possible and try riding over sidewalks, grass verges etc to get a feel for more technical input. You might get away with some decent gravel riding for a while (after full bike rebuild). This will further improve your feel for off-tar riding. Some riders can progress quicker, others take longer. However, as soon as you hit proper MTB trails, you will notice the restrictions of your current bike immediately. You might not understand why, but the components are not made for serious mtb riding. But you will not know this initially, as you lack the experience. The bike will handle very badly and awkwardly and cause you to be unsure or afraid. But those serious trails are still a ways off for you and your wife (depending on your natural skill levels). So enjoy the ride for now, knowing that somewhere along the road you can and will do the upgrade we have all done. And you have a great resource on tap with the Bike Hub, where EVERYONE is the best expert. Ever. Lol

When the price is hidden everywhere on the website and only revealed at the enter stage just before payment, is a dead giveaway that it's pricey (unless I missed it somewhere else). Always a turnoff for me to have to hunt down the price. Love the race I've done a few times, and still want to crack the 6.4h time. But yeah, entry is only one cost factor to consider......

Greetings Mel. There's a ton of facets that come into consideration (some mentioned above). Try find somebody you know (or contact as with Robert) that is already in the sport for some advice (caution: not everything said is sound advice - so 2nd opinions are always a good idea). Before you go the buy route (remember all the equipment that is also needed: helmet, shoes, padding, pump etc etc.) I would suggest, if not already done, to rent a bike and ride a few different trails. Then you will quickly find out more. Also, where are you located, so we can send you in the general directions?

At Melkbos gate I was told last week that they're still closed. There's a little water left. I told him we have MTB's. He didn't quite catch that. In any case, after the rains this past weekend, I assume it will remain closed until October....