slabs

Has anyone the reason why this has never been a debate for road bikes?

At "Dictator" Ja, and you are an ex Springbok as well??? Maybe there is a lesson in that these guys have been disciplined in their training, have been superfit and know what it takes to suffer. Look at all the other top sport personalities that do the race succesfully (Joel Stransky, Marius Hurter, Andrew Patterson, Alain Prost, etc). Once you have reached the top level of your sport, then comment

I did not pay for flights or extra accommodation on Epic, but have for other events (J2C as example)....but what I am trying to convey everyone is ripping off the cost of events and yes some are expensive and many are a rip-off. Thing is people have a choice on how they want to or do not want to spend their money. This is also organised by Alex Harris (winner of the Freedom Challenge and experienced mountain climber), so you will pay a good deal for that privilege (your choice if you want to). Or as many have alluded to, go and organise your own excursion, but pay the price for the hassles that go along with it.

A lot has been said on the hub about the cost of events: value for money, Epic is expensive, rather fly to Europe and do Trans Alps - it's cheaper....etc. BUT look at this one that is organised by Alex Harris, called the Everest Mountain bike tour. Stretches over 15 days and goes past the base camp. For only $7500 (yikes!) you can enter, get a personalised training program, a warm-up ride to Rhodes, a chef and with their contacts a cheap business class ticket to Tibet (yes flights are excluded from the tour price)..... So stop complaining about the Epic - let's go and fork out R60K excluding flights for a ride to Everest.... EINA

All I can say is try it before you comment on drop outs. Nothing in the weekend races compares to this. Every day there is severe climbing, very technical decents where bikes and riders take a pounding and then there is the weather.40 plus temps are not uncommon and you do this for 8 days in a row. By the way only 5 teams DNF today and that was over 140km with nearly 3000m of climbing. Pretty impressive. Bottom line do it before you wonder

Nope Tommy 2 Shoes, Schurter on a 650B (27.5) hardtail. Let the debates begin now!

Thanks!

Can anyone tell me how long a lap is?

My point exactly. There will be premier events (Epic, Sani, J2C, Wine to Whales, Wild ride, maybe Pioneer and one or 2 others), but they do have sponsors and are well organised. Tuli will also always have a market because of where it is held and a lot of the entry goes to charity. And then there is the Freedom Challenge for the ultimate endurance event. Point is there are probably 50 or more "multi-stage" events held throughout the country and people and sponsors will start looking for value. The Dr Evil Classic is a great idea and runs in conjunction with a very popular event. So let's see how supply and demand works, but my feeling is there will be a small group of cyclists entering this one. Also remember it is very soon after the Trans Baviaans as well. And I will not be entering - am rather doing the Epic where you really get ripped off, but enjoy every moment of it!

Nice idea, but a rip off. K2C over 100km is R290, so you pay over R2000 for the other 160 km and this exludes accommodation!

Have to agree with this post. You also have access to all the areas mentioned without getting into a car or doing much riding on tar to get to the routes. You literally are on the dirt within a few minutes from leaving home! For longer rides you can even go all the way to Hermanus by following large parts of the Wines to Whales route. Cannot think of too many areas with so many options on your doorstep.

Just had a look at the new event run in conjunction with the Karoo to Coast. The Dr Evil Classic runs over 3 days and the last stage is the K2C - Cost of entry is R2 350 and this EXCLUDES accommodation! And even worse the K2C entry is R290, so you are paying over R2000 for 160km of riding and R290 for 100km.... http://www.drevilclassic.com/racedetails/rdentryfee.php Am I the only one feeling ripped off by these event costs????

That sounds like the one and must say she was not shy about displaying those saggies either!

There was another lady as you started Chappies (opposite Monkey Valley). Very skimpy bikini and no top.... Common hubbers, someone must have some visual proof!

And now from the Joberg2C organisers: Important news from the Old Mutual joBerg2c organisers: CSA Licenses: We have been informed that Cycling South Africa is enforcing a day license fee of R35.00 per day if riders are not licensed already. Riders can pay R315 at registration or join CSA by the 30th March 2012 and pay only R75.00 for an annual membership. You will also need to join a club - there are some reasonable clubs around. ... Visit www.cyclingsa.com for more information. This will not apply to overseas entrants!

Thanks for al replies - will do some research. Funny thing it started after I took the side bars off the handlebars after one broke. Have also done plenty miles on the bike, so the setup cannot suddenly become a problem?

Have obviously pinched a nerve on my left hand, but have a permanent and light feeling of pins and needles in my left hand (pinky and ring finger). Have changed my grips and gloves, but does not seem to go away. Cannot afford to rest until beginning April and was wondering what other advice might be out there??

Thanks for the responses. It does seem to be a hot debate if one should use one or not - we had one on Joberg2C and it made a huge difference, but I am also not sure which is best. Going to start with as many new components as possible and my gut feeling is that if things go wrong it will be in the latter part of the race. Question is then can one just approach one of the mechanics and will they not be to busy. I definitely do not want to use anyone that handles too many bikes and then they do not really give your bike the attention needed. Last question: how does the bike wash service work?

Any suggestions who can be approached as a mechanic for our team on the Epic?

Anybody know about these guys and if it is worth it? See they sell maps for R55... http://capetownbicyclemap.co.za/

Agree - I have planned to ride with a 3l Camelback and 2 bottles, but will mostly be relying on the camelback. The bottles are there to cool me off when needed!

Thanks for this! Heard before that you had to buy some food afterwards, but as you point out this looks like more than enough. Also guess you do not need too much drink on the bike if you have a WP every 30km.

Can anyone give me an idea what food and drink is usually provided on each stage at the waterpoints and at the end of each stage? Also how far are the WP's generally from each other?

Agree that it is very boring and not so good for the behind! But when you have no other choice this is always an option. Obviously best training is on your bike, but it is not always possible and you get forced indoors. I literally do about 1-2 sessions a week indoors. Just was thinking there could be some other reason....