Epic 2012, How does it rate?

[sharkysa]

I was wondering if those crazy men that have done numerous Epics can put 2012 into perspective?

 

It was my first and i will not be up tonight for the early bird entries!

 

Quotes of the Epic for me:

 

Asking a guy who had done 3 Epics which stage was the most difficult during Stage 3's 145km slog.

 

Answer ' always the last stage' that was too true considering the carnage in stage 4 and 5....

 

The race director explaining Stage 3 in a German accent " the first 40 km will be on tar and district roads and are FREE miles", ja right but what about the 100km with 4 massive climbs that were not 'FREE'!

 

All in all a good event with too much hike a bike, the weather was unplayable and you had to toil for the 2012 medal.

 

See you in 2014!

[SwissVan]

 

It was my first and i will not be up tonight for the early bird entries!

 

 

 

Alarm Bell sound .......Tonight will be to late

 

2013 Race Dates: 17 - 24 March 2013

Entry Fee: R39, 800 per team

Early Bird Entries Open: 2nd April 2012, 15:00 (GMT+2)

Lottery Opens: 2 April 2012 (closes 30 May 2012)

 

Decision time for some, tough decision to make 12 months in advance....

[Stevief]

Decision time for some, tough decision to make 12 months in advance....

 

 

Let me see ............................................................ computer says NO!!

['Dale]

Alarm Bell sound .......Tonight will be to late

 

2013 Race Dates: 17 - 24 March 2013

Entry Fee: R39, 800 per team

Early Bird Entries Open: 2nd April 2012, 15:00 (GMT+2)

Lottery Opens: 2 April 2012 (closes 30 May 2012)

 

Decision time for some, tough decision to make 12 months in advance....

 

Would you consider doing it a 2nd time, Swissvan?

['Dale]

Decision time for some, tough decision to make 12 months in advance....

 

 

Let me see ............................................................ computer says NO!!

 

If my playpen was on sand and mud, this would be a cool test.

No equivalent on tarmac in SA.

The Trans Alp would be it. Or even crazier, the PBP.

[kandui]

Did last year's Epic and can say that this one was tougher, mainly due to the adverse weather conditions. Also, last year we had the "Rest Day" in Worcester with the TT, followed by the 146km to Oak Valley. I believe over 50% of the field were Newbies this year. I guess the Early Birds will go mainly to the first timers who promised themselves they would do the Epic once in their life. This year's Epic was no walk in the park and I am not fostering fond memories of the last 8 days that make me want to come rushing back for more in 2013. I enjoyed it in places (some of the scenery was spectacular, like Charlie's Heaven), but there were also some rather bland areas we rode through. The Caledon to Caledon Stage was mostly below par, just the areas where we climbed (Babylonstoren and Charlies Heaven) on the day were great.

A very basic summation.

[(Deon)]

Wonder what the crew were alluding to when they made the comment "that if ever an Epic was to be done, 2013 should be the one."

 

Makes sense since it will be a tenth event.

[kosmonooit]

The Epic wouldn't be the Epic if it wasn't Epic!

[kandui]

Maybe, but I would rather wait for the route launch before I go throwing 40k around. Speculation is that they will do a Knysna to Lourensford route, but I have my reservations. For 1200 riders and what goes with it, the logistics would be too massive and costly. Plus, how does that really set it apart from previous Epics? 10 is just a number, I don't see them doing anything WOW for that one.

[GLuvsMtb]

Wonder what the crew were alluding to when they made the comment "that if ever an Epic was to be done, 2013 should be the one."

 

Makes sense since it will be a tenth event.

Lots of rumours doing the rounds from it being from Knysna to Lourensford to it being the old route in reverse (Lourensford to Knysna). Some rumours suggest a 9 day event, others that it will be the toughest one ever.

I'm saving my money till mid February when the over-zeallous corporate entrants reallise that they are in way over their heads. Easy to then pick up an entry for about 1/2 price.

[Ed-Zulu]

If your name is Burry or Christoph, then it was the race of a lifetime...

[Stevief]

Lots of rumours doing the rounds from it being from Knysna to Lourensford to it being the old route in reverse (Lourensford to Knysna). Some rumours suggest a 9 day event, others that it will be the toughest one ever.

I'm saving my money till mid February when the over-zeallous corporate entrants reallise that they are in way over their heads. Easy to then pick up an entry for about 1/2 price.

 

Agreed there were a few entries on the hub last month going for 17k for team entry.

[SwissVan]

Would you consider doing it a 2nd time, Swissvan?

 

For sure, just the $$$ involved that are an issue, not cheap and thats without traveling there from EU

[mr HED]

as a wannabe Epic rider, despite the knowledge that there is a lot of walking, sand, potential for bad weather conditions and that potentially you will meet your personal 'wall' somewhere out there, the Epic is the true yard-stick of every mountain biker. no one asks how many sani2c's you did, cos well, a granny on a road bike could do it.

 

for me its a test, a physical and a mental one.

 

hold thumbs i get in, wait till i do the epic, and then i might sing a different tune:)

[walkerr]

Or even crazier, the PBP.

 

Count me crazy then .... that's the one I have set my sights on (quite possibly a big mistake!)

[George Nel]

It was Epic,more walking than the Pioneer of last year.Love the hype and everything that is the Epic.Well done to Dr.Evil for a tough route.I'll be back next year if God permits.