Epic 2012, How does it rate?

[GLuvsMtb]

It will be interesting to go look at a list of the top 100 UCI ranked XC and marathon riders in the world, and see how many of them rode the Epic this year. I could not help but think there were only 4 or 5 teams that had the potential to win it this year. For the Epic to be the TDF of mountain biking, the best of the best must be riding.

Are you saying that all the pro continental teams in the TDF has a shot at winning? Doubt it very much. The who's who of marathon racing was there. The XC guys are focussing on the olympics. I don't see the same guys doing the 400m and the marathon at the olympics, so to see something similar in MTB is very unique.

[sharkysa]

If you had to estimate roughly.... how many km's in total did you have to walk?

 

I would say between 6-7km.

 

3 climbs on stage 1

1 climb stage 3

1 climb Stage 4 (Charlies Hell)

 

And a few bits here and there. I recon you would ride more if everyone was not pushing in front of you.

[G-Unit]

I have done three:

 

2008 - Knysna to CT - tough route - severely hot some walking - lots of sand, more walking in sand. pretty fit but early in my career - 147km stage included but fast... TOUGH - This route was longer by a fair bit plus had more climbing.

 

2010 - Less tough but much fitter - raced it so everyday was hard, less walking, more riding, less sand, more dust, thorns... Great race.

 

2012 - Great route, some heat, lots of walking, more walking... Shoes buggered, got blisters from walking. Wind, Dust... then the rain - that made day three's queen stage look like a warm up. compounded by technicals and no brakes.the rest was epic. I'd say the route itself was tough, great mix, but the weather made it that much worse, so it added the mental toughness you needed to get through.

Thanks for the perspective. I'm glad you didn't say something like 'it was the easiest Epic ever'.

 

From the sound of things I really dodged a bullet by skipping the super-hard argus :-)

[Iwan Kemp]

Maybe, but I would rather wait for the route launch before I go throwing 40k around.

For that money I will treat myself to 1 x Whistler holiday AND 1x bike trip through UK AND 1 x bike trip through Spain. I'll come home with cash in my pocket and a lifetimes stories.

[MuddyMike]

As a 1st time Epic rider (and finisher), I obviously cant comment on previous races. I did however have the best week of my life riding the 2012 version. Yes it was tough, its the Epic, so if you expected anything less youre a fool.

 

Having done some decent preparation for the race over the last 6 months, I was very lucky to never hit the wall or have a day that I wanted to quit. What was amazing is that each day seemed to get tougher (with the exception of the fast Tuesday stage) and I wouldnt of had it any other way. The spirit amongst the riders was superb and to ride alongside riders from around the globe was brilliant. Every consecutive day you were challenged to conquer a tougher stage than before and that made the acheivement more valuable for me.

 

The argument that it's expensive is a mute point for me. It's a one of a kind event in SA and is on the majority of SA MTB's bucket lists. Once you have been there and seen what it takes to put an event like this together you will understand the costs. Yes you can go ride overseas...blah blah blah, but thats not riding an Epic. Will I rush back to the Epic? I dont know, but I am sure our paths will cross again, for now there are new trails to ride in other magnificent parts of our country.

 

Edited April 17, 2012 by rockhopper

[Underachiever]

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

 

LEL in 2013, 200 km longer than PBP. I've done the Epic and to be honest it was not THAT difficult. PBP is one HUGE mental challenge!

[walkerr]

LEL in 2013, 200 km longer than PBP. I've done the Epic and to be honest it was not THAT difficult. PBP is one HUGE mental challenge!

 

Count me even crazier then ... also training towards the LEL too

[G-Unit]

 

 

LEL in 2013, 200 km longer than PBP. I've done the Epic and to be honest it was not THAT difficult. PBP is one HUGE mental challenge!

 

'scuse my ignorance, but what are PBP and LEL?

[scotty]

'scuse my ignorance, but what are PBP and LEL?

 

Long distance Audax endurance rides

 

PBP = Paris Brest Paris

LEL = London Edinburgh London

[G-Unit]

 

 

Long distance Audax endurance rides

 

PBP = Paris Brest Paris

LEL = London Edinburgh London

 

Thanks. Will research to avoid further embarrassment :-)

[eitan]

Its interesting how people who have never done the Epic say it is expensive; those who did say "I cant afford it".....

[Ramrod]

It is definatly on my bucket list. Just to say i have finished the Epic. I think for any mtb rider it is an accomplishment. And yes, i am one of those that will keep my sticker only bike. lol

[Garfield2010]

It is definatly on my bucket list. Just to say i have finished the Epic. I think for any mtb rider it is an accomplishment. And yes, i am one of those that will keep my sticker only bike. lol

 

If I do the Epic I will have a custome EPIC paintjob done to my bike which is like forever permanent

[I FLY]

If I do the Epic I will have a custome EPIC paintjob done to my bike which is like forever permanent

 

Why?

 

All your friends know that you have done an Epic(s) and the 1st thing that a new mtber in your group asks is " Who has done the Epic?"

[Bike Mob]

I would say between 6-7km.

 

3 climbs on stage 1

1 climb stage 3

1 climb Stage 4 (Charlies Hell)

 

And a few bits here and there. I reckon you would ride more if everyone was not pushing in front of you.

 

I agree, it seems like a little, but when the terrain is either loose rocks or stones or between 20-25% gradient, 5km seems like a damn far way!!

[Garfield2010]

Why?

 

All your friends know that you have done an Epic(s) and the 1st thing that a new mtber in your group asks is " Who has done the Epic?"

 

Because soon I will tire of telling everyone that I have done the Epic. I will also paint the epic theme on my car and get 3 epic tattoos (one on the back of my neck, one on my chest and one on my calf).

 

Does anyone know if there is an Epic tie that I can buy and wear to work?