Chris NewbyFraser Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 I had a vigorous debate with a younger friend this past weekend. He is of the view that average riders of Grand Master age (60+) cannot prepare for and complete the Epic, and if they do there would be serious consequences for their health. Of course, as I turn 60 this year and feel good when riding a whole 50km..... I argued to the contrary. We agreed to disagree. But I would like an answer. Anybody have definitive info on this?Failing which, I would like to find a company who wants this info and would be prepared to co-sponsor a team of GM riders (not genetically modified, more like genetically modi 'fried'.) It would be interesting to see how this bag of fat and bones would adapt and prepare, then cope with the actual event. This is of course, the only way that I can afford to enter this horribly expensive mission. Any offers?
Red Zone Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 Plenty of bullets who have done the epic, think the oldest was over 70, no reason why you cant do it at an advanced age, worth getting a good physical before hand though.
Paul Ruinaard Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 I will buy the lowers for your funeral, if you like. You comfortable at 50km's and want to do an Epic and you are 60 years old. Never say never but ....I think you may need to raise that bar a bit. like 8 successive days of 100+kms. That said my one mate rode it with me in 2006 at about 58 years old. But he is a genetic throwback and weighs all of 60kgs at race weight. Second ting is recovery - that will be your biggest decision. How quick do you return to good...
Prince Albert Cycles Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 I did it easily 10 years ago when I was 57 . My friend Malan van Rensburg did it last year at 69 and again riding this year at 70 . And he is not in the last 30% . But he trains and his weight is spot on . He did 27 hours of training last week with me and a few others . So in theory it is more than possible but whether you are up to it I am not able to say .
Matchstix Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 In 2009 I rode with an amazing partner.He entered the epic and started training the june before the epic.He is a tall fellow but weighed 125kgBy epic time he was 95kg.Unfortunately he did not finish, on the 6th day his front shifter packed up. I tried stripping and fixing it but with no success.He has entered every year as far as I know since then but yet to finish.He was 63 in 2009
Wil6 Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 In 2009 I rode with an amazing partner.He entered the epic and started training the june before the epic.He is a tall fellow but weighed 125kgBy epic time he was 95kg.Unfortunately he did not finish, on the 6th day his front shifter packed up. I tried stripping and fixing it but with no success.He has entered every year as far as I know since then but yet to finish.He was 63 in 2009Did he not finish because of this? Does not really make sense.
Matchstix Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 It was the days of 26" and triple chainrings.He could pedal the big gears on the flats parts but needed his granny gear on the climbs. But was not strong enough to ride everything in middle blade.Since we spent long days in the saddle there was no way of making the cut off to adjust the stop screws to keep in a gear every time he needed to shift.
HappyMartin Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 Yep youngsters have all the theory. The old guys have all the experience. Three years back I was sitting at the dinner table at the Berg and Bush. This chap in his twenties was having a go at some old guy he had met who was trying to do the race on a hard tail. The chap under discussion was 40. Everyone was giggling about it until. I said I was 51 and was feeling quite comfortable after day two and I was on a hard tail. Joe Friel has a new book out for the over 50 cyclist. You will be shocked at what the older body is capable of if looked after.
arendoog Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 I know and have ridden with a Mnr Steyn and his son .In 2013 he was 65 and we rode the JB2C together .They had completed the Epic also in the same year .He is as fit and fast as any 35 year old
Firemeister Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 The Masters and Grand Masters categories have some seriously tough and competitive racers fighting it up front along the best. I'll be careful to underestimate a rider just because of age, especially in ultra endurance events where maturity mental strength plays a massive role
Chris NewbyFraser Posted February 13, 2015 Author Posted February 13, 2015 Thanks fella's. I have referred my detractor to this column. Might cook a humble pie for him to eat as well.
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