[Event] Absa Cape Epic

[Monark]

Monark.

So you are doing thousands of kilometers in preparation for the Epic.

Is there no extra costs for servicing of bike/replacing worn out components. And you do not service your bike before the start of the Epic, fitting new components as much as you can, and take extras with for "in case"

And do you not use any supplements during your training?

 

This all ads up to costs you would not have incurred if you did not do the Epic.

 

I'm just training for the J2C, and I'm finding these "hidden costs" Quite sure they will be much more with the Epic.

Or maybe I'm just going about this the wrong way.

 

But you would have been riding in any event? I concede that you may be doing more mileage but you would still need to replace those components due to normal wear and tear.  Supplements are supplements, again, one would be using them already (if you are so inclined. some ride on water/oros)

 

I think that panic buying and replacing is a psychological thing as well. It may not be completely necessary. I agree that peace of mind is nice though.

 

I just think that people make a massive thing about the entry fee. Climbing Everest isn't cheap. Going to France (properly) isn't cheap. Going to a UK football match isn't cheap.

 

Epic isn't that expensive when you start to look at it objectively.

[nathrix]

Living in a tent for a romantic 8 days of afk@k for only R68k is a bargain! Spending some time in some 5 star hotels with my family also comes to mind when I start looking at it objectively.

 

BTW, out of interest, is Kevin Vermaak hitting the tents after each stage or the local luxury accommodation?

[kosmonooit]

Depends how deep your bucket is...

 

I think a lot of local teams are putting the entry through their businesses, going by the team names.

 

Was on my bucket list when I first heard of it, back in the early days the journey from Kynsa to CT appealed to me, but now riding  loops in that heat and dust, not high on the pleasure factor for me being the fun rider I am, give me the green rolling hiils and escarpment of Mpumalanga anyday, but big kudos to all those who take this beast on, and I do follow it like any other big time cycling event.

[kosmonooit]

Living in a tent for a romantic 8 days of afk@k for only R68k is a bargain! Spending some time in some 5 star hotels with my family also comes to mind when I start looking at it objectively.

 

BTW, out of interest, is Kevin Vermaak hitting the tents after each stage or the local luxury accommodation?

 

 

Doubt it, motor home for sure at least. I would. If I could.

[slabs]

For any of you wanting the Jeukendrup recipe, you can ask him yourself and he is staying in the tents....

 

[Stevief]

I think a lot of local teams are putting the entry through their businesses, going by the team names.

 

Was on my bucket list when I first heard of it, back in the early days the journey from Kynsa to CT appealed to me, but now riding  loops in that heat and dust, not high on the pleasure factor for me being the fun rider I am, give me the green rolling hiils and escarpment of Mpumalanga anyday, but big kudos to all those who take this beast on, and I do follow it like any other big time cycling event.

This is my main reason for not doing it, (im also to unfit)  i would really consider it if we rode trails that were Epic and "out there" not loops in areas that we ride every other weekend.  The original Knysna to Cape is something i wouldve loved so thats why this year its Jhb2 c for me.  I really think the best ride on the calender is probably the Cape pioneer trek, i reckon the Trek is what the original EPic tried to be before it grew into this huge corporate/commercial monster thats its become.  In saying that well done to KV he really has created something special with this race in the last 10 years or so.

[Slowbee]

This is my main reason for not doing it, (im also to unfit)  i would really consider it if we rode trails that were Epic and "out there" not loops in areas that we ride every other weekend.  The original Knysna to Cape is something i wouldve loved so thats why this year its Jhb2 c for me.  I really think the best ride on the calender is probably the Cape pioneer trek, i reckon the Trek is what the original EPic tried to be before it grew into this huge corporate/commercial monster thats its become.  In saying that well done to KV he really has created something special with this race in the last 10 years or so.

same applies to you as Wanabe - you better have a decent ride report - or ELSE, I will be forced to send you staffie puppies.

[Wannabe]

same applies to you as Wanabe - you better have a decent ride report - or ELSE, I will be forced to send you staffie puppies.

 

 

You can send them my way......

[Velouria]

Monark.

So you are doing thousands of kilometers in preparation for the Epic.

Is there no extra costs for servicing of bike/replacing worn out components. And you do not service your bike before the start of the Epic, fitting new components as much as you can, and take extras with for "in case"

And do you not use any supplements during your training?

 

This all ads up to costs you would not have incurred if you did not do the Epic.

 

I'm just training for the J2C, and I'm finding these "hidden costs" Quite sure they will be much more with the Epic.

Or maybe I'm just going about this the wrong way.

I think that's what the industries around the Epic want us all to believe. From bike shops, supplements, kit, mechanics, massages, etc.

 

It doesn't have to cost that much. There is an obsession with this race that people feel that if they don't spend money they aren't going to make it. That's rubbish. It's just another bike race. If you see what everyone was riding on 13 years ago you'd laugh, and yet people finished the Epic on steel framed 26 inch bikes, with tubes, rim breaks, and 2 inches of front suspension.

 

Regarding the thousands of kilometres in preparation. There is no need for that. Train smart. Quality over quantity. You can ride Epic on 10 hours a week. On a hardtail. With a triple chainring. And still come in the top 50.

[GLuvsMtb]

Living in a tent for a romantic 8 days of afk@k for only R68k is a bargain! Spending some time in some 5 star hotels with my family also comes to mind when I start looking at it objectively.

 

BTW, out of interest, is Kevin Vermaak hitting the tents after each stage or the local luxury accommodation?

Does the glampers get a different medal to the campers? I'm yet to meet someone who asks whether you roughed it on a 20k hardtail, living in tents and packing sarmies from the breakfast table or if you rode a 120k team edition dual sus, were flown in and out by chopper from the Mount Nelson Presidential suite and have supplements made by a private division at USN.

[kosmonooit]

Are there any actually any 26" in the race this year?  Last I heard/saw was Tom "the snor"  Richey in 2013

 

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get2/I0000M9Xm671ZbZA/fit=1000x750/ACE2013Day2-GB-356.jpg

[mazambaan]

No Velouria; you have it wrong; "YOU You can ride Epic on 10 hours a week. On a hardtail. With a triple chainring. And still come in the top 50."   

 

Respect!

[Kranswurm]

Doubt it, motor home for sure at least. I would. If I could.

Most Capies just go home at night

[kosmonooit]

Most Capies just go home at night

 

 

That's probably why  the show orbs the mother city.

 

But I am sure there is something to be had by the socialising in the evenings.

[Slowbee]

No Velouria; you have it wrong; "YOU You can ride Epic on 10 hours a week. On a hardtail. With a triple chainring. And still come in the top 50."   

 

Respect!

:clap:

[Velouria]

No Velouria; you have it wrong; "YOU You can ride Epic on 10 hours a week. On a hardtail. With a triple chainring. And still come in the top 50."   

 

Respect!

 

Now you're making me sound like a d!ck. I've done the 20 hour a week plus training thing, and by the time you get to Epic you hate everything. You hate your bike. You hate your coach. You hate the event. You hate cycling! And your wife hates you. (At least I've always left each Epic still being friends with my partner).

 

Yes, the entry costs a lot, and it is worth every cent, but you don't have to go crazy on all the extras. Everybody will try to convince you that you have to open your wallet for the latest and greatest thingymagig which will ensure an amazing Epic, but the truth is there are three things that ensure a great Epic. An awesome partner, realistic expectations, and a positive attitude.