Jump to content

Absa Cape Epic 2017


Acerunner

Recommended Posts

I'd feel claustrophobic and get way too hot with a camelback. Those pockets are made to be stuffed to the brim...and my partners for holding on to

Make your partner wear a camelback... those straps are easier to hold on to than a pocket...
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 1.8k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

It's doable on bottles, and you don't have to stuff your pockets. The water points are well stocked - take your time, enjoy the food.

 

But, if you're happy with a Camelbak, stick to it. Do what you know.

 

And like everything - ride waterpoint to waterpoint.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the waterpoints have good food...that is great cause I generally stock my pockets with energy bars and energy jellies...I hate a camelback...makes it way too hot...especially if we will get temperatures close to 40 ...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the waterpoints have good food...that is great cause I generally stock my pockets with energy bars and energy jellies...I hate a camelback...makes it way too hot...especially if we will get temperatures close to 40 ...

The past EPics have seen well stocked waterpoints for sure. They run a solid range of sweet and savoury things (as well as cut fruit - cold oranges a bonus when its hot). My first two Epics were done riding with a Camelbak - but the long days and heat caused a heat rash on my back that I've never picked up on other race. Took weeks for it to go afterwards - and it was irritated in the shower. This year (4th Epic) I'm going bottles only. The points are close enough to stock up on liquid. Obviously if the paw-paw hits the fan and you have a bad mechanical - well, then you're buggered anyway! Enjoy the run.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gents,

also my first EPIC. Feeling calm but slooowly getting excited :w00t: :clap:

Have ridden tons of events though (Joberg2C, Tankwa, Sani, Trailseekers etc etc.)

I think two main point for training now are:

1. do a lot of hill repeats now (for max 2hour rides), ride "round" (push and pull) and do plenty rest between repeats (5-10min). Esp if you're from Gauteng - find a hill!). Ride in race conditions not only 4am!

2. Do recovery rides!! Recovery (not a beer) is as important as training!!!!!! Recovery: low intensity rides (+-20-30km).

For event:

1. Be calm and believe all will be good (even in pain)

2. Eat and drink regularly! (every +- 20min). water point to water point. take 2min at water point min - you will be repaid later. Ride for tomorrow (eat and drink plenty without stuffing yourself). Try stay with healthy and natural stuff - sticky stuff only in emergencies.

3. Recovery mode at finish: eat and drink before anything else. Smile and enjoy.

 

Spare Stuff on rides - take what makes you feel "safe". But nothing you won't need on the ride but check and change before each new day i.e. brake pads and stuff

And: bottles only - you will enough time to take a sip or two (while climbing).

Weather update: last projection is for an average heat week (22-26C). Check again one week before to make sure of mental approach and you have required kit (always take all!)

My 1c. I think above applies for racing snake and back marker (altho snakes wont stop at w points :ph34r: ).

Last thing: please do a skills course if you are unsure on descents! Quick fix: keep your ass well over and/or behind saddle (unless you have a dropper).

See you there

Good luck :thumbup:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Make your partner wear a camelback... those straps are easier to hold on to than a pocket...

His partner is 70 years of tender age..... surely there's a law against taking advantage of pensioners?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Make your partner wear a camelback... those straps are easier to hold on to than a pocket...

 

Sorry DP

Link to comment
Share on other sites

His partner is 70 years of tender age..... surely there's a law against taking advantage of pensioners?

His pensioner is going to hurt him.... :) Wait... I thought he was a girl....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Morning Everyone,

 

Can I please get your opinion on the Best tyre combo for epic :

 

Schwalbe NN RR combo

Vittoria B+S combo

Conti tyre Combo

Mitas K+S combo

 

Thnx,

 

Ace

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am by far no expert on this event and I was in survival mode most of the time but the best advice I was given was:-

 

'Start every day'

 

i.e. if you finished the previous day doesn't matter how bad you feel when you get up just start. 9/10 times you soon start feeling a bit better and it isn't too bad ... if not then abandon.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Morning Everyone,

 

Can I please get your opinion on the Best tyre combo for epic :

 

Schwalbe NN RR combo

Vittoria B+S combo

Conti tyre Combo

Mitas K+S combo

 

Thnx,

 

Ace

I will be riding Rocket Ron front and rear - Evo Trailstar Snakeskin.

 

Probably not the best alternative if you are over 75kg - but has worked for me before and I am going with it again - might swap front to a NN - but...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Morning Everyone,

 

Can I please get your opinion on the Best tyre combo for epic :

 

Schwalbe NN RR combo

Vittoria B+S combo

Conti tyre Combo

Mitas K+S combo

 

Thnx,

 

Ace

I survived my epics on Conti X-Kings. Not one puncture or side wall tear. Maybe lucky, but I think it's also up to the rider. Make sure you pick your lines carefully when you going through rougher terrain.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quick Question: Received Rider Communication #8 yesterday. It mentions one can get digital version of the Ride Guide. On the webpage I just get some text but no guide or download link. Just want to check it is not perhaps our company blocking everything from an innocent smile to a running nose! Can everyone else access it form the web page? 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quick Question: Received Rider Communication #8 yesterday. It mentions one can get digital version of the Ride Guide. On the webpage I just get some text but no guide or download link. Just want to check it is not perhaps our company blocking everything from an innocent smile to a running nose! Can everyone else access it form the web page? 

I get a digital book thingy:

post-39133-0-96003200-1487936015_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Settings My Forum Content My Followed Content Forum Settings Ad Messages My Ads My Favourites My Saved Alerts My Pay Deals Help Logout