General "Dear Cape Epic, Make a Solo Category. Please."

[Velouria]

And while they are at it, I think the Epic should change the rules to ban caps. Then at least there will be some real "discrimination" for the Aaron to moan about

 

[Pure Savage]

And while they are at it, I think the Epic should change the rules to ban caps. Then at least there will be some real "discrimination" for the Aaron to moan about

 

IMG-20170323-WA0003.jpg

Hey... Those caps are lekker and isnt the Epic just gravel roads anyway, almost a mass participation road event. Has all the rugby stars and celebs

[Pure Savage]

I recon a gravel bike category would also be good.

 

That would be truly Epic. No suspension whatsoever - even thinner tyres than an Epic. Like so hardcore even the most hardcore okes would mostly not be hardcore enough. 

If you have enough skill you can never have the wrong tyre choice, regardless of how many punctures you get

[Shebeen]

as a two man race, the epic is definitely tough

a solo race would be even more tough.

take it to the next level, a spectator race and it's beyond tough.

[hansolo]

there is no I in TEAM or there is no 2 in solo or call it the IPEC

 

Sorry for the late entry to this thread...

 

There is no I in TEAM BUT there is a ME.

[Thor Buttox]

Sorry for the late entry to this thread...

 

There is no I in TEAM BUT there is a ME.

But in every TEAM there is a MATE. And during the race when a MATE asks how low you are prepared to go, never reply 'Solo'. #Epicphilosophy

[Shebeen]

But in every TEAM there is a MATE. And during the race when a MATE asks how low you are prepared to go, never reply 'Solo'. #Epicphilosophy

ok, but there is also an ATM in every TEAM. the guy who just shells out cash on request!

[Thor Buttox]

ok, but there is also an ATM in every TEAM. the guy who just shells out cash on request!

This is true. And a TAME. *PONDERING*

[NelAndre]

I think your inability to find and deal with a team mate limits your ability to complete races that are team races....

 

Just calling it as I see it... no offense intended.

 

Managing a team dynamic on a stage race is part of the deal.... like staying within 2 minutes of them at all times.... every team deals with these issues - some better than others - if you don't want to make it part of the challenge then find a different challenge... don't try and adjust the challenge to suit your needs - rather try and rise to all the challenges these events offer.

Absolutely on the money. This is true for me. I will rather go do solo events as it is "seemingly" easier mentally, but I guess learning to work as a team and having a shared purpose is a rich reward for completing a team event...

 

I must give it a go.

[DJR]

Hey... Those caps are lekker and isnt the Epic just gravel roads anyway, almost a mass participation road event. Has all the rugby stars and celebs

Hi Mr Savage

Perhaps you should start a "team clinic" for all those who struggle to work together. ​ 

You know, for all those who think that managing a two man team is difficult......let's invite them to put together, and keep together, a 12 man DC team. 

[Pure Savage]

Hi Mr Savage

Perhaps you should start a "team clinic" for all those who struggle to work together. ​ 

You know, for all those who think that managing a two man team is difficult......let's invite them to put together, and keep together, a 12 man DC team. 

The one thing I have learnt about teams is that ladies are a lot more complex than men. the Pure Savage ladies team is on hold till next year. They did not even manage a full ride together. 

 

DC is easy, you can start with 12 but only need 6 to cross the line, same ratio as starting the epic with 2 people and ending with 1

[I FLY]

I scheme if you want to make the Epic truly untamed, then they must only allow poskantoor fietse, complete with the front basket to carry the sustenance and fluids needed to finish a stage, and then take away all the water points.

 

 

In the early Epics the water points were a joke. We only got water and a bit of energade( I cant quite remember the brand).

 

We had to pack our pockets and camelbaks with food taken from breakfast to eat during the day if we did not want to survive on gels

 

Races like Sani2C and Cape Pioneer shamed them into providing better stocked water points

[dirtrider]

In the early Epics the water points were a joke. We only got water and a bit of energade( I cant quite remember the brand).

 

We had to pack our pockets and camelbaks with food taken from breakfast to eat during the day if we did not want to survive on gels

 

Races like Sani2C and Cape Pioneer shamed them into providing better stocked water points

 No . 

[I FLY]

 No . 

Sorry.

 

I forgot you stocked your pockets with beer and smokes

[mrcg]

Whew...okes can get their knickers into a mighty twist

Why make decisions or assumptions for other riders and the organisers????
Freedom of choice - we live in a democracy after all (wait...let me check that with Zuma)

Anyway, of course there are implications for Epic on whether to include a solo category - and I'm sure they've considered it - but it is currently not available.

However, it does not preclude that this option will remain unavailable or that there are plenty riders out there that would welcome the opportunity to enter as a solo (for the various reasons provided earlier).

I know of plenty of riders who would like to do this event but cannot due to not finding a suitable partner within their circles. It is mighty tough to do with a known partner/friend, imagine a total stranger. Let the Epic organisers figure out the organisation of this.

Anyway, I reckon Aaron is right - allow the choice. Would be cool.

Safety aspect of two riders - this is not really a valid point anymore. You are rarely ever alone or if you are then not for long. There usually is always somebody behind you - the sweeps worst case.

Kom - the drop-out rate was mainly attributable to the unseasonal heat experienced. It also affected me and I rolled into the finish a bit woozy. And I'm a mid-pack rider, so well trained and proficient. Many factors play a role...