the unofficial Cape Epic thread

[tinmug]

What's DND's race number?

[LazyTrailRider]

37 minutes ago, mikkelz said:

This and the reports from the tent camp are making the epic start to sound like Fyre Festival. 😂 All those entry fees and they can't even provide the basics? 😢

Paying R50k+ for a week's racing never really made much sense to me before, but I could kinda, sorta, roughly-in-a-way justify it in my mind because of the "it includes all accommodation and food" aspect.

I'm back to my original opinion now, Epic will never see me. If I wanted to give money away in exchange for a crappy product to people who are desperately trying to keep shareholders happy by cutting costs, I'd just buy a Tesla.

[dexterdent]

Based on the heat and location, anyone that even makes it to halfway in today's stage has my respect. It's hot enough I'd be worried about my tyres melting.

Even though I think outside of the racing part, the epic has become way too corporate and paying almost R100/km to ride trails you can do any other weekend seems crazy to me (maybe I'm just poor, do what you want with your money).

[Randolph]

I think the Epic is a good idea taken too far. Riding in this kind of heat is frankly ridiculous for amateur or recreational riders. Those little tents in the middle of nowhere with no shade is just beyond comprehension. Dont really understand what the organisers were thinking.

[The Bull Shark]

Just walked outside into the gardens of the Capitec office here in Technopark. There is a wind that came up from the ocean's side to cool things off a wee bit. But it might be too late for many already dehidrated riders.

EDIT: This wind hopefully makes it to Paarl.

Edited March 19, 2025 by dev null

[SwissVan]

35 minutes ago, Spafsack said:

How can there not be enough water! They know what weather / heat is on its way. This is crazy, really feel sorry for the guys and girls.

 

When it gets hot like this there is a lot of water that literally gets thrown away….i.e participants pouring it over their body. If you have ever been involved in organizing an event you quickly realize it can be challenging to get extra water to some water points especially if they are a bit in the sticks.

[ChrisF]

4 hours ago, ajnkzn said:

Would one still be allowed to start with the elites if you are a solo rider?

 

Happened 2 or 3 years back.

Rider effectively becomes a "media bike", in that they may ride, but may not compete ....

[The Bull Shark]

5 minutes ago, Randolph said:

I think the Epic is a good idea taken too far. Riding in this kind of heat is frankly ridiculous for amateur or recreational riders. Those little tents in the middle of nowhere with no shade is just beyond comprehension. Dont really understand what the organisers were thinking.

Corporate beancounters. They do not care for the canon fodder so long as all the entries is sold out within minutes. Then it is all about just doing the basics at the lowest cost.

[Headshot]

Guys, the oak Valley 24h is on in April. Guaranteed to be cool and fun. R550.00 pp. I'm already in. True value can still be found in a  world of overhyped k@k.

[The Bull Shark]

Just now, Headshot said:

Guys, the oak Valley 24h is on in April. Guaranteed to be cool and fun. R550.00 pp. I'm already in. True value can still be found in a  world of overhyped k@k.

Loved the one I did. Will check it out. One of the best MTB events I ever took part in.

[Headshot]

32 minutes ago, PhilipV said:

Looks like he lost his team mate? 

Yes, i think he rides on! This should be a good report back.

[MongooseMan]

Hearing reports from on course that race has been stopped at Krismas camp aid due to heat

[cadenceblur]

I’m out in Tulbagh, the heat is unbearable, I cannot imagine doing anything exercise related in these conditions, reckon the fall out rate for today is going to be monumental.

[MongooseMan]

Stage apparently "cancelled". Reports of people vomiting on the trails, heli's evacuating people off the mountain.

[Shebeen]

3 minutes ago, MongooseMan said:

Stage apparently "cancelled". Reports of people vomiting on the trails, heli's evacuating people off the mountain.

The forecast was pointing that today was going to be hot. Now we see how good their action plans are.

 

[MongooseMan]

Just now, Shebeen said:

The forecast was pointing that today was going to be hot. Now we see how good their action plans are.

 

Yeah, my partner is now stuck at Krismas camp, apparently waiting for a bus to get people back to the Race Village.