Cape Epic NOT the Toughest MTB race in South Africa.

[Rowl]

4 hours ago, willem.dup said:

ChatGPT and other AIs are certainly hitting the right nerves here.

 

The truth seems to be unsettling for some users on this forum.

 

Hey, if you want to pay R100/km for a race that isn't the toughest MTB challenge, that's entirely your choice.

 

As Elon Musk pointed out, the AI singularity will begin to reveal human flaws and expose real truths—even when it means scrutinizing its own creators.

Sjoe where to start...

Why do you use AI as the definitive truth? It is only truth based on opinion. And why do you quote Elon... AI can not create truths. What is your complete history with GPT before posting this question to it?

John and Zebra's comments are hitting the nail on the head.

Why do you have to preface your question about why Freedom challenge is not better supported, with Epic and GPT?

Everything is relative, your absolute statement here is not relevant.

Edited Thursday at 12:40 PM by Rowl
Language

[SSCC]

4 hours ago, willem.dup said:

If so why aren't more people doing this race or just the smaller Freedom circuit ? or Tours ?

Your post is full of pretty dumb assumptions. I know they are dumb because ChatGPT the arbiter of ultimate truth (according to you) told me so.

The motivation to do races is not defined by if they are the hardest.

The cost per Km analysis is peak dumb. Again according to ChatGPT. Not my option but AI told me so. 

Edited Thursday at 09:09 AM by SSCC

[SSCC]

..

Edited Thursday at 09:09 AM by SSCC

[shaper]

What is hard for one person may not be for another and it is not just physical, there will be many factors.  It is really a not discussion point as there is no definitive answer

But I get it, in this TikTok age, ChatGPT will give any answer you want.  I was always told with analysis of anything, garbage in = garbage out.  

It's like asking why are there over 1.1 million entering the ballot for next years London marathon and not the same number entering for all marathons.... there is no answer or logic, yet it is trying to be applied using ChatGPT... 🤣

[DieselnDust]

1 hour ago, willem.dup said:

ChatGPT and other AIs are certainly hitting the right nerves here.

 

The truth seems to be unsettling for some users on this forum.

 

Hey, if you want to pay R100/km for a race that isn't the toughest MTB challenge, that's entirely your choice.

 

As Elon Musk pointed out, the AI singularity will begin to reveal human flaws and expose real truths—even when it means scrutinizing its own creators.

I believe the only nerve string being plucked is yours 😂.

 

the hardest race in South Africa is the Argust.

failure to achieve published targets results in 52 weeks of humiliation and excuses you have to live by. Nothing causes more ulcers than missing that target time by seconds or minutes. Excuse generators built chatgtp on the back of Argust failures. 
no one cares about freedom challenge and only a few more CEO’s have heard of the absa cape epic, but the benchmark of your cycling palmares is …the Argust. 
even Pogacar said he will ride it one day or his palmares would not be complete

[J Wakefield]

Same category as you not a real mountain biker unless you did the Epic as the saying goes or it’s the TDF of mountain biking. Both a load of **** for narccistic personalities to make themselves feel important. 
 

doing the Argus without having a “cold” the week before is more challenging and harder than FC or Epic it seems 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mamil]

What's the easiest MTB race in the country?

[DieselnDust]

2 minutes ago, Mamil said:

What's the easiest MTB race in the country?

now that is a million dollar question...

[W@nted]

6 minutes ago, Mamil said:

What's the easiest MTB race in the country?

According to Meta AI, the Kamberg Classic is recommended as a beginner and family friendly event. Fact.

Edited Thursday at 10:48 AM by W@nted

[TIB]

4 minutes ago, Mamil said:

What's the easiest MTB race in the country?

The Argust me thinks....33x survivour

[Mamil]

I remember primary school conversations around cards that had sports cars on them, or super heroes and heated arguments over which was better, faster, bigger, heavier ....

I always thought the silver surfer was dope but Chat GPT doesn't even mention him

 

The answer to "Who is the greatest superhero?" depends entirely on how you define “greatest”:

---

1. By Power:

• Superman often tops lists—he’s near-invincible, can fly, shoot lasers from his eyes, and once dragged a solar system with a chain.

• Doctor Manhattan (from Watchmen) literally manipulates matter and time. He’s more god than hero.

---

2. By Moral Authority:

• Captain America represents unwavering moral conviction, even when it's inconvenient.

• Spider-Man embodies the mantra “with great power comes great responsibility”, arguably the most concise superhero ethic ever penned.

---

3. By Popular and Cultural Impact:

• Batman wins hands down in many circles. No powers, just obsessive discipline, brains, and tech—and he’s generated more adaptations, merchandise, and psychological essays than any other hero.

• Wonder Woman broke gender barriers and stands as a feminist icon.

---

4. By Psychological Depth:

• Wolverine or The Hulk might win here—both are plagued by inner conflict and trauma, adding existential grit to their mythology.

---

If you're asking for a considered opinion, I’d argue:

Batman is the greatest superhero for the combination of psychological depth, moral ambiguity, cultural influence, and staying power. He makes heroism plausible—no superpowers, just the choice to act.

Would you like to explore who might be the greatest superhero by narrative structure or literary significance?

[vanniri]

I did the part of FC sometime ago. From Rhodes to whenever. It was a last minute hook-up with some cyclist with an open spot.

I loved the farm stop visits on the way, ended up spending more time on two farms playing catch-up to the others (all very social riders). Obviously we used GPS to track each other.

Lots of fun, I will recommend it to all. At the same token I will also recommend  CE (also from experience). Same goes for Sani2C, etc., etc.

I guess I like cycling

[karma]

9 minutes ago, Mamil said:

What's the easiest MTB race in the country?

Parys Dirtmax 30km

[DieselnDust]

So I asked an Ai Bot.......:

Search Labs | AI Overview

Learn more

 

Determining the "easiest" MTB race is subjective and depends on individual fitness and experience. However, some races in South Africa are known for their more accessible routes or shorter distances, making them suitable for beginners or those looking for a less challenging experience. 

 

Consider these options:

• Tshipise MTB Challenge:

  This race caters to all levels, from serious cyclists to weekend warriors, and includes various race formats for different skill levels. 

   
• The Munga MTB:

  This race is open to anyone who can ride a bicycle and offers a variety of race distances, including shorter options for those looking for a more accessible challenge. 

   
• Sabie Xperience:

  While known for its adventurous routes, the Sabie Xperience also offers a range of self-guided mountain bike trails, making it suitable for both competitive and casual riders. 

   
• Die Bosveld Trailseeker Series:

  This series offers a range of terrains suited for all skill and fitness levels, including easy jeep tracks and more challenging single tracks. 

   
• "Lite" Enduro Options:

  Some Enduro races, like those in the Western Cape, offer a "Lite" option with shorter courses and less technical trails for riders who are new to the format. 

   

Factors to consider when choosing a "easiest" race:

 

• Distance and Elevation:

  Shorter distances and flatter terrain will generally be less demanding than longer, more mountainous routes.
• Trail Complexity:

  Races with well-maintained trails and fewer technical features will be easier than those with rugged terrain and challenging sections.
• Race Format:

  Some races offer different race formats, such as shorter distances or relay options, which can make them more accessible for beginners.
• Personal Fitness Level:

  Consider your own fitness level and experience when choosing a race that is appropriate for your abilities. 

   

Recommendation:

For a relatively easy MTB race, the Tshipise MTB Challenge or the Die Bosveld Trailseeker Series could be good options, as they cater to a range of skill levels and offer varying challenges. Alternatively, the "Lite" options in some Enduro races can be a good way to get started with mountain bike racing without being overwhelmed. 

[NGM]

1 hour ago, vanniri said:

I did the part of FC sometime ago. From Rhodes to whenever. It was a last minute hook-up with some cyclist with an open spot.

I loved the farm stop visits on the way, ended up spending more time on two farms playing catch-up to the others (all very social riders). Obviously we used GPS to track each other.

Lots of fun, I will recommend it to all. At the same token I will also recommend  CE (also from experience). Same goes for Sani2C, etc., etc.

I guess I like cycling

My immature mind read "last minute hookup" a different way, which made everything you said thereafter really funny.

Maybe that was the point.

[Eddie Stafford]

47 minutes ago, Mamil said:

I remember primary school conversations around cards that had sports cars on them, or super heroes and heated arguments over which was better, faster, bigger, heavier ....

I always thought the silver surfer was dope but Chat GPT doesn't even mention him

 

The answer to "Who is the greatest superhero?" depends entirely on how you define “greatest”:

---

1. By Power:

• Superman often tops lists—he’s near-invincible, can fly, shoot lasers from his eyes, and once dragged a solar system with a chain.

• Doctor Manhattan (from Watchmen) literally manipulates matter and time. He’s more god than hero.

---

2. By Moral Authority:

• Captain America represents unwavering moral conviction, even when it's inconvenient.

• Spider-Man embodies the mantra “with great power comes great responsibility”, arguably the most concise superhero ethic ever penned.

---

3. By Popular and Cultural Impact:

• Batman wins hands down in many circles. No powers, just obsessive discipline, brains, and tech—and he’s generated more adaptations, merchandise, and psychological essays than any other hero.

• Wonder Woman broke gender barriers and stands as a feminist icon.

---

4. By Psychological Depth:

• Wolverine or The Hulk might win here—both are plagued by inner conflict and trauma, adding existential grit to their mythology.

---

If you're asking for a considered opinion, I’d argue:

Batman is the greatest superhero for the combination of psychological depth, moral ambiguity, cultural influence, and staying power. He makes heroism plausible—no superpowers, just the choice to act.

Would you like to explore who might be the greatest superhero by narrative structure or literary significance?

Sadly, no mention of Kaptein Caprivi.

So, I have done a RASA, the Munga, and the Silk Road, and I am doing the Trans Balkan Race at the end of this month. All races have to market themselves and each comes with its own gnarly claims about being the toughest, wildest, longest, most climbing and most brutal event that you can do. I think most people considering an entry to a certain race take those descriptions with a pinch of salt and rather look at the other aspects of the race to make up their mind.

Take the Desert Dash, at 367km it was marketed as the longest single-stage 24 hour MTB race in the world, then somewhere else a longer race was started and the Dash responded by increasing the distance to 397km (2023) and 401 km (2024) to reclaim the title. As a result last year only 58 out of 160 solo riders finished within the 24 hour cut-off and as a result there will probably be a drop in solo entries going forward.

What I’ve come to realise is that every race attracts different riders for different reasons. Some people can finish a RASA but would struggle with a Cape Epic and vice versa. If you do RASA over 26 days, it’s a jol, yes every day is tough, but every night you have proper food and accommodation (few beers) and a good sleep. Race it hard then it is a different story and that is when you hear the horror stories about hallucinations, navigational nightmares, and see videos of shell shocked riders trying to describe what they’ve just been through. Your mindset and the way you approach these races makes a huge difference in your suffering. 

Also everyone has their preferences, I meet riders doing their 10th Munga and they absolutely love it whereas I won’t do it again as I found it mind numbing just endless straight roads and hours of solo grinding. The same can be said about the shorter races, you might consider the Attekwas extreme suffering and won’t do it again, but yet you would go and do a Baviaans or 36ONE year after year.

That’s why I think there is no point in comparing the “toughness” of races like RASA versus Cape Epic. They are completely different beasts. And while I might like to think that finishing RASA makes you tougher than an Epic finisher, the truth is it does not. I would happily ride a RASA tomorrow, but even if I got a free entry, won’t do the Cape Epic. Eight days of high intensity suffering is definitely not for me!