The previous post in this blog is Album - Morzine 2003.
The next post in this blog is Album - CAPE EPIC.

Sport : The Cape Epic

It all started on the 28 February in Knysna. Matt, my biking buddy, and I woke up at 5am and climbed onto our bikes. 52 gruelling hours later, covering more than 820km and climbing well over 11000 meters we arrived at Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. I was 5kgs lighter and feeling older and pretty fatigued.

What an adventure. What memories. Something to look back on. I say look back on because I don't see myself doing it again. I say that now as the aching muscles struggle to take me to my second floor office. But I am sure the pain will be forgotten and a new adventure will start unravelling. A distant mountain. An ancient city. Probably somewhere Paige can go ; ) Got to get her globe trotting soon.

Anyway back to the race. Race is probably the wrong word. It was a journey.

Stage 1 took us 132km from Knysna to George through the wet muddy forests where we kept one eye on the road and one eye looking out for the last Knysna elephants. It was a great day and our fresh legs dealt with the miles of climbing without too much complaint. That however was soon to change and by the time we rode into George 8hrs50min later we were cursing and wondering what the hell we were doing this for and how we were going to get on our bikes the next day. We even resorted to questioning the organisers wondering how they could let a couple of guys like us with too little time in the saddle enter an epic of this magnitude.

After a shower and some food we were once again happy and looking forward, not without some nervousness, to the next mornings start.
Stage 2 and 5am rolled on pretty quickly. Feeling totally drained and with bruised butts we set off for Calitzdorp. We climbed the old gravel road of Montague Pass and left the rain forest behind. The hot Karoo roads and distant mirages replaced the lush green of the forests and we cycled on towards the lake we knew we would never reach. We continued over the arid plains with a hot, steady head wind to keep us from challenging the front runners! (Must be the heat stroke causing delusions of grandeur!). 125km and gallons of water later we cruised into Calitzdorp. 2 down and only 6 to go. Sheep dip!

Stage 3 and after the siren, packing, changing and breakfast, we were ready to ride once again. By now the morning routine was becoming second nature, not easy, and still not something to look forward to but we were enjoying the morning rituals and the apprehensive talks with fellow contestants. “How far…”, “ How high…”, “How tired…” This was to be the hottest day of the epic, 40 degrees or more through the Karoo. Climbing over two big mountain passes and crossing the hot, arid desert took its toll but by now we were in the groove and we finished the 120km without too much pain even though I had a problem with my gears from the start which did not make things easier.

Stage 4 needs a special mention. This was the worst day of them all. I mean it was really tough. It started and ended in the mud , 122km of slow muddy hills into a strong head wind most of the way. Up down, up down, up down. It took us just over 9 hours to finish the stage with the last 30km being single track thought the forest where the climbs were so muddy we had to carry our bikes. And we're only half way : (

Stage 5 and by now our bodies know what’s coming. We're tired and aching but so what. We get going and from the first kilometer our legs say enough. It’s a case of putting the head down and just turning over the pedals. The hours soon blend together and before you know it 5 or 6 hours have flown by. Suddenly we found ourselves in the beautiful town of Greyton, were we were joined by met here by Paige, Sarah and my folks. Had great lunch, milkshakes and biltong. (“Shared” most of it with a puppy) Life was making sense again.

Stage 6 and the biggest climb of all. A near vertical climb up an old farm road over the mountains to Teawaterskloof. It took us over an hour to climb the 6km. We were greeted on the other side by gale force headwinds. We had to pedal downhill just to keep going. The final stretch was a long 1km climb over the Franschhoek pass and into the wine region. Here we were met by my mate Rich, and we headed up to Le Petite Ferme for a great lunch and bottle of some fantastic chardonnay. Needless to say that after 6 days in the saddle eating pasta and energy bars, the slow roasted lamb shank at Le Petit Ferme tasted out of this world.

Just 2 stages left and two short stages at that. Just 60km each. The 7th and 8th stages were probably the most picturesque as we rode through incredible forests, crossed many mountain streams and traversed a few vineyards. The riding was just awesome with great single tracks and some fast downhill sections. These factors all contributed to making the last couple of days a perfect ending to what was a great ride.

8 days and its all over. The most incredible journey. Not everyday you get to see this side of South Africa. What I will take away is the memories. Vistas that are indescribable. From forests, to deserts, to mountains, to farmland, to fynbos, to orchards and vineyards. One race that captures it all. I also have a stronger friendship with my mate Matt. A like-minded adventurer with a passion for life and the outdoors. I could not have done this with anyone else. It was a physical and mental struggle each day and we both seemed to get stronger as the days went by feeding off each other to get to the end.

So if any of you are looking for a tough little bike ride I can highly recommend the Cape Epic. Just make sure you do the training. I know I could have done with a few more hundred kilometers under the belt.

Photos can be viewed here....

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