All posts by Nigel

Cape to Cape MTB Race

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The Cape to Cape MTB race is a stand out event in the Australian racing calendar and sells out well before closing date. Short riding days and Winery/Brewery finishes attract all levels of rider from national elite racers to beginners. So get training, its a great race on mint single track and fire trail. ( plus a little bit of sand )

Cape to Cape MTB Race 23-26th October – http://capetocapemtb.com/
Stage 1: Thursday 23 October, 2014 Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse to Hamelin Bay (Approx 40km) Start Time: 12:30pm.

Stage 2: Friday 24 October, 2014 Hamelin Bay to Xanadu Winery (Approx 60km) Start Time: 8:00am

PRO Red Bull Shootout: Friday 24 October, 2014 Margaret River Pines (4:30pm-6:00pm) Start Time: 4:30pm

Stage 3: Saturday 25 October, 2014 Xanadu Winery to Colonial Brewery (Approx 50km) Start Time: 8:00am

Stage 4: Sunday 26 October, 2014 Colonial Brewery to Dunsborough Country Club
(Approx 60km) Start Time: 8:00am

SPR is affiliated with Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) to join MTBA from Cycling Australia  you can ‘ Value Add ‘ your membership.The process is as follows:

Step 1: Download the Cycling Australia paper membership form here.
Step 2: Complete the form.
Step 3: Post directly to Cycling Australia with payment (go here for fee) and remember to include a copy of your current MTBA Membership card (with more than three months to expiry).

Training Rides (3 Hours)

To help your preparation for Cape to Cape there will be a number of training rides open to SPR members of all ability levels. Equipment you will need is:

  1. A serviceable and maintained mountain bike. ( the ride leaders won’t have time or spares to do trail side servicing)
  2. Backpack for hydration, food, spares, tubes, first aid kit, etc.
  3. Lights for night rides. ( bar and helmet works best, 300 lumen minimum )

26 July 13:00
Kalamunda Camel Farm

2 August  13:00
John Forrest Tavern – Heritage Trail

10 August 13:00
Kalamunda Camel Farm

17 August 13:00
Kalamunda Camel Farm

20 September 08:00
Kalamunda Coles – Old Faithful loop

4 October 13:00
John Forrest Tavern – Heritage Trail

12 October 13:00
Kalamunda Camel Farm 

OPTIONAL NIGHT Rides (2 Hours)

06 August 18:00
Kalamunda Camel Farm

03 September 18:00
Kalamunda Coles 2-3 hr ride – Old Faithful loop

10 September 18:00
Kalamunda Camel Farm

01 October 18:00
Kalamunda Coles  2-3 hr ride – Old Faithful loop

A number of urban MTB rides are available, but will not be sanctioned SPR rides, email Nigel  for details. rexb73@hotmail.com

If there is enough interest from our female members, a womens skills clinic can be arranged.

 

See you out there. Nigel (aka Aloysius Parker)

 

 

ABSA Cape Epic 2014

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The ABSA Cape Epic is regarded as one of, if not the hardest multi day mountain bike races in the world and is the only HC rated UCI race for MTB. World and National Champions in XC, Enduro, and Marathon MTB as well as ex TDF and continental road riders compete in teams of 2 for 8 days in South Africa’s Western Cape. Start chuteIn 2014 the Cape Epic covered 730km and over 14850m climbing on single track, district road, road, fire trail and unrideable goat path that forced even the Pro riders to walk.

Note this is a ride report not a race report; Nino Schurter, Christoph Sauser, Karl Platt and Jose Hermeida rode for glory, we rode to finish.

Team Wembley Cycles – Nigel Adcock and Dr Mark Oliver (Johannesburg, RSA) reunited to race in Masters; we had previously teamed up in 2011 after a brief courtship of cyclist internet dating.

 

Prologue- 23km 700m.Prologue profile

We started our ride at Mirrendal Wine Estate (Durbanville) through a stair drop between eager spectators. Single track and jeep trail led into “Stairway to Heaven” a punchy switch back climb to the high point of the day, Doc and I settled back into a steady rhythm. Due to heavy work commitments we hadn’t managed to ride together before the race, a comfortable tempo past hundreds of spectators had us gain over 200m climbing in 2km, a thigh burning start. Nearing the top of the climb they announced:” Team Wembley Cycles from Western Australia, Dr Mark Oliver and Nigel Adcock all the way from Papua New Guinea, where they are cannibals and eat people!”.

I suspect Doc had set me up, he claimed ignorance, the Cape Town crowd were in stitches!

World champ We were warned that the quarry had sharp rocks and passed the first punctures of the race. Doc had organized a 10:20am start chute so we could sleep in, predictably the racing snakes started to filter through, trying to improve their seeding for Stage 1, by and large the PRO riders were polite and passed easy, it was MAILM’s just down a level that were just dangerous. Doc is a big guy, and let them know, a dangerous pass means a short trip into the fynbos (body guards are good!)

It was a reasonable start; we were riding our way into a long week. Rain was forecast in Robertson for the next 2 days,it was a very un-Epic like start to 2014.

1profStage1-108km2950m. Robertson-Robertson

As Epic veterans we were prepared for rain,our tents were given an extra tarpaulin layer and WA mates from Speedlite Cycles had a rainproof tent city built. The course profile showed us exactly how the day eventually panned out, unrideable 20% rocky hills that we walked, so we could ride mountains later in the week.

1nigDoc is fast on descents and I could safely ride just off his wheel,we ate up the downhills! I ended up with front brake fade and assumed it was overheated fluid (not good on a super steep drop when your partner is on a speed mission), arms aching, ass cheeks scraping rear wheel we had at tidy finish today.

Doc’s fast downhilling had us up almost 100places GC and 33 Masters, ending up in start group C for the remainder of the race. Doc didn’t notice his frame had been warranty replaced,(A whole new Trek hard tail); only when he queried the mechanic where the stickers went on his bike did they give him the good news. #See note about Doc’s cranks!

 

2profStage2-101km1550m. Robertson – Robertson

The race director called this a transition day, supposedly undulating small hills on single track,linked with district(dirt)road.Instead it was a brutal wake up,wet and rainy.

Having survived 2012 “worst day in epic history” Doc and I were prepared. Pace lines were useless in the rooster tail of mud,echelon riding seemed to work moving us along. 10km into the stage I totally lost the front brake; (brakes are over rated anyway) I ran the rear brake till it started to skid and then hoped for the best.

aamudWe decided it was a survival day,stay warm,stay safe and maintain our position. It was so muddy on the trail our sunglasses were useless, but needing a barrier just the same because I wear contact lenses.

At one point, there was clay so thick our wheels wouldn’t spin in the rear triangle,we watched a”hero” hard pedal, then explode his chain into 3 pieces, that teams race was over with the next repair station over 20km away.

Doc was having trouble with power in his legs,having to expend watts just to turn the wheels over sapping his energy.We held together and tagged onto a Belgian roadie bunch that dragged us for 10km to the finish.  A much needed shower after today!

 3prfStage 3 – 110km 1800 m. Robertson – Greyton The weather had improved overnight; it was still a very un-Cape Epic temperature. I was complaining to anyone that would listen that I’d trained for heat with 40 degree endurance rides, I wanted the Europeans to suffer not thrive! Magura did a warranty replacement of my MT8 brakes,so now I could actually punch downhill safely. We reversed a 7km power line climb we had rode up in a previous year, technical and rutted we tapped our way up. Doc let me off the leash on the descent and as good mate Pete Gill had done previously,I bombed pasta white knuckled Alain Prost in loose baby head rocks,so much fun!docnig3

The headwind picked up to 40km/h so we joined in with a mixed euro bunch not once being asked to do work over multiple km. Docs legs started to fade so we dropped off, I went to the front. (I have trouble with surging when on the front, so Doc patiently guided my pacing). ‘Up ‘down ‘easy ‘speed up’ what ever worked to keep us going down the road.

nig3It was frustrating for me, and annoying for him getting dropped, but we worked it out. I finally had to call it quits,(a team alone in a head wind sucks-my legs were burning up and Doc couldn’t help), after a food stop I asked him flat out if we could hide in a bunch.Euro roadies came to the rescue again, we amalgamated into a group of 30, with a tailwind HEAVEN!

We hit single track and I lead Docs good mates Joel Stransky &Stefan Terblanche(ex Springboks) through sweet twisting creek bed trail. Those lads were on a mission; we dropped off and finished our hardest day so far.

prfl4Stage4-88km1850m. Greyton – Greyton The start chute talk was of a big day 5, the race was starting to hurt teams with so much energy expended earlier in the week. Steep, punchy climbing was on the cards. Up through farming paddock we climbed steadily onto a rock flagstone jeep track and were rewarded with a spectacular view back across to Greyton.

Serengeti descent was 5km of pure single track bliss,at the bottom I asked Doc if we could get the helicopter and do it again. Switch back climbing and more switchback single track descent, just joy to ride. sernget4I had to start pushing Doc on the hills, my small arm on his back, spinning little ring. The other teams stated we looked ridiculous, him 6’4 and 95kg with a 70kg Pygmy working our way on the steeps. sern4To protect him on the flat I stayed on the front in headwind when I could. He firmly told me to use the HR monitor to not push too far and blow up with 3 stages to go.It was a great day with lots of single track to keep us happy.

 

 

prf5

 

Stage 5-110km 2900m Greyton – Elgin

It was called “The Queen”, hot 28 degrees and so much climbing after a long week. I just loved today, a solid day of climbing! We headed across the valley and kept going up and up. We kept our pace even and worked our way to water point 1, through orchards and around to ‘Rusty Gate’,high point of Cape Epic2 014.rg52It loomed menacingly in front of us, Doc told me to wait for him when I wanted, technically we broke the rules,rg51 I would ride ahead and take photos or stop in the shade. I couldn’t push him, the trail was just too steep, it was a solo climb to ride at his own pace. I watched riders imploding in the heat with their nutrition and hydration wrong, people crying with cramp slumped over handlebars. There was still 50km to go!

We breezed through water point 2 and 3 and started up Groenlandberg, Doc got a flat tire that we plugged to save time. It kept leaking, finally taking a finger size amount of plugs.We finished the day with a walk up 20% hill. I was in good spirits,Tanya and Wilhem ( my wife and 6 yr old son) had arrived from OZ,we were finished with tent city,B&B king beds and goose down pillow for the next 2 days.

 

 

Stage 6 – 85km 1800m Elgin – Elgin There is a 10 min gap between each start wave so sometime, though too rarely,you get a perfect moment, in a race of 1300 competitors to ride a majority of the day alone.ser4On the first major descent of 7km we hit 50km/h, just full gas through rocks, it stayed quiet into Thandi MTB park so we railed ‘hero dirt’ berms thinking it couldn’t get better.So many races we had been in a conga line of slow riders, nervous breaking for every obstacle, today, one special day in Elgin we had open single track just flow and burn.

Doc and I rode into Paul Cluver Amphitheater a wooden stunt park,spectators lined up including Pete Gill (2012 CE partner and best mate), techno music blared as we negotiated elevated obstacles, no pressure though!!!6

We had sacrificed time and placing today, open trail was too good to waste. It was worth every trail we got to ourselves.

A perfect day on the bike.

 

prf7

Stage 7 – 65km 1800m, Elgin – Lourensford

It was hard to leave a warm king bed and head out into the rain, I only felt a little sorry for Michael, Kelvin and their partners in tent city. I did miss the traditional 5 am race wake up; a haunting lament of bagpipes playing “Auld Lang Syne “, in the morning fog it’s truly a beautiful sight.

We grabbed our bikes from secure bike storage and joined our week long friends in start chute C,it was a deliberate choice not to line up front of grid,there would be no chasing bunches with Doc’s bike issue. 7The day’s highpoint came early with the Newberg climb, not far from the start my seat post had slipped,I told Doc to ride on and I would catch him at the top.It took longer than I thought, with cold wet hands.I set off to find him, giving weary teams with smashed legs a cruel shock of big ring power racing past them,it felt awesome to ride hard!

Doc and I took in the sights and smells of pine forest trail and open sandy jeep track leading to the compulsory portage.We were just under half way done and could see across the valley to Somerset West, dropping down into twisting single track we raced into water point 2 where a smiling Pete urged us on with“there’s beer at the finish “. The route took us right up underneath the mountains again and then turned down across the plain to Lourensford, Dr Evil threw in a couple kilometer’s of deep sandy track and rocky riverbed, to keep us honest.

 

My first proper crash of the race came 2km from the finish line, bouncing off a cut tree stump I flung into the bush, Doc rounded the corner to see me scrambling back on the bike cackling and yelling “ I’m ok,I’m ok “. We could hear the helicopters by now, rounding the final turn I grabbed the Papua New Guinea Flag stuffed in my jersey and proud salty tears flowed as we rode down the finish chute. I spotted my little boy Wil perched up on Pete’s shoulders, to have the family and best friends at the finish was overwhelming, I was just beaming from ear to ear! 7fin

 A fist bump with Doc and we were done,Cape Epic over.

I’m the first Papua New Guinean to complete at Cape Epic,1st PNG and 4th Australian to complete 3. I’ve joined Doc as an Amabubesi part of the“ Pack of Lions “and  after 5 Cape Epic’s he is done with this crazy race.To the outsider it may look like I’ve retired from racing Cape Epic as well, the race does take its toll. It’s a heavy family commitment to dedicate your life to months of training: Using annual leave for block riding, early mornings, big days and taking a foam roller to family get together s becomes normal.

For 8 days all that matters is fuelling your body and willing your mind to ride the same pristine trail as World Champs, celebrities and people from all over the world. We cover the same distance; climb the same mountains in the same weather to become Cape Epic finishers. In my opinion it carries the same weight, the front pack Pro or the tail end Clydesdale. It has always been about the journey.

In truth I love the suffering, I call those long hot training rides in the hills“ Tempering”,I burn my body and mind day after day, to harden it to what the race will bring. So I don’t suffer as much in Africa. So,for now, I’ll keep entering the lottery and if successful I’ll ride each year until my body or commitment doesn’t hold.

Cape Epic for me encompasses that infinite human capacity to endure,to keep going when every part of your being tells you to stop.But finding away; if you can hold your nerve, to endure! To make promises, ‘next water point’, ‘next rise’, ‘one more day’. In those times,by your side is an equal partner,spurring you on,because your common goal is to finish together.

What I’ve learned from riding 3 Cape Epic’s –

1/ Riding for, not against your partner, takes mutual respect. We watched Speedlite cycles (Michael Kerklaan and Kelvin Little both acclaimed national and state XC/marathon/24hour riders)on different stages truly sacrifice themselves for each other. Michaels crank fell apart stage 2so Kelvin pushed and dragged him 20km to a mechanic stop. Later in the week Michael shepherded gastro stricken Kelvin to a triumphant Cape Epic finish(he’d been on a drip overnight and eaten minimal food over 2 day)

2/There’s no medal for finishing alone.It’s a hollow race to ride day after day as an Outcast.

3/ Get a daily massage and ice bath if available, recovery is key to backing up day after day

4/ Eat like your race depends on it, because it truly does. You can’t eat enough for the energy expended, its about limiting the losses.

5/ I’m not that fast or a short course rider. I love a big day climbing into the hills or mountains.That’s why Cape Epic appeals; I’ve had access to remote private land and national park, ridden insane back to back days in distance and climbing with scenery that takes my breath away.

6/The best times are shared moments with people just like me,pushing their limits,seeing that drive and determination. Physically and emotionally spent but finding something in themselves that drives them on, a revolution, meter, climb or day at a time.

7/ I have always come to the race with flexible expectations. I’ve learned quite early on that cautious riders finish a Cape Epic; you make your own luck by being thoroughly fit, preparing and recovering well with no preconceived plans on weather conditions. Sure, the Western Cape is generally hot, but to never train in wind or rain ill advised.

8/ We always plan race strategy to conserve energy for the whole 8 days, with some in the bank for problems like Doc’s crank (if we had spent 4 days at full gas,I wouldn’t have had the strength to push him up the hills). I was never on the front, unless it was Doc and I alone, our pace went up and down gradually, no smashing the legs. Making sure we used the draft in a pack and never, ever riding side by side. On climbs,settling into an even tempo.

9/ Each day is only one crash or mechanical or medical problem away from a DNF.

10/ Get a mechanic, a good one! That that stocks all the spares needed for your bike. Have 50% more brake pads than you think are needed.

I need to thank the following people and I’m sure I’ve missed a few trying to get this report finished:

Tanya,Theo and Wilhem, my family- Endurance training is a truly selfish endeavor and shift work doesn’t help,the chores I don’t do and the family time I’ve missed. It’s telling when you’re youngest sons ‘ imaginary ‘ friend doesn’t have a father. Thank you for letting me follow a dream, and joining me on the finish line.

Epic partners – Mark and Pete, it’s been an honour and a privilege to share trail together. The highs and lows of stage racing and still keeping our friendship intact. I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to ride with two exceptional MTB riders.

Wembley Cycles- JC and all of the crew for their technical expertise,mechanical advice and shop rides.

Steve Trott (Hot to Trott sport performance) – The functional training Master.” Work;till I tell you we’re done!” still rings in my ears.Sessions that I thought I wouldn’t survive!

Damien Oldmeadow (Star Physiotherapy) – Sorting my back and bike fit,no saddle sores,bad back, nerve pain or numb arm.

Steve Steele (UPBEET) – Loving that purple endurance fuel

Mark Codner- Mentor and friend,a true MTB legend,always ready with training and racing advice.

All the lads -Gilly Chris,Gregor,Grant,Jake and IOAR.

SPR – As a club and each individual, it’s a group of people from UCI racers to juniors on training wheels, but collectively a place top ush limits,build volume,learn about cycling and forge friendships on and off the bike. As a frequently absent member, I love SPR and what the club represents. Thank you El PRes the committee and all the riders.

# THE OTHER CAPE EPIC STORY TO TELL

Stage1 Doc had his frame replaced on Warranty.He had complained is legs were weak, not climbing well and generally just under performing. It took our good mate Lance Stephenson from The Epic bike shop to find the problem. It was never Doc’s fitness, he was as strong as ever, there was a mechanical issue his Normal bike mechanic didn’t pick up! Lance is a gun mechanic,previously wrenching for UCI pro “Team Bulls”,after so many complaints about Doc’s power and stamina after a day in the saddle Lance took a look at Docs bike. The Trek went for a long test ride and Lance found a problem with his cranks, they were seizing up, but only after a long ride!

It turned out the BB was installed with a spacer missing, with torque applied to the BB on fitment; load was induced on the bearing causing interference.There was only slight friction,so a normal spin during bike service didn’t pick the problem up. But, after a long period of riding, due to the interference the BB bearing and crank would heat up and it would bind on the crankshaft. Lance found on the test ride that eventually you couldn’t turn the crank by hand without great force.

Doc didn’t have a leg problem; he was loosing watts from a badly fitted BB.It was day 5 by the time Lance found the problem,he scoured the mechanic village for a suitable replacement but there was none to be had, so we finished our race with Doc’s bad BB/crank!

Any mistakes omissions or grammatical errors are my own. Its a big race so apologies for a long report, if you’re still with me the link to Hires team photos is : https://www.flickr.com/photos/yeti_101/sets/72157644379535241/

A good friend told me “You need to finish The Epic with your life,your body and your relationships intact; there is life after Cape Epic “. Thank you Doc,I’m forever in your debt.

I’ll see you all on the bike, keep the rubber side down. Nige

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABSA Cape Epic South Africa

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The ABSA Cape Epic is a UCI multi day MTB stage race competed by teams of 2, widely regarded as “ The Tour De France “of Mountain biking. It has the fearsome reputation of being hard enough to finish let alone win, a combination of harsh environment; tough trails and endless climbing coupled with long days in the saddle make it a “ bucket list “ race for any MTB rider.

I had raced the Cape Epic in 2011, returned home with a damaged heart, recovered and then teamed up with SPR rider Peter Gill to ride again in 2012.Our training rides started in December after Pete had finished getting over Ironman WA. Long endurance rides, tempo days, lactate intervals, recovery rides etc etc. Having experienced the blistering African sun in 2011 we spent the summer heat wave on our bikes, waiting for 38- 40 degrees bidon/water bladders full, we rode Camel Farm- John Forrest- Mundaring Weir- Kalamunda loops day after day for conditioning.

The Race – Pro and amateur riders from across the world spend 8 punishing days riding a completely new route each year, designed by Leon Evans (aka Dr Evil). The 2012 course consisted of 781km and 16300m climbing

Rider Briefing – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLCWeiWES-s

QUOTES : Leon Evans aka Dr.Evil (route designer for the ABSA Cape Epic) “There are no easy days in this race. Registration day is easy and the Monday after the race is easy. Anyone who thinks there’s anything easy about the Absa Cape Epic is a fool. My job is to make sure that no rider, in any previous edition of the race, can say, ‘The 2012 Epic riders had it easy’ ”

Prologue. 27km 900m climbing.Mirrendal wine estate Durbanville took in spectacular views back across Cape Town to Table Mountain. Teams set off at 30-second intervals. The highest point of the day was telecom tower hill a punching climb up baby head rocks.

Highlight of the day, spectators willing us up the steep but rideable “stairway to heaven” for a hill top finish.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AijTCxFz2AI

Day 1. 115km 2350m climbing. The sobering reality of a hard week, within 10km of the start, pro’s and WC were walking/ stomping up unrideable trail in 40-degree heat. I drank 14L while riding the stage and avoided a drip some of the other teams needed due to dehydration.The day started and finished way too fast, inexperienced teams were going to pay later in the week for anaerobic riding. Peter and I rode at our own pace, not chasing bunches finishing the day mid pack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MGPK4GbRcA

That night started 8 days of hour-long massages, given by lovely young ladies from Stellenbosch University Health Science Department. I was a novelty for them, having never treated a handsome tribal tattooed “All Blacks “ supporter.  Tough life for a MTB stage racer!

Stage 2- 119km 1650m A lone bagpipe player awaken the tent city each day of the epic at 5 am.We race to find a short porta-loo queue, head to the 1200 seat dining tent , we eat/hydrate……….wait……….eat/hydrate again.Take a bidon/can of juice and pre hydrate some more. Dress.Head over to the secure bike park to get our bikes, check the overnight service from the mechanic. Ride to our start chute, sign in. 10 min warning.Move up. 2 min warning.Groove along the race announcer/DJ beats that blasted from 6am.30 second warning…..Race.

A routine that would repeat itself each day.Stage 2 had rolling open district roads and pinch hills; we let the packs roll past us finding our own rhythm.Typically as the day progressed we first pass the teams with mechanical problems. Then we pass the teams that for whatever reason need to stop to sort out nutrition. We then passed the teams hitting the wall due to bad pacing or just plain worn out.

On the climbs we held cadence and heart rate even, letting teams pass us, then on the downhill Pete opened up the throttle and bombed past riders 10 at a time. We always rode safe and called our intention, but they still got the surprise of their lives as he hit water bar jumps getting solid air on each one.

Highlight of the day – getting back into the groove of multi day racing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILM_djhVfQk

Stage 3- 147km 2900 m climbing. The longest stage in Cape Epic history rolled off with a mass start at 7am sharp, riders jockeyed for position along 18km of tar before we turned onto winery road and then the inevitable jeep track and loose climbing.

We enjoyed the terrain and vista’s from each high point along our route. The kilometer’s ticked over steadily, riding conservatively, protecting our legs for the days ahead. I had a 45 minute alarm set on the Garmin:1 bidon, one serve of food. If there was more climbing we increased our food uptake, taking care to snack steadily hour by hour. Real food at the water points was the key to avoiding the dreaded “ goo guts ”. Savory muffins, salted rice cakes, salted mini boiled potatoes, banana in skin cut into bites sized chunks, jelly beans, pretzels and carrot cake were some of the delights offered up.Hydration came in the form of chilled single source water, trucked in from Cape Town daily. Coke, Energade ( SA Gatorade), and fifty fifty coke/water  in 20L drums was served up by enthusiastic and super supportive volunteers.

The day seemed to drag on from 100km to 130km, spinning then climbing, chatting to other teams along the way. We felt strong and then inevitably low, the long day went on and on. Suddenly the 5 km marker appeared in burnt out terrain, our tired bodies gave a little kick and we rode into our new home, Caledon.  We had spent 9 hours in the saddle, finishing a little leg tired but happy the biggest day was out of the way. (or so we thought ! ) My back held up not having to deal with the rocky descents of day 2. Happy Days

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCj1he32TuA You can see Wembley Cycles @ 17 seconds into the clip getting a well earned water spray !

Stage 4- 105km 2600m climbing. Rolling out of Caledon we headed north west. The day consisted of 2 major climbs. Tar road leading to district road and then steeply into 30% buggy track, we walked ! And rode and walked again.

Our first high point had spectacular views out to a dam north and wheat coloured rolling hills south. We raced along on fast irrigation canal trail into the water point. 

One large mountain of steady climbing lead to a very fast single track descent, half way down Peter doing 40km/h bombed past Alain Prost ( F1 car driver). Alain’s eyes like dinner plates, Pete grinning from ear to ear having to stop and wait for me every couple of km’s.

Compressed disc’s in my back made it tough going, I ended up with pins and needles down my arm and no grip strength in my left hand. Peter was great, asking if we needed to slow down. The only thing I could do was “keep riding”, slowing down was more time on the bike and more inflammation.

The pro riders finished the course in 4 hrs 40, for us further down rankings a wind storm had whipped up to 60km/h by water point 3. It turned into a slow grind on district road, our old friend Alain joined us, drafting our wheel until we dropped him through rolling hills.

Peter and I were blown off our bikes more than once,  giggling we watched Kiwi rider Megan D (a petite 49kg) almost thrown into a fence.Single track through the botanical garden and a giant bermed corner finished our day. I was a broken man in the recovery tent. A shower, dinner, long massage and emotional phone call to my wife got me back from the edge. If I could pedal, I would be finishing the race!

Highlight of the day – Spectacular scenery, Dr Evil always designs a route that takes you to unique and remote locations.

Lowlight – Riding with great leg strength but my spine had finally given out.

Stage 5- 119km 2350m climbing “Frozen Hell in the Peleton”.  It rained HEAVILY overnight, we ran like drowned rats to breakfast, dressed wet in our tents and shivered in our start gate, waiting to get riding.

The district roads were mud puddles, no bunches to chase because each team was fighting its own battle to stay together. We witnessed a strange phenomenon with the some of the riders stopping at dams to fully dunk their bikes, cleaning and removing mud from drive train, only to have it just as dirty 20m down the road (weird, so much time lost for little gain). Sandy fynbos single track turned into pine forest as we steadily climbed into the mountains.

The weather grew steadily worse and then high in the mountains it started to hail. It was by far the worst weather we had ever ridden a bike in, Period !  Teams, trying to save grams had started the day in bibs and jersey only, riders shaking uncontrollably then still and pale as ghost the start of hypothermia set. We rode past a female European team slow pedaling and sobbing as sheets of rain pelted down.

Water point and 2 soaked to the bone, (even in wet weather jackets and warmers) many teams sought refuge in the food tents fearing they would not make it to the next water point. Peter and I had a serious discussion, we elected to eat as much as our bodies could handle and then ride at a higher heart rate to combat hypothermia. Pete (with 5% body fat) couldn’t feel his hands to brake effectively/at all, we were in ok shape but needed to ride carefully descending. The other issue of no brake pads was of little concern!

Oak Valley was considerably warmer, the world renowned single track was wasted on us, we chopped up the trail quite badly in the mud and sludge. Finishing in 8hrs 50 time I’ve never been as proud of Pete; our ride was held together with stubborn determination and daring, willing to make a big judgment call in terrible weather hoping it would pay off.

Stage 5 defined 2012 Cape Epic, over 50% of the riders were still on the course with only 2 hours to cutoff. Stopping too long at water point 2 was a race ending decision for many teams. Hypothermia set in and ambulances to hospital overflowed.

It managed to get a tweet from “ The Boss “: Lance Armstrong ‏ @lancearmstrong  “Been following the @absacapeepic. Looks, well, uh, pretty epic. I have to do this one day”.

Stage 6- 85km 2200m climbing.The surviving riders of 2012 were given a 30 min reprieve by the race director and a mass start at 730am in lieu of 4 distinct chutes. It was a subdued peleton that rolled out of Oak Valley Wine Estate into Grabouw and then into open fire trail on the valley wall. Three minor climbs featured on the route, broken up by The Groenlandberg. The mountain rose sharply after water point 1 a steady 13km of small ring leg burn. The view riding up was striking, looking up to the false summit we had been warned against and then back across the valley floor down to water point 1.

 

 

 

 

A momentary lapse of concentration had a large rock roll over into my rear derailleur, quickly off the bike I found it pushed into the spokes. Oh S*#T ! I managed to bend it back by hand and get gears 4-10, no granny gear for the rest of the day!

Turning South East and descending we passed multiple teams on the rocky trail, Peter taking the lead threading and weaving down the single track. Peter on cloud nine after 5km of downhill madness guided us into water point  2. We were back in Oak Valley with 20 km of pine forest and single track heaven, after a quick talk we elected to enjoy the rest of the afternoon cruising and passing riders through the forest. At one point knowing there was some awesome trail with banks and berms I took a cross country detour around slower riders to get onto Pete’s wheel. We flew down way too fast, Pete laughing at my antics.

We were a happy and tired team finishing day 6, the local Rugby grudge match of BULLs vs STORMERs played that night and with a late 830am start for Sunday the beer tent overflowed with locals. We, on the other hand enjoyed another hour long massage and early bed.

 

 

Stage7- 64km 1350 m climbing.The morning of day 7 began with the usual 5am Scottish bagpipes wake up call, warm in my sleeping bag willing my spine to give 1 more day in the saddle. Pete and I set a lazy stroll to breakfast and then packed our race bags for a final time. The tent city was full of light laughter and quiet optimism we were “almost done”.

1350m of in 3 major and 1 minor climb, our last day was no easy doddle, spinning uphill and bombing down. The mechanic hadn’t really fixed the rear derailleur so I spent my time grinding in 3rd gear and ghost shifting while following Pete. Just after water point 1 on a steep descent a rider front somersaulted on a jump, landing heavily, his race was over. Spectators went to his aid and we rode on, wary of the same fate. Later within sight of the finish a broken collarbone ended another teams Cape Epic!

We rode into wine farm track with the mountains behind us, steep pinch climbing turned into rolling hills and then flat track. The 5km marker started a fun section of single track with tree lined switchback turns and log bridges. We could hear the finish line announcer through the trees and a sharp left brought us onto the spectator lined finish chute.

 

Holding a Papua New Guinea flag I crossed the line, my good mate Pete right beside me. We hugged and took in the scene around us, medal presentation dais, concert stage, beer tents, merchandise tents. It was like a being at a music festival. The race winners Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser gave us our finisher medals. (In essence, like Cadel giving you a medal and saying thanks for riding, you made it!). We grabbed our picnic hampers, bought some beer and spent the afternoon lying in the sun reminiscing on our week.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkfa_6-_WP4

Of the 600 Teams that started only 481 finished. The 2012 Cape Epic has been touted as the hardest race ever, a combination of long stages, extreme climbing and compulsory portage. The weather added to the pain. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_d2NoaZ6y0

 

I have been home a couple of weeks now and in comparison to 2011 I’m much healthier. Peter and I rode with better pacing so I have avoided  stress on my heart that affected me for over 6 months in 2011. We have our friendship intact, unlike some teams that fell apart when long days and short tempers took their toll. In fairness to my family I have elected not to race in 2013, months of base and race training take its toll on our young family.

2013 is the 10th anniversary of the Cape Epic and I am one race away from becoming “Amabubesi” or “pack of lions” in Zulu. The organizers believe that if you are crazy enough to finish 3 Cape Epic’s, then you get automatic entry. These 2 factors may force my hand and in few months time I will be begging my wife for a leave pass to train and race. It is a cliché but Cape Epic does get under your skin.

The worldwide lottery for entry closes on 30th May. See you on the start line!

Photo’s of Nigel – http://www.flickr.com/photos/yeti_101/sets/72157629420137536/

GO PRO – 1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhBkgCglhAo 2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOR5j5e_FXg 3- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_iJrkF9vuc 4- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJlF9BjwvsI 5- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nEkGzjoezc 6- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CynLTKinQMc 7- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdqVAJEKPLA

RIDER THOUGHTS – 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enog75XRd6c&list=PL32839C17D11DF2C1&index=6&feature=plpp_video

2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSFWxFoAQrU&list=PL32839C17D11DF2C1&index=9&feature=plpp_video

3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CjXm4s9kMw&list=PL32839C17D11DF2C1&index=12&feature=plpp_video

4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_fJYzjKq6Q

5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AowGLd8Jd1I

6 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q5dtw7LbpU

BEHIND THE SCENES http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6B25A4C6003DC59F&feature=plcp

Race Photos Courtesy of: Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS

 

 

 

 

 

Cape Epic 2011

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A few of our MTB Rouleurs have asked for a race report of the recent Cape Epic, rated by some as the hardest mountain bike race in the world.

Given that it took place over 8 days I won’t be giving a blow-by-blow account of the whole event.

The Cape Epic is the only UCI HC (Hors Categorie) mountain bike race in the world and shares this honour with Tour de France and Giro d’ Italia. A guaranteed 6-10 hours each day in the saddle, searing heat and relentless climbing, added to inevitable mechanical failure from rough terrain, leaves many competitors lucky to even finish.

The Cape Epic is also the largest full-service mountain bike stage race in the world. Imagine a moving tent city for 1200 riders; add the support staff, catering and media. Throw in a dining tent for 1000, sponsor tents and chill out zones, medical, massage, race administration, laundry, phone/internet/computer hub. Now add  a transport group for race bags, a 30-cubicle shower trailer and fleet of trucks carting 130,000 litres of single source potable water,  a bike wash and bike park to take care of the dirty jobs.

And last of all a few manufacturer stalls, Shimano, SRAM, Rockshox, Specialized, Trek. Mechanic/ bike shop tents for riders who couldn’t be fussed maintaining their bikes for the race.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDT8GyNfYLg 2011 route

Cape Epic Basic Rules:

Ride in Teams of Two. To become  “official finishers” both riders must finish together, throughout the race you must stay within 2 minutes of each other, (random timing mats on the trail ensured compliance)

New Route Every Year. No GPS tracking, with a life ban if caught. Farmers sick of trespassers make it a condition of access.

No outside assistance. Spectators/support crew cannot give you food/ water, push you or your bike, give spares or fix bikes.

For this year’s race South African and international riders faced a tough 707km with 14 550m of climbing from Tokai Forest in Cape Town to Lourensford near Stellenbosch.

The MTB equivalent of Internet dating brought my partner Mark Oliver  (from Johannesburg) and I together. The usual questions: What do you ride, how much do you train, what’s your lactate threshold/VO2 Max/max heart rate then a few emails exchanged back and forth to see if we were “compatible”.

So enough of the background info. It’s a big race, lots of big name MTB riders, its tough, and steep, here is the ride report:

Prologue Team Time Trial 27km 750m.

A later start for us was good to sleep in. We had practiced the course earlier in the week; nice single track and no crashes, Mark and I got accustomed to each other’s riding.

Highlight: The spectators, this race is BIG in South Africa, televised live on super sport, having a couple thousand people cheering us on got the heart well and truly pumping.

Lowlight: Leaving my lovely bed and breakfast, the next 7 days would be tent city.

Day 1 89km 2050m.

A ridiculous stage in 36 degree heat, everyone walked the steep hills including the pros, I felt overwhelmed, if the rest of the epic was like this we were in trouble.

Highlight: Finally getting into the race, I was riding amongst some the best in MTB (just further back)

Lowlight: A rear derailleur blow out losing us lots of time on our first day, we managed to get a repair going to save our race!

Day 2 104km 2300m.

Super hot day again, we went out quick to get time back, staying with our lead bunch hurt the legs, we hoped it wouldn’t bite later. Climbing and more climbing in the saddle with a 45 min “hike a bike “walk. Spectacular scenery at a mountain top and fast downhill home.

Highlight: Getting a 15km draft off a pro team, (they had a mechanical, racing past we latched on, said that if we could hold wheel we didn’t have to do any work, bonus!)

Lowlight: Hike a bike sucks! Trashing my S- Works shoes, burning and dehydrated under the sun.

Day 3 125km 1900m.

A cloudy, 27 degrees and the quick starts continued, a few teams passing us on earlier days now crawling. Very scenic terrain, climbing into foothills then down again. Don’t remember much else, it just hurt all day.

Highlight: Complimented by World Downhill Champ Tracy Moseley for my descending skill through rock gardens.

Lowlight: Long and draining, deep sand, kilometers of rock terrain, definitely lost my mojo. My partner at the end said it was the toughest stage he’d done in 3 epics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWXqzVbPFnk&feature=related Stage 5

The organizer had to increase the stage cut off time from 10 to 11 hours, there were that many competitors still out on the course late in the day.  We watched 2 riders at 11 hours 4 minutes come in and have their race plates cut off and replaced with “blue boards” now unofficial finisher when they continued. Heart breaking to watch all that effort wasted.

Day 4 Team Time Trial 32km 800m.

Hardly a rest day, we got to sleep in little. Mark, my partner, also a GP, had bronchitis exacerbated by the trail dust. The short course was very steep in sections so walking was the call (he had trouble breathing on the climbs) only 3 teams passed us, not much time lost.

Highlight: Bombing down the last half of the course, very sweet single track.

Lowlight: Overnight rain, the tent leaked, fatigue was bad enough without even less sleep.

Day 5 143km 2350m.

A classic Cape Epic big day out. A mass start and fast roads had us racing 10 wide for kilometre after kilometre, we formed bunches and took turns along farm road and track quickly notching up 90km. The early tracks led to the foothills of Groenlandberg mountain, for the next 20km we climbed at 15% through fragile fynbos (low shrub) national parkland. Uphill lead to nice flowing downhill into Oak Valley and home. Surprisingly not as tough as we expected.

Highlight: The absolutely spectacular view from the top of Groenlandberg.

Lowlight: Mark suffering through the climbs, my partner was hurting, the team was hurting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBv1QPsMBvw Stage 5

Day 6 128km 2700m.

3 Mountains in a day on tired legs, over Groenlandberg to start! Feeling strong I went to the front in a headwind, catching bunches of riders and moving on, Mark conserved his energy for the inevitable climbing. I had my mojo back and the last half of the day was the most fun I’ve ever had on a bike. Single Track Heaven!

Highlight: The awesome Oak Valley single track.

Lowlight: Having to attend the “Bum Tent”. When your arse breaks from saddle sores (Boys and Girls) there is a special section of the Medical clinic. The line was long; the process was efficient the finish slap on my arse from the nurse was mortifying.

Other riders weren’t so lucky on the Oak Valley track. Wil Hayter from Marathon.MTB and friend, both with broken collar bones after this crash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOyGfY8gcu4 Wil crash

Day 7 59 km 1700m.

A Red Bull aerobatic plane buzzed our very up beat start line where new friends chatted in groups, impatient to get going, for Mark, his daughter would be at the finish and for me, good mate /SPR rider Pete Gill and his lovely girl Michaela. At 8:10 am our start group rolled out and I had a clear message from my partner ‘don’t get cheeky, we’re not finished yet’.  I went to the front to help Mark when I could and stayed steady climbing, soon enough we heard a helicopter buzz signalling the end was near. Finish line fever pushed the pace up and we formed a small peloton of weary legs racing to the line.

The finish chute was amazing, thousands of spectators, friends and family lined the barricade, and we were done!

Highlight: Having friends at the finish line made my day, a beer has never tasted better.

Lowlight: The melancholy of a partnership and race ended.

Later in the day I had a tear in my eye truly humbled as I watching blind cyclist Hein Wager and his partner Gerrie Oliver cross the line. They rode, pushed and carried a custom tandem bike together for 8 days, both receiving a standing ovation as the collected their finishing medals.

http://www.youtube.com/user/absacapeepic#p/a/u/2/hjREmEzC6n0 Wrap up

1 206 riders Professional and Amateur rolled off the start ramp, at race end 992 riders crossed as “Official Finishers “. The finish number was the best in 8 years of the Cape Epic, some years the attrition rate had been over 20%.  Mark, my partner, now a 3 time finisher bluntly stated 2011 had tougher trails than previous years, but a combination of cooler conditions for the later stages and fitter competitors had more riders getting through the daily cut off.

Medi-Clinic treated a total of 1 460 riders, which included fractures (including 10 broken collar bones), saddle sores (me included), wound care (me again), strapping, dehydration and even kidney failure.

 

You get tunnel vision when racing, Mark and I were talking constantly, “what’s your heart rate”, “how do you feel”, “easy”, “speed up”, “have you eaten”, “have a drink”. Conserving energy and pacing were essential; so many teams passing us earlier in the week were basically going backwards out of the race by Day 3.

Anerobic effort and surging or blowing up on climbs by not walking when needed was a team killer.

Nutrition/Hydration was the other factor, your appetite is long gone, but you eat/hydrate because you have to, then you eat/hydrate over and over because you won’t finish each stage if you don’t.

I’ve been home a month now; my arse is healed (thanks for everyone’s concern).  Energy is up but I have “issues” at max heart rate.

I’ve had time to reflect on the race and months of training leading up to it. Early mornings leading into all day endurance rides, waiting for 35 degrees to “heat train” in summer, laughing through Saturday main 1 ride and getting dropped on Thursday mornings .As a cyclist I count myself lucky to see places many don’t get to see, meet people from all over the world, each with their own stories and a common love of time in the saddle and challenging their limits.

The Cape Epic is a world wide lottery; if you want a ticket – http://www.cape-epic.com/

I’ve already got my entry for 2012

See you out there, pedalling on.

Nigel Adcock – Cape Epic Finisher 2011

To see more photos – http://www.flickr.com/photos/yeti_101/sets/72157626708999436/show/