ABSA Cape Epic 2015

3 Months has passed since Absa Cape Epic 2015!! I still can’t believe we did it…and finished it! It feels like it was just a dream.

I am not going to bore you with a report of each stage/day. Each day was basically the same…Hard (I mean like really HARD), Rocky, Rutted, Rocky, Sandy, Truck Loads of climbing and did I mention Hard!!

I was afraid of riding my bike for 8 days, but riding your bike for 8 days ain't that bad…Riding your bike for 8 days on EPIC terrain is what makes the Cape Epic EPIC!!

When big strong men burst out in tears at the end of a long day on the bike, you know it’s tough.

Here are a few things I have learned/gained during our Absa Cape Epic journey:

Stay humble. The world/nature is much bigger and stronger than us. It will break even the strongest.  

Respect your body! The thing that amazed me the most was what our bodies and minds are capable of doing.  You get to a point where you 100% believe that you can’t go one pedal stroke further, but if you want it bad enough, your mind and body will take you places…amazing places.

Respect your bike! 

You hurt so much but your hurt is nothing when you see people walking with broken collarbones, people being taken off course due to dehydration/illness and people walking with broken bikes.  You count your blessings, you hope and pray that you make it to the finish. 

It’s ok to sometimes get off your bike and push! Sometimes you don't have a choice. 

You meet people that completed 2, 3, 5 even 10 Epics and you wonder how the hell do you come back to complete another 1. But once you cross that finish line you know how/why. It's the craziest, stupidest thing you will ever do but it leaves you wanting more. 

Your partner is the most important thing/asset/equipment (whatever you want to call it) you will need at the Epic. You can't finish the Epic without your partner. I couldn't have asked for a better partner at the ABSA Cape Epic. 

The Epic breaks you down in every possible way but when you cross that finish line they put you back together and shoot you to the stars and THAT is what the ABSA Cape Epic is all about.

The week after the Epic is the worst. You feel empty, they leave you begging for more, but you feel complete. It’s hard to explain the feeling. It's an experience that will never leave you. 

Will I do it again....

                               ....I will line up at the start line tomorrow.

       

First Ascent Elite Pro Bib Shorts Review - Absa Cape Epic

First Ascent sponsored us with kit for the ABSA Cape Epic, a true test for any kit. They provided us with the Electro Jerseys and the Elite Pro bib shorts.

My partner and I were very skeptical to ride for 8 days with their shorts.

We tested the kit the week before the Epic. We did a 60km ride and were quite surprised. But we still wondered how the kit would handle 8days of 100+km per day.

So after 8 days of gruelling terrain, I am 100% convinced that the First Ascent Elite Pro bib shorts are truly the best shorts on the market at the moment.

We had no chaffing, no saddle sores and no visits to the bum clinic.

Here is some information regarding the kit.

Electro Jersey:

Effective temperature control is imperative when taking on those muscle burning climbs. Core venting allows air circulation to effectively control overheating.

Features:

·       Quik-Wic moisture management fabric aggressively moves moisture off the skin

·       Laser cut and welded ventilation panels where you need it most

·       Reflective prints allow all round visibility no matter what the angle

·       Full zip front for maximum temperature control

·       Raised neckline for additional sun protection

·       Gripper elastic hem prevents garment from riding up

Elite Pro Bib Shorts:

Why compromise and go for second best when you can have state of the art technology and performance all in one package.

Features:

·       Premium quality elastane for comfort and longevity

·       Additional contoured paneling for improved fit

·       Imported pre-molded gel padding for ultimate comfort

·       Wide mesh shoulder straps to maintain positioning

·       Flatlock seams for chafe free ride

·       Gripper print to secure legs and prevent ‘riding’

For more information on First Ascent, please visit http://www.firstascent.co.za/