The 2006 Cape Epic 9 day MTB stage Race
This race was really the first in a list of at least 5 that we want to do as they are some of the best, most adventure driven experiences you can have on a mountain bike. The others are The Trans Rockies, The Trans Alp, The Ruta de los Conquistadores, The Trans Wales and the Trans Scotland.
Right from the word go, we knew we were in for an incredible treat, the organisation of this race is basically second to none anywhere in the world and the Cape Epic organisers win award after award every year for their precise and reliable setup and running of the race.
Right from the word go, we knew we were in for an incredible treat, the organisation of this race is basically second to none anywhere in the world and the Cape Epic organisers win award after award every year for their precise and reliable setup and running of the race.
Cape Town is an incredible place to land no matter what you're doing, the Waterfront and its great marine life (photo) kick out the jetlag pretty quickly.
Then we were off to Knysna for the registration and start of the race. This is a great little coastal town which the race organisers had taken over: stunt riders performing, incredible local musicians playing out kicking rhythms on disused improvised plastic drums and hordes of international mountain bikers rocking up. This is that great stage of the race where you feel totally psyched out with everyone strutting around with their kit, top bikes and of course you start thinking theirs is better than yours. I remember seeing one "Ironman" cruising the local café (carbo-loading zone) and thought how badly he was kick our arse - we had the pleasure of coming in across the finishing line about 20 places higher than him 8 days later.
The race winds its way across the Cape to eventually finish in Stellenbosch, or on its outskirts at least, home to the Cape wine community. A great place to finish.
For more in depth info on the race, visit www.cape-epic.com
The CAPE EPIC, together with its partner the Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN), aims to alleviate poverty in the communities through which the race passes each year by promoting cycling as a means of transport. Through the charity entry programme the Cape Epic donates bicycles to at least 8 different communities every year. BEN also hosts bicycle skills and maintenance workshops in each town on the day The CAPE EPIC visits the town, and at night the charity teams present the bicycles at the nightly awards presentation. So far, the Cape Epic has donated more than 150 bikes for BEN projects.
TEAM MULEBAR were amazingly honoured at the 2006 to be able to donate the most bikes donated by any charity entry team: we gave 14 bikes in total, and want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who donated money to us for those: it is a fantastic gift and very much needed in the Cape, as in many parts of Africa. A big hand to you all.
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