Further, harder, tougher … an Epic challenge?
Those South Africans are crazy. Never content with a challenge, they always seem to come up with something that little bit harder, little bit tougher.
For some years now the Absa Cape Epic has been South Africa’s ultimate test in mountainbike riding. Having ridden it twice, I know just how hard it is and, after completing it this year, I swore that I would never do it again. I have since had a change of heart, but it would be with some trepidation that I would wheel my bike to another Epic start line.
But for some, that isn’t enough. Last night the organisers of the three-day Sani2C announced a new challenge, a nine-day 830km ride from Johannesburg to Scottburgh on the Kwazulu/Natal south coast.
The joBerg2c starts on April 23, 2010, and will take riders from southern Jo’burg, through the Free State and down the Drakensberg escarpment where the last three days will cover the Sani2c ride.
It might not yet be a serious challenge to the Absa Cape Epic, which is backed by big riders and big money, but one thing is certain, it will be a wonderful test and a great adventure that will be sold out before you can say “granny ring”.
Sunrise, Absa Cape Epic
On a separate note, a big word of congratulation to Gary Perkin. His fantastic picture of two riders casting long shadows across a dirt road brought gasps of wonder when it was first shown to competitors at the Epic earlier this year.
Since then it has graced the covers of numerous mtb magazines. Now Perkin has been awarded top honours at the Velo Arto competition at Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec.
Check out what Gary had to say about the picture.