The real cost of doing this race is never what you think it
is. I have yet to meet an Epic rider who feels that the cost
was not worth the experience. It kind of raises the question,
Can you afford not to do the race?
A comparison to any other multi-day event in the country or
the world for that matter is not really possible or fair,
because the Cape Epic is one of a kind. But if you had to
compare cost on a day for day basis you would find that there
are other multi stage races that cost more than the Cape Epic.
Of course the total cost less but that’s because you get less
days.
Getting into the race is the easiest and cheapest part of
the race. It seems like the most difficult and most expensive
at the time, but in fact it is the easiest part. The
preparation and the total cost of doing this race far
outweighs the entry cost. Sure you can do it on a shoe string,
but the temptation and excuses for new equipment, bikes,
upgrades, custom kit etc etc are over whelming and completely
necessary of course. Add to that a healthy dose of pre race
paranoia and nerves and you can be sure of loosing any common
sense that you may have had. Then there are the bike shops
with all that “special” Cape Epic gear that you have to have.
So now you have done some fair damage to your credit card
and you have not even arrived on the start line yet. Some
comfortable convenient accommodation at the start is a treat
you deserve, and the cost is well worth it. Comfortable and in
Knysna, its not that bad you still have cash in your wallet.
The Cape Epic merchandise, extras and added services will make
sure that you spend accordingly. Ok so now you are finally on
you bike, now you just have to ride. Well not quite. A couple
of hairy descents, spectacular dismounts or a few millimetres
of rain and you will pay anything to get that top of the range
bike back on the track. And while you are at it you upgrade to
the best, just to be safe. But you are having the time of your
life so you don’t even notice. When you finally float over the
finish line like a real champion your heart and wallet opens
for the loved ones. Their months of suffering are now past and
they must be rewarded and so the sending continues. Soon the
debt trap has been replaced by the epic trap and you are
blissfully happy.
So just be warned that the entry fee is just a softener for
the real cost. You probably don’t need to spend as much as you
do. Just think about all the possible costs from start to
finish and think if they are really necessary. Don’t skimp of
comfort and safety, they will save you suffering later. Plan
for all the costs and budget on a monthly basis. You will have
more than 6 months to spread the cost out so if you plan it is
easily affordable.
Taking on a race like the Epic takes time and commitment.
These are probably way more significant than the tangible
deciding factors like money, bikes and fitness. The time and
commitment are where you feel the real cost of the Epic.
Setting time aside on day after day either before the sun
comes up or after it goes down. Spending weekend after weekend
out on your bike for hours on end. It costs your own time and
the time of your family and loved ones. The commitment to
stick to the program, skip the late nights and leave early
from the weekend braais. It is not something that everyone
understands, but they don’t really need to, unless of course
you live with them. Support and commitment from your family
makes it all a lot easier and enjoyable. Every little bit of
support helps.
Albert and I have been lucky to have such wonderful wives
who have supported us in every event. Their understanding and
backing has helped us to be fully committed and get the most
out of these events. The first Epic we did completely
unsupported and looked forward to seeing Candice and Belinda
on the finish line at Spier, it was a great feeling crossing
the line that day. Then in our 3rd Epic we had both of them
travel with the race and support us everyday. It was great to
get that backup and support everyday, and it left us
re-charged and ready to give it all the following day again.
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