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In
preparation for the Cape Epic 2006 we have put together two
epic training ride weekends. We have found that one of the
best ways to get the training hours in and to get your mind
right is by doing back to back riding days that simulate a
couple of stages at the Cape Epic. These multiple days are a
great time to test out riding strategies in terms of food,
drinks, riding with your partner and bike and equipment
setup. It is also an opportunity to meet some other riders
who are going to do the epic as well as some who have done
it before. Although
we will be able to provide some assistance and backup and we
will have refreshment stops, riders should aim to be self
sufficient as much as possible.
Read the
report backs on these two epic training rides:
Sabie Epic Training Ride
Cape Epic
Training Camp - West Coast Weekend
Mail
us if you are interested in joining us for camps like this
in future
Sabie Epic
Ride Weekend 24-26 February 2006
The first
weekend will be at the end of February and will be held in
Sabie Mpumalanga. This will be a 3 day epic training ride
and we will be using the Sabie Classic as one of the days.
Unfortunately it seems like it can be rather complicated and
costly to organise long rides here. However we have are
planning to do some interesting and challenging rides on
either side of the Sabie race, so there should be 3 days of
lots of climbing and great scenery. We will use Sabie as the
base and ride from there everyday. Details
of the ride are:
Day 1: A long
ride taking in some of the mountain passes in the area Day
2: Sabie Subaru Classic 80km route Day
3: Probably around 60-80km taking in a combination of
the available trails in the Sabie area
West Coast
Epic Ride Weekend 18-21 March
The second
weekend will take place towards the end of March in the
Western Cape. We will be based in Langebaan and be riding
from there. This weekend falls over a long weekend with
Tuesday 21 March being a holiday. This is 5 weeks before the
start of the Cape Epic and is the last real opportunity to
get some high mileage in that will pay off in the event.
This is also about the time when most training programs
should be peaking before the tapering stage. We have planned
4 days of riding with the first two being the longest and
the toughest and then it gets slightly easier towards the
end. Although these days will have their fair share of
climbing, they are more about spending days in the saddle
and doing multiple days of 100km+ distances. All of the
routes are quite scenic and reveal some great places to ride
on the West Coast. Details
of the ride are: Day
1: Koringberg area
100-130km
1500-1800m ascent
100% dirt roads
3 steep climbs and technical singletrack descents
Day
2: Aurora area
160km
1360m ascent
90% dirt roads
18km climb 1000m ascent with awesome views & pool at the
top
Day
3: Langebaan – St Helena Bay and Paternoster
100-130km
800m ascent
50% tar
Day4:
West Coast National Park
90km
800m ascent
50% dirt/tar
What we
provide:
There
will be a back up vehicle for emergencies & cold water
& ice box
Accommodation
in Langebaan
Self catering near the beach from R180ppn
B&B on the beach from 245ppn
Cost:
R150pp for fuel & ice & access fees
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