I am quite sure that I have previously wondered on these pages why any-(regular)-one would enter a multi-day test of endurance, will and character. Stage racing can be pretty tough going and yet along 1199 others I lined up it his morning to start the the untamed African mountain bike race that is the Cape Epic (www.cape-epic.com). Along with Jayson we rolled down the start ramp (quite a pro feel to that) at 6:48.10.

What does it take just to get to the start line?

Money is probably the first major obstacle. The entry fee to the Epic R36,000.00 for the team. A bike can cost anywhere from R20k (less than that wouldn’t survive) to upwards of R100,000 (more than that a your marriage wouldn’t survive)! Maintenance during training and the race could be as much as R20k over the period. Then there are the doctors visits, physio before and during and other medical needs (think saddle sores here).

Now let’s talk about the time commitment(Laura, if you are reading this, just skip this bit please). Most would train about six months for such an event. During that time I spent about around 300 hours in the saddle. In 2012 I rode 16011km. From the beginning of January to the event both Jayson and I averaged just under 15 hours riding per weekThen there is the running around doing bike stuff. Maintaining, cleaning and whatnot.

With the stuff above, it is quite clear that the most important component is an understanding, and occasionally, forgiving family. Without that, the whole endeavor just can’t happen. Even at gatherings of family or friends it’s often “bike bike bike bike bike bike bike” to quote Laura. This statement can be accompanied with a passing hand making whacky duck signs and, for maximum emphasis, rolling the eyes is fairly effective. The appropriate response is an slightly embarrassed shrug, quick smile and even quicker change of topic! But jokes aside, it’s a team event and the team is two families, not two individuals!

The doctor/physio visits mentioned above are part of the health problem. And it’s a real problem. You really just cannot afford to be sick enough not to train. Neither can you let an injury slow you down. And of course you don’t want to start the event feeling off color. So in the last few weeks it’s full defense time. Lots of hand sanitizer, keep away from anyone with a sniff, cough or poor complexion. Use your elbow for elevator buttons and you knuckles if you can’t. Always eat with your non dominant hand. You get the idea. I stop short of wearing a theatre style face mask – it’s not Tokyo after all.

A training partner is also a big help. Well, a few as there aren’t many who will be able to put as much time aside as you are. And with Jayson 13,000km away, any volunteers are gratefully taken up on offers that interrupt that voice in you head that asks, why. Why, why, why…….

And that is why just making the start line, reasonably fit, healthy and injury free is a victory in itself!