Cape Epic race day 6

27 Apr 2006

The 7am start from Greyton saw some of the best single track riding of the race so far. We started to really enjoy the plush tracks and felt things were less of a slog. The route led across the historic 1820 Riviersonderend Bridge followed by long scenic sections with plenty of challenging technical riding. Just how our Specialized Epics like it! Good job really because we both feel rough.

The highlight of the day – spectacular views over Hermanus and the Walker Bay – first demanded hard work. We had to climb one of the toughest ascents in the entire race with gradients of up to 25 degrees at certain points which seemed to go on forever. What made the climb even more difficult was the constantly changing terrain ranging from soft sand to lose gravel. Even the climbs at Glyncorrwg trails are more forgiving. Up was followed by down as we entered a fast and technical jeep track downhill section. 

We both thought we were having a bike-mare day with punctures and a snapped chain but the leader Silvio Bundi in team Specialized ripped off his derailleur. “Fortunately we were able to fix it, but it cost us about seven minutes”. The tough final climb to the famous whale watching town of Hermanuswas made even more strenuous by the roasting heat.

Finished 48th in category (1 hr 24 behind the leaders) standing 99th overall in race.

Today’s distance: 72 miles (116 km), accents: 2,005 m