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Seems this thread has gone a bit quiet, I committed to the epic on Jul 22nd and basically jumped off the couch at that point. Have done a lot of base work and getting my volume up but have now also joined TR to see what the plan builder would provide and how this may be different to how i was training up to this point. I would have assumed that in the specialty phase that there would be an increase in volume at tempo type intensities so that you can mimic the stress that you will undergo in the race having consecutive days on the bike which will vary between z2 and z4 with probably a fair amount of z3 as well XD
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Hi guys,
Just to catch up on this topic.
Personally I have just executed the rollover for the 2022 edition, since my country (Spain) is under state of alarm and my partner and I don’t see how things could improve before March.
Best of luck for those of you who will be racing on 2021!
Nope Nope Nope… Danger noodles!
I was wondering quite the same, more over when 1 week ago I did a 2 stages MTB block (98kms with 3000mts of gained elevation each) that gave me roughly 950 TSS, 545 first day and 405 the second one. Those 2 stages simulated 2 of the hard days I will have on my 7 day race, the others are shorter 75kms (45miles) with 2500mts of elevataion average, with will put them on the 250 to 300 tss range. So should we go from low volume to mid and then to high volume at some point to manage a similar stress?. What about time on the bike, at least my race is going to be from 4 to 8 hours on the saddle, how you work on that?, and by that, I mean, saddle sore after more than 4 days, even with good chamois cream, and all those things. And also what about hands. mine where killing me the second day?.
Probably I derrailed at the end, but I just want help on how to train for that.
Are those things considered by any of the guys, I believe Amber is used to stage races and the toll it takes in the budy but from being a long time listener, I dont recall a really long mtb race or even road race they have done besides Pete. Just saying
Hi Brendan,
I agree with you, its amazing when they talk about coming to SA!
I am doing is 2021 after a huge let down in the beginning of the year, are you doing it?
Cheers
Dave
Hi Dave
I’ve have not entered for 2021 unfortunately. It was on the cards but hard to justify that expense in rands currently. But will be rooting for the trainer road teams. I sincerely hope that the event is able to take place next year. It’s absence this year on the racing calendar was a huge disappointment. You entered?
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Yea, was entered for 2020 and now for 2021. Very luck being sponsored.
I had a bad accident on the 10th of Oct, got T boned by a car. Broke foot hand and rib. Very grateful to be alive!! So just adding some difficulty to the hardest thing I have ever attempted 
Bones knitting well, doc says I can start gently pedaling.
I used a human coach last time around and now using TR. Loving the whole package of the app and the podcast and the community.
I am surprised at how few people use TR, I’m based in Joburg, you in Cape Town?
Chat soon
Dave
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2021 Absa Cape Epic Postponed
After careful consideration and continued conversations with local authorities, we regret to announce that the 2021 Absa Cape Epic has been postponed to 17-24 October 2021.
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Nice of them to overlay the Croc Trophy dates! That’s a bit of a dog act IMO.
Edit: Now that I’m back home and not staying in an interstate motel.
This is a massive deal to the TR podcast crew. I’m very interested in hearing about how they decide to roll with the punches on this one?
It’s my gut feel that the race will be touch and go for the new start date as well.
https://www.redbull.com/au-en/worlds-toughest-mtb-stage-races
Work on your bike fit - what’s good for a couple of hours might not be good enough for longer days. I do multi-day self-supported events and could ride for around 8hrs with no problem but get to 10 or 12hrs and I’d get nerve damage in my fingers. It took 18 months to sort out 
- I’d make a change, go for a long ride, get nerve damage, wait a month or so until the damage went away, and repeat.
Generally have your bars much higher than you would for trail centre type riding, mine is at saddle height. I also have the saddle pointing nose down by about 5 degrees - this is one of the counter-intuitive things: with a level saddle you get consistent knocking from the terrain of the soft tissue in the crotch area which then becomes sore so you put more pressure on your hands. With a nose down saddle you engage your sit bones more and avoid damage to the soft tissue. You do need to engage your core a bit more.
My last event was an ITT (individual time trial), 200km mostly off-road with some unrideable sections, I took 21hrs and had no hand issues or saddle sores. I’ve done five day events with similar results.
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I watch this thread with interest as I’m down to do the Alps Epic in June.
I also found my hands suffered during a three day stage race a couple of years ago, so my plan is to change my 100mm fork for a 120mm and run it super plush.
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I must remember to email the organisers to ask if inboard bar ends are allowed. I use these on my bike packing rigid mtb and they help massively. I tend to use them for most of my climbing.
Two of my mountain bikes have Jones Loop Bars but not the one used for the events I mentioned that bike also happened to be a rigid 29er. A proper fit comes before suspension.
I just read that the Au cricket tour to SA is now off, I know October is a long way away but I suspect you might be correct.
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All you need to do is look at what Qantas is currently saying about international travel. It was obvious way back in the beginning of this mess that a large portion of the globe was going to stuff things up and ignore basic health advice.
Nothing new there.
Cape Epic, or not. Life will go on.
Albeit, a little less interesting without our favorite podcast hosts battling it out in SA.
Life will be tough without the epic tales of “Thunder and Honey”.
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In case anyone needs a little Cape Epic fix:
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I enjoyed that, thanks for sharing.
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Recently I got an invite for the 2022 edition. I’m deciding which bike to get for the race, Cannondale Scalpel 2021 HiMod 1 or Sworks Epic 2021.
I have the older model of the Epic and I like it (too harsh when is on firm setting).
The other day I demo the scalpel… and man the bike feels fast. Which one would you get for Cape Epic?
Honest reply - neither. I’d stick with the bike I had and throw all my time, money and effort into my body.