Cape Epic

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What are you views on The Cape Epic?

I have a few questions:
1. Why is there no seeding for the Epic?
I've seen, in the last few months quite a few people with Epic entries who has no idea what they've gotten themselves in for. This one guy couldn't even complete a 30km really easy ride, to tell the truth he bailed after 15km's! Then the guys who really wants and can finish don't get entries, how does that work?

2. Why is the race always in the Western Cape?
We have so many wonderful venues in SA to host this race, why not give every province a turn? Couldn't be that difficult!

3. For that matter why does it always start in Knysna?

4. Why is there no ethics in the sale of an Epic entry? I've in the last 3 months seen so many entries pass so many different hands and the worst of it all, some of these people collected these entries to sell it for a hell of a profit.

I've really gotten a bad taste about this whole Epic thing, it seems it's all about money. Where is the spirit of mtbiking? Maybe someone out there can shed some light on these issues.

I've really gotten a bad taste about this whole Epic thing, it seems it's all about money. Where is the spirit of mtbiking? Maybe someone out there can shed some light on these issues.[/QUOTE]
1.The entry fee, the accommodation costs,providing your own maintenance and support team,leave you in no doubt you are in for some serious racing.As far as i know the entries are screened.
2.Its the Cape epic,next you'll want the Sabie in Gauties
3.Thats the Whole point,the Cape Epic a course designed from Knysna to Cape town,the strenuous climbs the gruelling gravel tracks,from the indigenous forests to the dry karoo scrub.Knysna has proven itself as a host for cycling events over the passed years and a more beautiful starting point ,you'd be hard pressed to find.
4.The same guy #1,Pushed into entering the event on a whim should have the right to sell he's entry when he realises the enormity of this event.(I mountain bike regularly i have friends and family members who have completed the epic,some are even crazy enough to do it again.I have the greatest respect for the brave that challenge themselves over this gruelling course).Personally I'll leave it up to them.