A story of belief, courage and community
Almost eight years ago I started mountain biking as a complete beginner. I was shy, anxious and unsure of myself – both on and off the bike. I wasn’t a strong rider and I was honestly quite scared of the trails. Rocks, technical sections, unfamiliar terrain… even talking to people I didn’t know felt intimidating.
Some days the challenge felt too big. If a new trail was planned, I sometimes didn’t show up.
If everyone stayed for coffee after the ride, I often slipped away quietly instead of joining the conversation. But every time I did push myself — every time I stayed a little longer, tried a new feature, or showed up despite the fear — something meaningful happened.
I grew.
My world slowly expanded. I discovered beautiful places I had never seen before. I met incredible people. And most importantly, I began to discover a strength in myself I didn’t know existed.
Mountain biking made me braver. It made me curious about what else might be possible.
Little by little my comfort zone widened. I started riding new trails, joining group rides, and eventually signing up for races. I discovered that I actually loved being challenged. I loved the process of growth.
One adventure led to the next — my first Wine2Whales, XCO races, Tankwa Trek, the Ladies Cycle Tour, Gravel Burn. Each step showed me that the limits I once believed in were often just stories I had told myself.
None of this growth happened in isolation.
It was nurtured and fuelled by the incredible community of Trail Angels — a group Nikki created 13 years ago to support, encourage, inspire and empower women through mountain biking. What happens in Trail Angels goes far beyond riding bikes. It’s a community where women lift each other up, where authenticity is valued, vulnerability is welcomed, and confidence grows naturally.
The support I have received from this community has shaped me deeply — not just as a rider, but as a person.
The Cape Epic — the ultimate mountain bike stage race — is often a topic of conversation on our rides. For many years it felt completely out of reach for me. Something extraordinary that other riders did.But sometimes belief starts with the smallest spark.
A casual comment on a ride. A friend saying, “When are you riding Epic?” Someone else saying, “I think you could do it.”
Those small moments slowly planted a seed of belief.
Over the years I could feel myself becoming stronger — physically and mentally. I learned how to ride long days back-to-back, how to push through discomfort, and how powerful a good partnership can be when things get tough.
In 2022 I even wrote on Instagram:
“One day I will ride the Cape Epic. I don’t know when and I don’t know how, but I know I will.”
And then, five weeks ago, the stars aligned.
Phatho called me and asked if I would ride with her as part of Team SheUntamed Trail Angels.
I met Phatho about seven years ago when we were both still fairly new Trail Angels riders. Funnily enough, we first met at Meerendal — the very place where we will now ride our Epic prologue.
I still remember how inspired I felt by her courage and determination. Even back then she spoke with absolute conviction about the challenges she wanted to take on. Since then I’ve watched her grow into an incredible athlete — balancing sport, career, motherhood and life with passion, strength and grace. From a new rider (once even wearing her helmet back to front on an early ride!) she has become an exceptional mountain biker and a two-time Cape Epic finisher.
I truly could not have asked for a better partner. Riding alongside her is both an honour and a privilege.
Photo Credit: Oak Pics/Dr Evil Classic
Through SheUntamed, this opportunity became possible. Their mission aligns so closely with what Trail Angels stands for: empowering women to step into challenges that once felt impossible and equipping them with the tools, skills and confidence to get there. By supporting our entry, SheUntamed is not just sending two riders to the Absa Cape Epic — they are helping us tell a story that can inspire other women to believe that these start lines are possible for them too.
Because the truth is: I did not get here alone.
I got here because of a community that believed in me, often before I fully believed in myself. The shared training rides. The encouraging Strava comments. The WhatsApp messages. The quiet words of support along the way. All of it built something powerful. When I roll onto the start line, I know I will carry the strength of that entire community with me.
Trail Angels is more than a cycling club. It’s a rare and extraordinary group of women whose shared energy changes lives. And that is why I ride. Not only to cross the finish line or earn a medal — but to show every woman in this community that extraordinary things become possible when we believe in ourselves and in each other.
You can do hard things. You can grow beyond what you once thought possible. And sometimes, a single bike ride can change your entire life.
