The Absa Cape Epic is undoubtedly the pinnacle of endurance mountain biking in the world. But you can only get a true understanding of its magnitude if you experience it personally to some degree. Watching on TV, you mostly see the UCI Elite racers and the highlights, and although the live coverage on the event is exceptional, it just can’t replace physically being there.
By Joanne Badenhorst | Images: AC Media
In an effort to entice more female participation, the Absa #SheUntamed Trippers, catering exclusively for women cyclists, gives its invited guests the opportunity to get up close to the event. An experience that activates all the senses. They get to see, smell, taste, hear and touch the Cape Epic in a way that gives unmatched insight into the race.
With access to the race village and a rider dining experience, Absa’s luxury hospitality, riding on sections of the race route and even getting up close to the riders. It is an experience that fuels and inspires future Cape Epic riders.
Securing an invitation to trippers lies in the hands of the #SheUntamed team. The criteria are quite broad. You need to be a woman and preferably a mountain biker. Absa staff and other sponsors of the Cape Epic, key industry people, potential future Cape Epic entrants and some lucky draw recipients, are invited to enjoy this special opportunity.
After you have accepted your invitation, and the big day arrives, all you need to do is get yourself and your bike to the Trippers Village, which is usually situated near the actual race village. Every other detail is taken care of.
DAY 1
A meet and greet at the Absa hospitality and some time to watch the Prologue, is first on the agenda, followed by Trippers registration and settling into your glamping accommodation. The Trippers camps are perfectly appointed with a large Bedouin tent, bean bags, chairs, tables, complimentary Vida coffee station, bar and snacks table forming the base camp for the duration of the experience. Portable toilets and showers are of the highest quality too.
A warm welcome from the Trippers Team and ride briefing lead into a delicious three-course dinner, with enough food to feed an army. A quick bike check, putting number boards on (we must do this as our tour does intersect with the race and uses private land and access’ trails), then off to bed.
DAY 2
An early start is needed to ensure we don’t miss the start of the actual race. The Vida team are on site and brewing coffees at a rapid rate. Breakfast is served, with a choice of hot and cold buffet. Energy drinks and bars supplied by USN are a firm favourite. For those who are not feeling fit, there is a fleet of eBikes to trial. This year Specialized had this covered. Then a swift departure to watch and cheer for the UCI Men and UCI Women as they start Stage 1.
The groups are split into three by ability and head off on some trails that were used in the Prologue the previous day, and some that are going to be used on Stage 2 the following day. We stop along the way where we catch the earlier starters racing and zooming past in clouds of dust. There is lots of excitement for the first-timers who get to use all their senses to absorb and learn what the Absa Cape Epic is. Some more riding, our own refreshment table, and more supporting until we are back at Meerendal Wine Estate for a scrumptious lunch. The afternoon is at leisure, and if feeling the need, we have the choice of an ice bath to refresh the legs, a massage or a recovery boots session, which also adds to the “Epic Experience”.
In the evening, we are shuttled to the race village and are treated to a real Epic rider experience in the dinning marquee. Being seated at the Absa VIP tables is another spoil. Dinner is self-service with a wide range of options and prizegiving for the day’s racing garners lots of cheering. There is no doubt that the #SheUntamed women are there! A real morale boost for the leaders in each category.
DAY 3
A similar start to our Day 2, but due to it being a transition time-trial stage, we head straight out on our ride after breakfast. Some 44km of gravel roads take us riding side by side on some sections with the racers, once again giving us a real sense of what this race is about, even for just a few minutes. Today’s ride finishes and a shuttle to the race village at Fairview Estate in Paarl is necessary for safety. The experience certainly finishes on a high at the Absa Hospitality with refreshing showers, cold beverages and five-star catering, while watching the riders cross the finish line of their Stage 2.
It is quite a logistical challenge to ensure the ladies on the #SheUntamed trippers get a taste of the Absa Cape Epic, while avoiding interfering with the racing and catering for the very different riding abilities. Every year has its share of challenges, but as a whole the #SheUntamed Trippers experience is simply great. It is necessary and is so important to showcase, even if in a small way, what the Cape Epic is. If it encourages and motivates just 1% of the group to prepare and line up for the event, it has done its job.
Joanne Badenhorst is the Editor of TREAD Femme, a division of TREAD Media. She has covered every Absa Cape Epic since the launch of TREAD Media in 2009.
