Whoop Whoop!

Every now and then you just have to slap that eject button on the big old toaster that’s life and get away from the heat! Even if its just for a short while until some idiot grabs hold of you, covers you in peanut butter and eats you alive……………I think I might have lost myself in that analogy!

Anyway what I’m trying to get to is taking time to reflect on your life, were you came from, your current situation, and in some peoples case the precious few years you have left in life. My oldest friend ,excuse the pun!, turns 30 today, which means I have known him for 30 years! Well actually 29 years, 10 months and 8 days. I hope you have an awesome birthday buddy, and many more joyful Zimmer frame walks.

One of my great mentors in life once told me that to have a well-balanced life you should visualize the different aspects of your life as water tanks lined up next to each other. Each tank representing a different part of your life, for example: work, relationships, sport, friends, etc. The key is to keep these tanks at the same level, trying to divide your time equally between all of them. The problem is we have a 500 000 litre reservoir as our “Epic Tank” and my “Work Tank” is giving the Steenbras dam a go! Bottom line is I am spending all my time at work and watching the other tanks slowly drain from a distance!

Last night I decided to give my “Epic Tank” some much needed attention and joined Paul and the guys from Helderberg Cycling World for their weekly night ride. My last night ride was about 10months ago at the 24hrs of Wiesenhof so I was a bit apprehensive as to what I was getting myself into. I one word AWESOME! We did loads of singletrack, allot of it that I have not even seen in daylight. On most sections I was desperately trying to hang onto their wheels as they were just ripping down the trails. It was loads of fun and I will be back next week!

To all our Comrades in training, good luck for the big double this weekend! As it’s Jaco’s birthday party on Saturday we will be hitting the beers relentlessly and doing tequila intervals untill the sun comes up!

So to end of this post I thought we could all join in song to once again congratulate my “old” friend Jaco! The last 30 years have been a blast and I’m sure the next 30 will be nothing but spectacular (as long as you keep riding, I can pretty much guarantee it!)!

So here we go 1, 2, 3…………”Geluk liewe maatjie omdat jy verjaar!……………………..”

Later

Nico

What we are up against!

We don’t have much to report on this week. Unlike last year we have had no wildlife attacks, muggings or run ins with the law….yet! We are also struggling a bit with the work and training balancing act. However, this was always to be expected and its safe to asume we arent the only ones.

I did want to share next years Cape Epic route with you. The following race description is taken directly from the ABSA CAPE EPIC website (http://www.cape-epic.com/content.php?page_id=36&title=/The_Route/ ). This will give you a much better understanding of why we are training so hard and what we are training for.

ABSA CAPE EPIC 2009

Total Distance: 743km

Total Climbing: 16 650m

"One of the most famous natural landmarks in Africa, Table Mountain, marks the beginning of the pioneering, tough and beautiful mountain bike race. The race then heads into the Overberg region in search of the most exciting, beautiful and challenging routes. Always innovating, the 2009 Absa Cape Epic visits stage locations in which riders will be staying for 2 consecutive nights, allowing them more time to experience single-track and technical routes that make this race legendary.

Prologue

Date: 21 March 2009

Start/Finish: Cape Town

Distance: 24km

Climbing: 740m

Table Mountain will host the prologue, which was introduced at this year’s race, on the first day of the event. The 24km ride against the clock will take riders from the edge of the City Bowl towards Tafelberg Road. The Cobra is a steep switchback climb averaging 15%. Once they crossed Kloof Nek, riders will climb Signal Hill and head along the spine. If they have a moment to look to their left they’ll see the Atlantic Seaboard and to the right, the city and the harbour. The prologue will give riders a chance at a good seeding position in the start chute of the first stage the next morning.

Stage 1

Date: 22 March 2009

Start/Finish: Gordon's Bay - Villiersdorp

Distance: 110km

Climbing: 2770m

Gordon’s Bay, the small, idyllic seaside town on the Eastern edge of False Bay will see the start of Stage 1, taking riders over 110km and 2770m of climbing to Villiersdorp. The first stage of the Absa Cape Epic has never been easy and will be no exception next year. The early steep ascents will stretch out the field, just in time for some rocky single-track. Participants will visit a familiar highlight of the Absa Cape Epic, Groenlandberg. The 10km climb will start off at over 10%, but will level out near the top. Riders will need to save their energy for the last 15km, which will take them into Villiersdorp, where they will settle in for 2 nights.

Stage 2

Date: 23 March 2009

Start/Finish: Villiersdorp

Distance: 120km

Climbing: 2108m

Villiersdorp, the "The Pearl of the Overberg", is graced by oak trees and surrounded by tranquil fruit and wine orchards. Sixteen degree slopes are perfect for crafting fine wine but will make for tired legs early in the stage. This kind of climbing will require expert balance and poise just to avoid having to climb off and walk. In a loop that circumnavigates the valley visiting the Brandvlei Cellar, there will be several more steep climbs. The ruts and loose shale that characterises the Karoo region could end a rider’s race on a single corner.

Stage 3

Date: 24 March 2009

Start/Finish: Villiersdorp - Greyton

Distance: 85km

Climbing: 1950m

The third stage will take riders from Villiersdorp to Greyton, an 85km route with 1950m of climbing. Their legs will remember stages 1 and 2 all too clearly as they tackle a long ascent up a rugged 4x4 trail. It will be another day of tough ups and downs, breaking the riders’ rhythm. A portage section with 180-degree mountain vistas will ensure that their spirits stay intact as they head to the next town, Greyton, another gem in the Overberg.

Stage 4

Date: 25 March 2009

Start/Finish: Greyton

Distance: 101km

Climbing: 2303m

The fourth day of 101km and 2303m of climbing will begin on the open roads with a steady climb followed by a tricky section on fast rocky tracks, testing the reactions early in the morning. After crossing the causeway, a windy trip through the farmlands will take the field back towards Greyton. Much of it is rideable but with some 20 degree slopes, testing their technical skills. This devastating series of hills will deliver a knockout combination to ill-prepared legs. Riders will have earned their second night’s rest in Greyton.

Stage 5

Date: 26 March 2009

Start/Finish: Greyton - Oak Valley

Distance: 113km

Climbing: 2405m

Stage 5 will take riders from Greyton to Oak Valley, a 113km ride with 2405m of climbing. Early on, some jagged climbs will strike a cruel blow to the morale, but riders will be rewarded with the beautiful flowing dual tracks alongside the railway line. This will offer a temporary respite as Elgin / Grabouw appears on the horizon. When riders see orchards they will see more steep climbs on the way, but not before passing through another Cape Nature Conservation area. With several kilometers of swooping forest single-track, even the most tired competitor will be smiling and as they leave the forest, they will arrive home for the night in Oak Valley, Elgin/Grabouw.

Stage 6

Date: 27 March 2009

Start/Finish: Oak Valley

Distance: 120km

Climbing: 2604m

The second last stage of the Absa Cape Epic, will take riders on a 120km journey with 2604m of climbing. This stage is the most technical in the Absa Cape Epic’s history. No sooner than leaving Oak Valley, riders will encounter more hills heading towards the N2. Riders will be traversing through Kogelberg - a world-famous biosphere featuring some radical descents and narrow tracks with unique Fynbos grabbing at the handlebars. After a river crossing and more steep climbs, riders once again find themselves in the single-track heaven of Lebanon. They will then return to Oak Valley to cap off a very demanding day in the saddle.

Stage 7

Date: 28 March 2009

Start/Finish: Oak Valley - Lourensford

Distance: 70km

Ascent: 1770m

Finally the last day of the taxing Absa Cape Epic has arrived and riders will end their adventure at Lourensford. Traditionally the last stage is always the shortest, but never easy and will take riders over 70km and 1770 m climbing. Again, they will see short, sharp climbs and then some longer and even steeper ones though Nuweberg. Soon the riders will begin to smell home as they near the bottom of Gamtoe Pass. As any Absa Cape Epic veteran will tell you, it is a compulsory portage section through this National Heritage site. A close look at the path will reveal Voortrekkers’ wagons tracks, heading down to the railway line. Through wine country, riders will head home to Lourensford to collect their finisher’s medal and a well earned rest."

So…that’s it. All in a weeks work…ehhhr… and 8months training! : )

Jaco

Getting on with it...

It has been nearly two weeks since our last update. We have been training and getting on with things…well mostly.

Nico went to race the Cederberg Escape two weekends ago. That same weekend did not work out as well for me. That Friday at 10:00pm I got a frantic call from Grant, a good friend. It turned out Grant was stuck on the N1 with no petrol. Naturally, also trying to be a good friend, I rushed to his rescue. It soon became clear that petrol was not the problem. Apparently you should not try to jumpstart another car when your own battery is on its last legs.

What was supposed to be a routine rescue mission ended up with both of us stuck on the national highway up until 1am. It was cold, windy and not the place to be on a Friday night. Plus I was really longing for the bottle of red wine that I had left all by its lonesome at home. Björn Geiger ended up being our saviour. Thanks Björn! I ended up being without a car until the Monday and somehow training took the backseat over that weekend.

Personally I am still waiting on Nico’s Cederberg Escape race report. I only know the “short of the long” and it includes two flat tyres (on his car on the way there) and a long list of mechanical problems with his bike. The result was him not being able to finish the 3rd and last day of the race. While obviously disappointed he still managed to enjoy the weekend of racing. Not only is this race running through a spectacular and beautiful part of our country, but also the race itself was also superbly organised and enjoyed by all whom I have talked to. It is interesting to note that this race is organised by the very same organisation that is responsible for the Cape Epic.

This last weekend we managed some good training including the Four Passes route. It is a 130km loop by road that includes Sir Lowries Pass, Viljoens Pass, Franschoek Pass and lastly the Helshoogte Pass. The pace was fairly intense upfront as we did it with a bunch of roadies training for the Double Century (a 200km race). Well done to Zayne who pitched up with knobblies and kept up with everybody!

Big news is that the ABSA Cape Epic 09 route was announced last week! I still need to go study the press release more closely before I can comment on it fairly. But from what I have seen it looks to be an extremely exciting route. Feel free to go have a look at it yourself in the meantime at http://www.bicycling.co.za/articles/racing_news/3796/ .

Thank you for the feedback and messages of encouragement we have been getting. It is really appreciated! Enjoy your week everybody!

Jaco

Off to the Cederberg Escape!

I'm off to go and ride the Cederberg Escape (http://www.cederberg-escape.com/). 3 Days of tough riding in the hot and dry Cederberge.  

If you want to follow some insane mtb stage racing go check out (http://www.crocodile-trophy.com/index.html). Its day 3 of 10 today and these guys have been averaging over 30 km/h, off road, during the first two stages of 80 and 107km! Freakin insane!  

Have a great weekend! I'll have a ride report for you on Monday  

Later  

Nico

Bring it!

It was asked for and it was given! Word is out there that the ABSA CAPE EPIC 2009 will have kilometers and kilometers of single track. This excites most people out there training for the event. It should excite them too as the Epic in the past mostly consisted of long farm road stretching over rolling hills and mountains.

Concern was raised in the past that the event was not technical enough, that it did not test the all round mountain biker. Now in 2009 the race will undergo a complete facelift. Starting in Gordonsbay it will still be a grueling marathon but with the added spice of testing the riders technical skill.

The 2008 event claimed to be the toughest one yet. Kevin Vermaak said afterwards that we can rest assure it wont be as tough again for some time to come. I am very curious to see what distances we will cover in the 2009 event. Mentally and physically technical terrain takes allot more out of you. On a long open stretch of road you can afford to “switch off” mainly concentrating on the wheel in front of yours. However, on a rocky little mountain path you must be switched on and be very alert. For me personally, not the smoothest rider on the downhill, it could be more challenging. I discovered this again this past weekend when I fell and bent my back rotor (only our second major technical hiccup in 3years of cycling) on a rock. Nico will eat it up, he gracefully glides (like a ballerina) over the rocky sections.

With the entire race being so close to Cape Town there will be much more spectators along the way. This would be fantastic as you really do benefit from support along the way. Plus, it sucks pushing your bike when people are watching!

One thing is certain. There is something in the air. This will be a special race. You notice it when talking to people involved. Nobody really knows what to expect. Those who in the past have said that they are not doing the Epic again is now all of a sudden scrambling to get in.

Epic 2009 will see us and we very much look forward to it!

Jaco

200 Strong!

Our Facebook group is now 200 Members strong! Thank you everybody!

We just can't take the suspense anymore so all sponsors start throwing your money at us........NOW! OK lets try that again 1,2,3..............NOW!

Maybe its because its Friday, we will try again next week!

Quin is down for the week so we will be taking our loyal Jo'burg apprentice for a few rides to check if the force has grown strong within our young padawan.

Have a great weekend!

Later

Nico

What a suprise!

I had a feeling today would be a good day. It started this morning when the blaring of my alarm clock at 4:30 didn't have the usual affect on me. Instead of the usual cursing and stomping about trying to finish my now well oiled routine of getting into my cycling kit, having breakfast, feeding the dog and getting on my bike in less than 10 minutes, I felt great! I felt alive, ready to hit the road and get those cranks spinning. What a great ride! The air was crisp, a near perfect day with just a hint of a breeze. I slipped through Stellenbosch at day break feeling utterly content for some unkown reason, strangely happy to be alive, happy to be riding my bike!

This euphoric feeling lasted throughout my commute and as I reached our workshops and clicked on my computer, I still had had this strange feeling of expectation. And then suddenly it all became crystal clear as if I had climbed up and out the mist on an epic early morning accent of Groenlandberg...........Kevin Vermaak, the godfather, the visionary, the founder of the Cape Epic had joined Cranks of Glory! 

Kevin welcome! Thanks for creating this great event and inspiring hundreds like ourselves to switch to light beer, get of our butts and ride our bikes........allot! 

Back to our weekly update, we had our first proper week of training, I managing to tear myself from bed without too much hassle and logged some decent hours during the week. I think the fact that at least half of my morning rides are not in the dark anymore helps with my motivation. Everything seems to be clicking back in place again as we start breaking out of our winter hibernation.

As the weekend drew closer and the forecast for fine spring weather become a reality I was ready to put in some big hours as I am desperately trying to get myself into shape for the looming Cedeberg Escape (http://www.cederberg-escape.com/) in two weeks time.

Saturday went as planned with Jaco putting in 3 hours in and around Paarl and I rode to Jonkershoek to log my hours. Sunday we were invited for a BBQ in Onrus and Jaco and myself headed there by bike. We went over Sir Lowry’s pass through Elgin, then took the gravel road over Highlands and down to Arrabella and then took the tar rode to Onrus. The weather was perfect and we managed to log some descent kilometres.

Jaco reckons we need to start doing some “core” exercises. As I’m writing this I’m staring at funny pictures of a grown man rolling around on a big ball with dumb bells in his hands………..weird! Apparently with the Epic being more “technical” next year we now need tight ass abs? I just think he is trying to get rid of the beer gut he managed t0 have aquired during the winter! 

Welcome to all our new members and thanks for the support!

Keep the rubber side down.

Later

Nico

Go check out our facebook site I have uploaded some new pics!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=3021328637

Christoph Sauser joins the family!

“Thanks buddy for waiting for me”. With a blank stare on his face Nico mumbled back to me; “I’m just looking for a spot to throw up!” Just a couple km’s later I was feeling exactly the same. We came close to “hitting the wall” last Saturday in a muddy and wet Lourensford Classic. In cycling terms this means we nearly reached a stage where we thought that we cant give any more. Nausea and just plain tiredness had set in towards the end.

We ended up riding the 62km race in a time of 4h24mins. That’s not so good you would say, but this is one hell of a tough race and hats off to those who goes out there to race it all out. In the 1st 44km’s we climbed 1300m’s. That in short is remarkable! I can also confirm that the hills were definitely NOT “alive with the sound of music!” Battle we did, but all in all we can be happy with how it went considering where we currently are in training.

On Sunday we enjoyed some fun riding in Jonkershoek with Hein, Jan, Werner and Isak. I say fun because it is always fun riding with friends. Hopefully we can fit in more casual riding this year in our training schedule. I also had another awkward yet graceful crash/fall to the amusement of all.

For the past few weeks we have welcomed a “famous” person to Cranks every so often. This week I welcome Mr. Christoph Sauser. He joined our facebook group over this past weekend. You don’t get much more famous than this guy in the sport of mountain biking. He is an 11 time WORLD CHAMPION! His career achievements are endless and he is a TRUE LEGEND in our sport. Please go to his website if you would like to learn more about this man: http://www.sauserwind.com/

Hope you all have good week. Get out there and enjoy the weather!

Jaco
PS. Happy Birthday to Danie, my brother!

Stepping up a gear!

So I am extremely dissapointed with the scale at my gym. Last week it said I weighed in at 77kg's. I was quite pleased! Turns out the scale was faulty and Im actually on 82kgs! BUGGER! You see its much easier on a bike when you are lighter...just ask Rob Kempson.

This coming weekend we will be working on our lovely cycling tan again! (seriously, this tan can only be described as a white wrestling suit!) We are racing the Lourensford Classic in Somerset West. I should put less emphasis on the word "racing" as I think we will be taking it easy. No doubt Nico will throw himself into the race early on leaving me behind to ride a more sensible race offcourse. That said, I predict him to beat me by atleast 25mins over this tough 64km race.

Sunday we will be doing a group ride with Helderberg Cycles. I expect this ride to be atleast 5hours. So we are looking at abouts 9hours of riding this wkend.

Id like to welcome Mr. Dan Nicholl to Cranks of Glory. Dan is the co-editor for iafrica.com and also their former sports editor. He is well known for his "mock" interviews and witty presenting skills. Further more Dan is also associated with the ABSA CAPE EPIC. In short...Dan is a very entertaining guy. If you dont know him go check out this "interview" with Pieter de Villiers: http://www.sarugbyblog.com/2008/09/08/dan-nicholl-interview-with-peter-de-villiers/

One person I should also mention is Amilcar Rodrigeuz. Amilcar is true enthusiast when it comes to cycling and outdoor adventures. He is from Venuzuela and joined Cranks some time ago. Since then he has "recruited" quite a number of people for Cranks giving us a bit of a international following. Thanks Amilcar!

I will let you know if I survive this wkend!

Jaco
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=3021328637

Legendary!

What a week! First Burry, and now a true legend has joined the ranks. For those that have been with us for a while will remember our legendary rides in places like Jonkershoek, Lebanon, Tokia, Thandi, 24hrs of Wiesenhof, Boschendal, Greyton Tarentaalkraal Festival, Delvera, Lourensford, Nelson’s Creek….. a never ending list of trails and events that makes the Western Cape one the best places to mountain bike! Few, if any, will argue that one man has been the architect, the pioneer, the mastermind behind it all, a true legend, Mr Meurant Botha! Welcome!

Go to www.amarider.co.za and join today to ensure that this prestine mountain biking heaven we stay in can keep on expanding! Check out www.dirtopia.co.za for some of the best events on the SA mountain bike calendar.

This weekend I’m heading to Malgas, with the soon to be in laws, and hope to get in some quality hours. Everybody knows how much I love De Hoop Nature Reserve and its sandy roads from this year Epic, I’ll give it a skip this time, thanks!

Keep the rubber side down!

Later

Nico

Welcome mr. Stander!

Breaking news is that Burry Stander joined our Facebook group (pretty much the same as our blog here) and officially became a Crank yesterday! So welcome to him! Burry is a PRO mountainbiker, this basically means the following; he weighs half of Nico's weight (not that difficult), he has impressive calves (like me), his bike is faster than my Corsa Bakkie, he trains a little (allot) more than the Cranks of Glory, you can invite him for a pasta chowing evening...ehhhr...and offcourse he gets moola for riding his steed!

He certainly does not need much of an introduction. At 21 he is fast becoming a South African mountain biking legend! He has had a very impressive year so far with a win on the World Cup Circuit and a 15th place in the Beijing Olympics to name but a few. Go check out his blog at http://www.burrystander.typepad.com/ .

Apart from that we dont have much to report AGAIN this week. We had a awesome ride with friends in jonkershoek on Sunday. The new singletrack is really something to experience if you are into moutainbiking. We are looking to step up a gear or two in our training this week...wich basically means that we need to work according to our program and no slacking off.

Thanks for the support people! Will keep you updated as we go along.PS: Burry, thanks for joining...I wasnt REALLY going to stalk you and serenade you outside your front door if you didnt! : )Jaco

Lets swim for it!

16/09/08 I never saw the band Wet Wet Wet live (thank goodness), but it feels like they have been playing here for the last three weeks straight! The rain just wont quit! Needless to say we battled with getting the hours in last week. Nico gave his bike in for repairs, and I tackled the gym. Apart from a good session on Saturday morning we havent got much to report. This week doesn’t look better at all.

What I have realised is that the only thing more boring than road cycling is spinning on a gymbike or indoor trainer. No offence to the roadies out there! Again I have to admire the commitment of people, like Anke (http://www.ankameganadventures.blogspot.com/), who have to train through extreme winter conditions mostly on a indoor trainer.

I have realised another thing. I will never look “cool” in bikewear. The photos we are posting this week is testament to that. A helmet it seems serves a dual purpose for me. Protection being the first and then secondly offcourse, making my head look like a potplant.

So yes people, this week’s update is pretty much useless. I might swim home tonight to get a bit of exercise in.

Jaco

Ahh Spring!

Spring is in the air! Well not exactly……I think in the 10 days of September we’ve had 7 days of non-stop rain, 2 days of gale force winds and one absolutely awesome Saturday! Quin was lucky enough to be down from Jo’burg that day and we headed straight to Jonkershoek from the airport.

It was my first time on the new upper-upper Canary walk and it’s awesome! Taking someone to Jonkers for the first time always make me realise how easily we take for granted the awesome trails we have right on our doorstep, poor flatland Jo’burgers! Quin and me attended the Silverback launch on Saturday night. These guys must get an A for effort and enthusiasm. The 2009 line up looks great and seems to be good value as always.

I have to set one thing straight, excuse the pun! I think Jaco’s the only “social butterfly”, yes that’s his self-proclaimed title! (flashes of pink and rainbow flags come to mind), I’m much more of a recluse so the only thing keeping me off my bike is my warm duvet and lazy ass!

Yesterday I took by bike in for some repairs, and to see if Fred could do a pedal boat conversion, considering that yet another Tsunami was hitting the Western Cape and today, as Murphy would have it, it’s a perfect day and I have no bike! I must admit I am very comfortable with the idea of sleeping in and doing nothing until Friday and then hitting the trails over the weekend!

I am waiting for my copies of 24hr Solo and Off Road to Athens and if that does not get me amped to ride then I don’t know! Expect a review of both in the near future!

Keep the rubber side down!

Later

Nico

Sip...Sip...Sip...

Looking at the weather outside I am rather comfortable sitting here indoors with my glass of port. Port is kind to me as it has never given me saddlesore. Those of you who knows me well would know that I enjoy my wine(hush Robert!) and my bike. However, myself and Nico perhaps should have enjoyed our bikes more over the weekend.

Both of us managed to get a fair bit of time on the saddle this week. As I said last time this was our first official week of training. It went well concidering the weather and social aspects of our life. Being social butterflies do come with a bit of responsibility you know. BUT when you have sponsors backing you for a major sports event you soon realise that you would not like to let them down in any way. Although we did not cycle as much this weekend as we would have hoped for we can still feel happy with the effort of our first week.

I would like to state that I am certainly more unfit as what I would have liked to be. Im sure Nico would echo this statement. Last year this time we definitely had a better level of fitness. This year, although our legs are physically stronger, our lungs and heart are battling a bit. However if we keep to our programme I am very confident that we will hit our rythem within the next two to three weeks.

The general view is that you suffer more on your second Epic than your first. Although you have been through it all you still find yourself thinking..."Ive done this, I can do it again". This is absolutely true, but I believe most people do not train as hard for there second attempt as their first. I honestly hope we do not fall into that trap. We both like to do better next year. Nico even mentioned a top 100 placing in which I replied to him with a blank stare...then I walked away. But yes, I would love to do better! Why shouldnt we? We have alot more know how this year, its just a case of putting it all together and committing to a common goal.

Lastly I would like to congratulate Nico and Lisa for getting engaged. I should have mentioned this last time, I apologise. Lisa often refers to me as Nico's fiancé...naturally this flatters me(im sorry this may be a inner circle type of joke). But the time has come for me to step aside and let true love blossom. Nico normally makes fun of me and my timekeeping or shall I say lack of timekeeping. However, after 8years Im sure glad he finally made his move!

Have a good week everybody!

Jaco

So it starts...

This is our first blog entry here on blogspot. Please note that in addition we have a group on Facebook called Cranks of Glory that was our main blog for all of last year.

So today our training started officially. We have been rather inactive on the bike lately...so we started slow today with a hour spinning session. Dont worry, the intensity will increase.

Having been through all of this last year we now have a better understanding of what is to come. There will be tears, crashes, cramps. blood, sweat, CLIMBING, sacrifices, cursing, aches and pains. BUT there will also be laughter, enjoyment, stories to tell and at the end hopefully there will be another successfull Epic completed.

We will continue to diarise our training and progress and will keep you all updated! Thanks for the support people!