That’s it. Eight days of quality mountain bike racing done. This always leaves me with an empty feeling. Of course, there is relief there too. Tomorrow I can have bit of a sleep in, eat regular food, and do some quality clothes washing. I even get to sleep in a real bed again!
But this is where the Post Stage Race Depression kicks in. More on that in a minute, but first – the days ‘action’.
We were treated to a sleep in again, with an 8:30am start time. This is such a gift by the end of the week, but at the same time you also want to get things started. After another night virtually drowning in mucus (a horrible visual, I know) racing was still far from my mind this morning.
Mike Hogan was taking the start again today with Thomas Dooley. So we hung out around the back of B block, and watched our mornings entertainment. A Red Bull aerobatics pilot was there to keep us enthralled, with just about every trick being done barely above our heads. Thomas almost fell over though.
“I can’t look up, I’m a bike rider” was his excuse.
The start actually had a reasonable bottleneck. I wasn’t fussed, I’m unranked anyway, with a clogged head. Eventually there were opportunities to move up. In general, it’s better to be riding with people closer to your own ability. For pacing, group dynamics, handling, and maybe there’s someone there you’ll know.
After the first climb I had started to warm up, and decided to just push on a bit. Another team nearby was having a great day – but unfortunately they were also chopping everyone in corners. Not cool. I don’t see the need for that on the last day of a stage race, when you’re back around 50th. I don’t se the need to ride in long socks either (just long footy socks, not of the compression variety). I guess we can all have different opinions.
Over the main climb at 20km I pushed through and got across to another smaller group, then one more before the feed. I rode through this, figuring my one bidon would be enough. It was just fun staying on the gas, trying to catch a group of about 6 teams ahead, but staying infront of the similar group behind.
In the end, it didn’t happen. Over the pass we had to portage (it is a conservation area, where settlers push their oxen carts over) I had some company, but chose to ride away again. My bottle was empty, but it was fun just to be mid-stage and be racing. With the following singletrack it was entertaining to push a bit harder just to stay out of sight. We hit open trails again so it was a case of clicking up a few gears, getting low and making it happen.
The 5km to go sign finally appeared and was a huge relief. Coming into the fnish chute and hearing your name being called, with hundreds of spectators cheering on your mid-pack finish is an astounding experience. The ABSA Cape Epic certainly eclipses any other mountain bike or road race I have competed in. We received picnic hampers at the finish, with enough great food for a small family in each, plus wine and grape juice.
Many teams were greeted by their family and friends, and the finish village is immense. Food, wine, showers, entertainment, it’s all here. I must say it’s a relief to be finished, but disappointing too. I came in under form and this effected Will’s race. His crash with Mike Hogan was also highly unfortunate. They both have broken bones that need to heal – and Will probably needs surgery.
But would I come back? Yes – certainly. Being able to race most of the worlds best mountain bikers, in a stunning area, with such a friendly and well organised race promoter is a privilege. I guess this is why there is a lottery to get entries. The first 100 early bird places for 2012 are available tomorrow. I’m looking to get mine organised.
So for now friends are packing up, contacts are being exchanged, and the general machine that is the ABSA Cape Epic is being dismantled. The party is over (although the unofficial official after party, ‘Stage 9’ hosted by Team Bulls is on later…). Hopefully the next few days staying near wineries and the beach will help keep the Post Stage Race Depression at bay. But for now, it’s time for multiple showers to get the ingrained dust off.