EPIC TRIPPERS 21 - 28 March 2009

Experience the Cape Epic without the pain...

Do you love the idea of mountain biking through the Western Cape and riding trails that are opened to mountain bikers only once a year for The CAPE EPIC? Do you love mountain biking but racing nearly 900km is just not for you? Is your partner riding the Epic and you'd like to share the experience without actually cycling the whole way? Would you like to cycle the Epic route but with the comfort of staying in a comfortable bed and enjoying a few picnic lunch-stops? Then our companion programme – EPIC TRIPPERS is your perfect holiday, designed to give you access to the Epic but to also enjoy a touring holiday of the spectacularly scenic Western Cape.

NOTE: non-cycling companions also welcome to join in as travelling supporters.

View photos of the inaugural Epic Trippers 2005.

View photos of Epic Trippers 2006.

View photos of Epic Trippers 2007.

View photos of Epic Trippers 2008

The riding:

Epic Trippers will ride an average of 40 to 70 kms daily along selected stretches of the official Cape Epic route. Some days we will begin just behind the main pack at the official start, some days we’ll meet up with the pack further along the route or at the top of a hellish climb to cheer on the competitors before enjoying an undeserved downhill! Either way, the idea is to have FUN and be a part of the action, without any pressure, except that which you impose on yourself...

Click here for a Trippers account of his experiences in 2006.

Click here for what previous Trippers have to say.

Click here for previous newsletters to Trippers to get an idea of a typical Epic Tripper day.

The accommodation:

TO BE ANNOUNCED.

The food:

Breakfast will be served at our accommodation daily (we will make arrangements for early breakfast)

Lunch will be set up picnic-style en route daily, providing a welcome break from the saddle and a chance to refuel and to cheer on the competitors. Lunch on the final day will be for your own account. Purchase from the vendors at the finish line or have your family bring out a picnic and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Dinner will be enjoyed in the race village on 3 or 4 nights allowing you to soak up the atmosphere of the event and mingle with family or friends who may be competing. We will dine at our accommodation or a nearby restaurant on the remaining nights. We end off with a fabulous Gala dinner at Spier or another availible restaurant after the finish.

Snacks of dried fruit, nuts, cookies & candies will be provided for additional ride fuel as well as Energade & water for bottle refills. (Please provide your own bars, gels, pills & potions if you require these)

What to bring:

PLEASE do not over-pack. You will be spending most of every day in your cycling gear and very little time in leisure wear in the evenings, so you can comfortably re-wear the same evening outfit over & over without incurring the displeasure of your companions (we’ll all be in the same gear!)

You can arrange with most hotels to have your personal clothing washed as needed. Please mark your personal clothing to avoid confusion.

• 3 pairs of cycling shorts
• 1 pair of cycling longs ( optional)
• 1 waterproof shell
• 1 set arm warmers
• cycling shoes
• 3 pairs of cycling socks
• 3 pairs regular socks
• underwear
• 1 track suit pants or combat pants
• 2 T-shirts
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 sweat shirt OR jacket
• 1 pair of trainers
• 1 pair slip slops
• smart/casual wear for restaurant dinners (optional)
• basic toiletries (including NB* Millkreem for lubing your butt prior to rides – essential to avoid nasty saddle sores – available at your local pharmacy)
• towel ( in case you should want to shower at the race village)
• empty pillow case for dirty laundry
• small day bag to carry in the vehicle daily
• Obviously your bicycle & helmet!
• Basic spares ( mini pump, tube, tyre levers, puncture repair kit)
• Last but not least a good sense of FUN and reasonably usable legs

NOTE: You will be required to cycle in official Epic Trippers cycle jerseys at all times. Each rider will be issued with 3 shirts at the start of the ride. These are yours to keep.

COST:

R12,500.00 PP SHARING

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: R2,050.00 (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)

The EPIC TRIPPERS package INCLUDES:

• Dinner, bed and breakfast from dinner on Sat 21 March to final prize giving lunch at Lourensford on Sat 28 March
• Energy drinks & snacks en route daily
• Epic Trippers cycle jerseys
• Van transfers between cycling points & van support en route daily
• Mechanical assistance en route

The EPIC TRIPPERS package EXCLUDES:

• Pre-race accommodation in Cape Town on 20 March (Please make your own arrangements)
• Accommodation on final day, Sat 28 March
• Mountain bike rental ( @ R125/day – 21 speed mnt bike with front shocks , incl helmet – or bring your own bike)
• Lunch on the time trial day (Sat 21 March)
• All soft drinks & alcoholic beverages
• Massages, telephone calls & laundry
• Gratuities

REGISTRATION

BOOKINGS / RESERVATIONS

TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE ON EPIC TRIPPERS 2009 PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR BOOKING FORM Full payment via credit card is required to secure your space. A total of only 40 places are available on a first come- first served basis.

Terms & Conditions

PAYMENT:
Full payment via credit card is required to secure your space. Your credit card details must accompany your application form.

CANCELLATION:

• Should you cancel your trip BEFORE 01 February 2009, you may find a substitute until 01 February. In this case your tour fee will be refunded less 10% once your substitute has submitted his/her booking form & paid his/her tour fee to us. Should you not find a substitute by 01 Feb, there is no refund payable.
• After 01 February 2009, there will be no substitutions accepted and no refunds paid out.

LIABILITY:
Each participant is responsible for his/her own safety. Organizers, sponsors and event personnel are in no way liable for injury, damage or loss incurred by the participants and/or their equipment. All riders register for the event with the understanding that they are responsible for risks against his/her person and his/her belongings when participating in the race. Riders give up any right to claim from persons, institutions, or companies involved in the event in any way. At event registration all participants are obliged to sign a waiver release form.

Any further questions??? Contact us.
If not, complete our Epic Trippers booking form.