Apr 11, 2019
The Cape Epic is an 8-day
Mountain Bike Stage Race across the terrain surrounding Capetown’s
greater mountains. The Cape Epic is touted as the “World’s
Premier Stage Race,” attracted around 2000 people each year.
There are several distances of stage races, and the Cape Epic
certainly focuses on endurance with most stages taking 5+ hours.
This was my second trip to South Africa and my first time racing
the Cape Epic. I raced the UCI Women’s Category with teammate and
fellow stage racing veteran, Catherine Williamson. Catherine
has raced 60+ stage races and 2019 was her 7th Cape
Epic. She and I knew each other from previous stage races,
but this was our first time teaming up. 
Image: Sportograf 
Image: Sportograf I was
really happy with my experience, and also happy with my fitness
despite sub-optimal preparation. The heat training I did (if you
missed the podcasts, we did a 2 part series on it) worked like a
charm. I also got stronger as the race went on which is
always a great feeling. I don’t always feel stronger later in stage
races- sometimes I totally melt down. Catherine and I had a
really fun time both on and off the bike. It is one of the most
enjoyable team races I’ve done because we had no pressure, we have
a similar sense of humor, and we had similar goals and
communication. I hope you enjoy this episode! 
Image: Sportograf
Topics Discussed in the Podcast
- The mental space of showing up to a race feeling like you aren’t as physically prepared as you’d like to be
- How to choose a teammate and race well together for success
- Logistics of how we traveled, race nutrition, where we stayed
- Packing, set-up, what I carried in the race
- My impressions of the Cape Epic
- What it was like NOT racing for the podium
- Savoring & “Don’t Wish It Away'
Listen Now
Support the Show
If you would like to support the growth my show, I’d love your contribution on. Patreon. The current production of this free show is primarily supported out of my own pocket and a small portion is covered through the donations on Patreon. With my Patreon page, you can donate directly to the show which will help me cover the costs and help it grow! Even 4 bucks a month- the cost of one coffee per month helps a LOT! Thanks, I really appreciate your support!
Crowdfunding on Patreon – thank you!
Leave a review or share on social media
Don’t forget to subscribe!
Thanks for listening!