“Nick and I actually finished the Cape Epic! It was hectic!” are the opening words of Andrew Lowndes’ blog. Entirely of their own volition, Lowndes and fellow LLB student, Nick Theron, cycled all 781km of the Absa Cape Epic recently.
With only five months of training behind them, the two friends had decided to enter the race after making a bet at a friend’s 21st birthday party. “Nick’s dad had raced the Epic so we got to talking about it and we both were really keen so we agreed to try and enter,” said Andrew, who made what is called a wild-card entry, after which the participants are selected via a lottery. A mere six months ago, they received an email saying that they had been chosen to compete against cyclists from all around the world.
Right off the bat, the plan was to race in aid of charity so they chose Sabrina’s Love in Plettenberg Bay, a home that cares for children with special needs. Raising R4 300, they have ensured that Xolisa, a 16-year-old paraplegic boy can continue attending Oak Hill independent school in Knysna.
Local support was most evident when Motion Cycles in Cuyler street agreed to give them free services and a 20% discount on all gear and energy gels. Leading up to the race, Theron said: “All we did each and every weekend leading up to the race was sit on our bicycles,” admitting that “it was a bit of a social sacrifice.” Lowndes said that as they headed out to train at 5am each morning
The race is televised live on Supersport and is divided into eight stages or days, starting off in Durbanville and ending at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West. With 16300m of climbing (double the height of Mount Everest) it was hugely challenging as each team had to stick together and finish within two minutes of each other to avoid being disqualified.
After being warned that day three is the worst –a 143km stint with 2900m up-climb– they were surprised to find that it was one of their best days, they made good time and the weather was fine. “Day 4 and 5 were the worst; 105km with a massive head wind, it was demoralising,” said Theron.
They were lucky to not have had any medical emergencies, despite many little tumbles, which they said ended up being a bit of comic relief. Lowndes said his best moment was day 6, after the wet day, “climbing up with amazing panoramic views at the top of the mountain”. Crossing the finish line together, Lowndes said “After all that we went through, from the melancholic lows to the indescribable highs, Nick and I have forged a bond.”
They both agree that the most rewarding aspect of the experience was the great support they received from friends and family, with even some strangers sending encouraging words via Facebook and Twitter.
“A lot of it is in the head, which is why it’s important to take it one step at a time- don’t over think it. Literally, most of the time we would go from water-point to water-point,” said Lowndes.
You can make donations to Sabrina’s Love via the website
http://www.backabuddy.co.za/sabrina-on-the-epic
By Anna-Karien Otto
Photo: supplied.