Houshang is a true genius and it was amazing to listen his tutoring, watching his style on all the topics ranging from bio-mechanics, training principles, methods and applications, mental coaching (and the impact this has), recovery, events and tons more!  So much to absorb!

A big thank you, Roger (“go big, or go home”) for all you have done and all you are doing to help pave a road for SA in international success!

More about this later!

Not only was it technically challenging – a wrong wheel somewhere would have seen to a headstand or a puncture for sure!  It was emotionally draining as sending your concentration around the next corner could have led to a mishap too.  Staying focused for 7 hrs was “a thing”!

The fact that multiple start groups were formed ensured that there were no “traffic jams” along the route – well done to the organizers (or was that an idea from the Commissaires??)

All in all:  must say that the routes were beautifully MOUNTAIN BIKEY – with very little district roads (if any).  On the other hand, making that road trip up to Knysna and then riding the whole way home on a mountain bike is somewhat special!

Thanks to all the land-owners!  Without your buy-in it would not be possible to stage an event as special and unique as the ABSA Cape Epic!

Late in January 2010, Daisyway hosted a training camp for ABSA.  This was the team that would be travelling around the Epic together, a couple of months later.  We had laid out 4 days of tough routes and were organized with:  GPS routes with map and profiles, complete land access permissions and permits, full back-up for mechanical and nutritional needs along the way, a comprehensive medical evacuation plan, great experienced guides to keep the group together during each stage, and last but not least, copious amounts of learning and fun!

Oakpics (Hannes and Fanus) were on hand for 2 of the days to take huge amounts of photos along the routes.  Will update Gallery (Louise link to Gallery) as soon as we receive images.

During the Epic, Team ABSA enjoyed ROYAL TREATMENT as always, and we were treated to 2 nights stay in Cape Town prior to the start of the Epic.  We were involved in all sorts of pre-event activities such as the trip to Robben Island – WOW!  What an eye-opening experience!  What a privilege it’s been to have been part of this generation in the history of SA!  Media lunches (launches) each day etc.

Team ABSA’s different format of teams was an exciting part of the overall experience.  The number of ABSA teams went from 13 in 2009 to just 5 teams in 2010.  These teams consisted of high profile celebrities, such as rugby legends Chester Williams, Joel Stransky and Andrew Paterson, soccer star Mark Fish and toughened soccer politician Raymond Hack!  Each of these celebs were teamed up with “seasoned” mountain bikers and it was our job to ensure our partners crossed the line safely each day!

Team ABSA had another very important role to play:  riding for the JAG Foundation!!  Raising money for kids from high-risk areas and helping them become involved in sport (www.jagfoundation.com). A true privilege to be able to ride for a charity!

As usual we had an ace support team:  Thilda and Gert Kotze and cycling guru Danny Verschaeve – ensuring that, not only were we in the right place at the right time, but our campers got from point A to point K, our laundry was taken care of, we had enough food and water and more!  (Not sure if any of our celeb riders REALLY know what it’s like to “rough it out” on an event like this.)  Thanks “A TEAM”!

During the event this year, as we crossed the finish line, we handed our bikes in to Pragma Bike Wash service, our bikes were washed in a couple of minutes and we could wheel them over to Mark Wheedel and his team who looked after our bikes this year.

Being such a small team (relative to previous years) Francois Retief and his team of massage therapists had us all massaged by 6pm each day!  Nice way to end of a long day in the saddle!

I would have to say, after many years of being involved in bicycle racing, Team ABSA has to be one of the most “well-oiled” team operations in the country!

We were situated in the official ‘Supporters Village’ (or old ‘Tweedekamp’) of each village, where locals took good care of us – offering ablutions and showers and taking meal (and drink) orders every evening!  We were also set up quite comfortably with a caravan and two gazebo’s from our sponsors Wilde Fruit Juice and Probike (Scott).

Everyone enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere without all the hustle and bustle from the Race Village and was just happy to ‘chill’ at our place in the shade and out of the wind.  On top of that there was an endless supply of ice-cold juices (thanks Wilde!) and if you were lucky you were also in time to catch the ‘Russell-show’ everyday!

Thanks to all the riders for also making this a memorable experience!

We hope to be able to offer this service again in future, so watch this space again at the end of the year.

Email us on info@daisyway.co.za if you would like us to build up a formula for you and your company!  (JHB, PE, Durban or Cape Town)

After numerous requests for coaching of kids aged between 8 and 15 years of age we will begin to develop programs that will cater for groups of kids as an extra-mural activity.  Please email us if you think your school may be interested in allowing us to present these programs in areas near you – info@daisyway.co.za

With a unique knack of getting people to do the right thing on the bike, we will enlist The Spook for most of our small group or one-on-one sessions we will be offering for beginners, advanced, men, women and kids!  More later . . . . .

We will be hosting some mental coaching sessions in due course.  Keep an eye on the new schedule of events being presented.