The Time Has Come

On Thursday, Jim and I left behind our paradise in the rough and headed east to the waterfront town of Knysna. Knysna is the start town for the Cape Epic. The town, which resembles a small coastal Florida city, boasts a beautiful yacht filled harbor and a newly built waterfront area. Jim and I have been feasting on seafood and pasta to carb up for the big day. I imagine that the town would normally be filled with busloads of octogenarian tourists. However, during this weekend there are no less than 1000 of the fittest people I have ever seen. With shaved legs pedaling $5000+ bicycles, teams of two buzz around town touting their sponsors insignias on brightly colored team kits. The air is one of apprehension as those of us who are "Cape Epic Virgins" wonder what the next 8 days will hold in store. This race is like no other. Amateurs actually get to compete along side olympic gold medalists as well as World Cup champions. In fact, 5 of the top 10 World Cup Mountain bike racers are participating in this race. With all this competition it is hard to forgot the real reason we are here: because we love riding our bikes and we love to have fun. I'm sure that these thoughts may be fleeting as we are climbing 6 miles at a stretch in the South African sun, but the goal must not be lost. The sacrifices that Jim and I have made to get here were immense. However, I know when we head out tomorrow morning in the chilly 7AM air, it will all be worth it. It will be worth it knowing that all the people who helped share in our dream, to come to South Africa and race, will be rooting us along from their computers half way around the world. To be part of such an international event is simply humbling and it truly makes one realize that we not just going for a bike ride. We are undertaking an adventure and a journey. One that should hopefully see us arrive in 8 days at the finish. But more on that later. For now, we need to try and get some sleep and get through the first day.