Yes it’s only two weeks before the start of the Epic (or less if you’re slow in grabbing your copy of Full Sus) but there’s no need to panic write Craig Kolesky and Rudolf Zuidema.
There are only days to go till the Prologue at UCT! There aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done, the training load has taken its toll and doubts are setting in. Am I going to be ready?!
The worst thing to do would be to deviate from your plan now, better to go in a bit undertrained than baked. At this stage the foundation is laid and it’ll be better for your mental state and family relations to avoid any last minute training madness in favour of some recovery and family time.
All the major elements for your campaign should be sorted by now and you need to start thinking and finalizing what you will need to pack for the event; both for the race village and on the bike. Getting a list done now will enable you to buy what you need and start setting everything aside for the final pack when you get your race bag. You don’t want to be running around in a panic after registration trying to find essentials. You want to be able to enjoy the vibe around the build-up to race day and focus your mind on the task at hand.
Apart from the blaringly obvious, this is what we’d recommend:
For the Race Village:
- Sleeping bag liner, these are great for adding warmth on cooler nights or for sleeping in on the warmer nights.
- Hand sanitizer, don’t shake hands, we recommend a good fist pump.
- Toilet paper/Wet-wipes.
- Drawstring kit bag for the showers.
- Your pillow.
- At least three sets of riding kit.
- A spare tyre.
On the bike:
(Yes this all fits into a large PocPac along with the usual selection of tools.)
- Some painkillers, just remember to take on extra fluid if you need to take these.
- Space blanket, in case of emergency to stave of the onset of shock and also to wrap around you under your race shirt if the weather turns bad.
- Water purification tablets, for when you need to take water from a stream and don’t want to end up with the runs.
- Small Multi Tool with pliers and a sharp blade.
- Spare Tubeless valve.
- Small bottle with your brand of lube, the Squirt sample bottles you get in many race packs are ideal.
- Duct tape, wrapped around your CO2
- Cable ties, ideally glued with hot glue to the inside of your bar end plugs.
- Spare set of brake pads.
Another good way to take the stress and panic out of Epic is to be organized in your packing. Pack every day’s riding kit and nutrition into separate Ziploc bags that are clearly marked by stage.
Hopefully you and your bike are sorted and the only thing left for us to say is good luck and remember your trail manners! Let faster riders pass when possible, dismount off the trail and probably most importantly: stash your trash!
