Day 2 Update via Alana, the spousal correspondent

Hi Everyone!
Finally heard from Jeff this am, after finishing a very tough 2nd day of the race. 132 km, 36 degrees, and some of it was through desert/savannah, so they perhaps did catch a glimpse of elephants or rhinos, but we can never be certain whether it was real, or the dehydration-induces hallucinations. Jeff ran out of water 2 km before the last checkpoint, which was 15 km before the finish. Why bother putting an aid station that close to the finish? because the was the gnarly up/down and climbing section - Jeff said quite similar to doing Skogan Pass 2 1/2 times. He went through 2.5 litres in that last 15 km, which took them 2hours. The wind is not much relief either - feels like a hairdryer blowing right into your face. They also were struck by mechanicals - 6 flats and a broken chain. Grrr. They moved up some places, but estimate they lost 35 minutes to mechanicals. Let's hope that's out of their systems!

And to recap Day 1 - also a tough day - adjusting to the heat, abdominal cramps... but they persevered.

So their spirits are high - bellies are all back in order, no crashes, and are feeling stronger as they adjust to the time difference. The race is very well organized, and have met wonderful people and hosts. They are definitly looking forward to their massage today, and have only a little bit of chafe so far.....good thing they have am amply stocked first aid kit!

Internet access is a bit scanty, but will hopefully improve and Jeff can add pics, and the more specific details. I will try to update as I get info before I leave.

Alana

Finally Made It to SA

Well I have arrived in SA after almost 35 hours of travel.

First stop was London where I had a 10 hour lay-over sooooo I jumped on the "tube" and headed down town. This is my first impression of London,Picadilly Circus. I know why it is called a circus, it had to be the busiest spot I have every been to. Cars whipping around, couriers dodging all the cars, people dodging the couriers, signs, stores.

I went for a walk-about and ended up at Buckingham Palace. Then back on the tube to wait 1 hour in the security line-up.

I travelled Virgin Atlantic to Cape Town. The service was incredible and I got ot play video games on the seat back TV. heh heh. I was playing Alpha dog with the guy next to me who thought he was intitiled to the whole arm rest. I slowly snuck my arm behind his and over the next 10 min pushed his arm forward until I had the arm rest. YEEEESS! Victory was mine.

Next Stop the ocean. yeep that's right that is the Indian Ocean behind Darrell and I. Notice that Darrell doesn't look nearly as tired as i do. I guess First Class on British Airways is better then economy ;).

The places are beautiful and dynamic. We drove through the city which is sacry as it is right hand drive and you have to drive on the left side of the road. More then once I heard" the ditch, the ditch, you almost in the F---ing ditch. Way more scary for Darrell I guess.

We went for a warm up ride and rode up the hill awasy from the town of Knysna. As soonas the ocean views were lost the shantys appeared. They truthfully are boxes with roofs. Your garden shed is built better. The people were smiling and waving to us and one litlle kid tried to keep pace for a minute. Tomorrow is the start and we are excitied to "get'er done".

Going to bed early nine local, 1300 in Calgary.

Jeff

Would you like to look at the menu??

Would you like to look at the menu??

This is part of what I plan to eat for the 8 days. I will still make my trusty PB&J. I will also make sandwhiches, eat fruit at the checkpoints/aid stations, have liquid fuel in my bottles and eat breakfast and dinner.

As the race is long we will need lots of calories from different sources.

Yes, that's right there are over 32 gels there. Any one want to ride behind me? Darrell has graciously offered to lead the charge.

Jeff

Training camp in Phoenix

2 weeks ago Darrell, ( my race partner), and I went to Phoenix to do some training and acclimitize to the heat. It was 28-31 degrees and sunny. We did several long days and some good hill climbs. This is a picture of Darrell riding the Desert Classic trial. It is the last portion of a long technical loop. The trail makes you want to scream " weeeeeeeeee", as you can tell by the ---- eating grin on Darrell's face.We ran into some bike troubles(read-ran into a rock) on the first day down there. We could only do some road riding but boy was it awesome. We climbed up to a small old town called Tortilla Flats were we let the steeds take a break while we went inside for some prickly pear cactus ice cream. It has a mild berry taste and man is it yummy.

It was a hot day and after 4 hours in the saddle we took advice from Darrell's coach, Me ;) , and we had a little siesta.

Here's hoping that all that riding down south will pay off.

Jeff

The Start of Jeff's Big Day Out

This blog was created to keep my friends and family updated while I am on my Big Day Out!

I will be travelling to South Africa to ride in an endurance mountain bike race called the Cape Epic. The race is an eight day stage race that travels 866 km and 13 000 vertical meters. My friend Darrell asked me to do this way back in November and for some reason I said "sure".

We have both completed several TransRockies, which is a similar race right here in B.C./Alberta.

I am going to try to keep everyone updated as I participate in this great event.

I hope you enjoy!!

Jeff