Keywords: 29er, conversations with customers,' conversations with customers, hardtail,blog,cape epic,mountain bike,test

Cape Frustration

Andy Kessler - 30-Jan-2013
There goes a dream! I planned to race the Cape Epic Mountain Bike race in South Africa this year. It was one of the few “races you must have done in your live” that was still left on my list. I have great memories of riding a MTB in South Africa. I did a MTB trip with my brother a while ago in Lesotho. In two weeks we have seen 4 cars….incredible landscapes and great people.

All started out fine. I got one of the very desired entry tickets. I got one of the very desired mobile homes. Our South African OPEN partner offered us free service on the bikes. What do you want more?

Ok, fitness would be one. Because I was suffering some knee problems I wanted to make sure that I can go full gas.  My doctor who is working with some of the best road teams suggested me to do a quick operation. Kind of a service thing…two weeks and I should be back on the bike again being able to train better and stronger than before. Now, three months, two infections  and a couple of injections later (not to speak of the 6cm of muscles that I lost on my left leg) I am not on my bike.

I am terribly frustrated: I had to cancel Cape Epic and I am missing my daily training. There is a pretty good chance that I have to do another operation again. Instead of being in the best shape since a long time, I am happy if I can ride my city bike to work! But guess what: I am working on my OPEN coffee racer: a project that I wanted to do since a while and now I have time for it…Watch out for more info about it shortly and of course my blog coming in a year about racing the Epic!

Comments & Questions

OPEN
Andy, sorry to hear about the Absa Cape Epic. That is my dream race. I've never injured my knee like you have before. I can't imagine how frustrating that is. Hopefully you'll be able to do other races this season once you're all healed. I'm very excited to see how your cafe race build goes. Get well soon.
Post #1 of 8. Posted by @andrioabero on 04-Feb-2013 14:14:07 GMT in reply to blog [0<--519]
OPEN
Andrio, thanks for the kind works. Right now my race is against my Compex electrostimulator....my goal is to be at the same level than Hermann Maier the famous Austrian Ski Racer called Herminator.... I already have 25% of his maximum level.... I keep you updated on the cafe racer...still waiting for the fork
Post #5 of 8. Posted by Andy Kessler on 13-Feb-2013 06:55:37 GMT in reply to post #1 [519<--536]
OPEN
See you at the Epic 2014!
Post #2 of 8. Posted by Jakes on 09-Feb-2013 22:51:29 GMT in reply to blog [0<--528]
OPEN
Hello,
I have a large frame with Rotor cranks/BB. I was told by LBS that XX1 is not compatible with the BBright bottom bracket. But, I saw your XX1 build on the website. Will the XX1 cranks work with my setup?
Thanks
Post #3 of 8. Posted by Gorsky on 11-Feb-2013 17:31:09 GMT in reply to blog [0<--529]
OPEN
Hi Gorsky, it's definitely compatible. Either the standard SRAM crank (using the Enduro BB that you can find on the BBright technology page and in the specs/prices page) or using for example the new THM single chainring crank. There is also a Rotor crank coming for the same purpose that fits directly into the OPEN BBright. If you don't mind, could you email me (gerard@opencycle.com) the name of the dealer (and maybe the person) so we can make sure they have the correct knowledge? Thanks.
Post #4 of 8. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 12-Feb-2013 06:32:40 GMT in reply to post #3 [529<--531]
OPEN
Ouch, given I'm booked in for a knee operation in 10 days, this is the last thing I wanted to read.

I wish you a speedy recovery.
Post #6 of 8. Posted by Stephen on 13-Feb-2013 07:18:39 GMT in reply to blog [0<--537]
OPEN
Sorry to read about your knee Andy. The Cape Epic is definitely an adventure to be lived once. Let me know if your knee allows you to come around Romandie one of these days. I will be happy to hear about the OPEN coffee racer project around a coffe;-)
Post #7 of 8. Posted by Myriam on 13-Feb-2013 07:36:31 GMT in reply to blog [0<--539]
OPEN
Hello Myriam, will get in touch with you once i come to the better part of Switzerland....
Post #8 of 8. Posted by Andy Kessler on 15-Feb-2013 07:56:39 GMT in reply to post #7 [539<--541]
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