John Gale returns for a 10th Absa Cape Epic on the trot. Photo: Sportograf
John Gale, one of only nine riders to have participated in all the Absa Cape Epics to date, will return for his 10th from March 17 to 24.
The 45-year-old has taken part in four Old Mutual Two Ocean Marathons and finished numerous mountain bike races such as the To Hell and Back and Nedbank sani2c.
Gale and seasoned cyclists from all over the world will complete the legendary eight-day mountain bike adventure of 698km with 15 650m of climbing from Citrusdal to Lourensford Wine Estate.
Gale, a chartered accountant, started mountain biking in 1997. He reckons his biggest achievement off the bike is that he has “the great and inexplicable good fortune to be married to Dr Beth Harley”.
“Nothing would be possible without the support of Beth. And next to raising her children, Cape Epic training is a doddle,” says Gale.
His diet is managed by his wife. He says that if it were up to him he would “ride all day” like John Denver, but the Lord and his wife wouldn’t take it very well.
“I work when I should and cycle when it’s possible, and do enough riding to be able to survive the Cape Epic.”
The highlight of all his Cape Epic adventures has been the 2003 edition.
“On the first day, after 80km, the route marshals needed policemen to keep us riding. At 100km they needed the army,” says Gale.
“In the first year we knew nothing and were completely unprepared. In the second year I’d forgotten all about what happened in the first one.
“ITB forced me to stretch and walk at 20-minute intervals. The first two events definitely stand out in my memory.”
His riding partners over the last nine years have included Jakes Jacobsen, Riaan Meintjies and George Evans. He has competed in many events with each one of them. This year he will be partnering Evans.
The most important ingredient for him to be able to finish is luck. “A whole year of luck in training, and being lucky enough with health, work and personal life to be at the start line.”
When asked whether he finds the first or last stages more difficult, Gale says: “The first stage. After eight days of training I’m ready for the latter stages.
“In the early years I was elated to cross the finish line, but increasingly I feel an incredible disappointment that the adventure has come to an end.”
