After my 2009 Cape Epic I was admitted to the select group of mad people called the "Amabubesi".  It's the Zulu name for "Pride of Lions".  And we're a proud bunch for having completed 3 or more Cape Epics.

Every year on race registration day, they gather Amabubesi members, whether they are riding or not, for a breakfast.

Last year I decided not to go, for various reasons, but I figured having paid so much twowards the event 3 times over, and having cycled so far to earn the title, I may as well get my free breakfast.

It was a gathering of many familiar faces, stories of pain and glory, and nerves for those about to start their next Epic.   The few people who have completed all 7 events were awarded a special gift, while the rest of us all got a small pin as a gesture.

Chatting to John Gale, who has completed all 7 (and since has finshed the 2011 event, so totalling 8 Cape Epics!), he joked that over the past years of mountainbiking and epic'ing, he could have bought a car.  So true, especially seeing the 2012 fees are now R36,000 per team.

I was later asked if i was riding the 2011 event, to which I responded: "No, I'm still paying off my car.."

But being there, amongst this rough lot, seeing teams arrive for registration and wandering off with their new bags, I had this itchy feeling... That slightly addicted feeling... That "one day i'll do this again" kind of feeling.