Duck tape, tie wraps and tent locks.....

The Cape Epic is not only a test of endurance but a test of shopping and logistics.

The shopping is coming together with all but a few bits and pieces purchased. Logistics are not as easy to organise so in the spirit of the Bigman a list was prepared. It's a long, long list.

We need to be very well organised because the organisers give everyone a bag at the start and that bag is all you get. You padlock up your case each day and it's packed onto the baggage truck (we normally call our baggage truck Duracell!!!!) before being transported to the next camp site.

Daylight hours are short with the sun rising in South Africa at 6.45am and setting just after 7pm. So torches are going to be critical for evenings in the bush. I decided to buy a wind up torch to avoid the need to search for batteries.

Everything is slowly but surely coming together. With just over a week to go the next few days will involve massage, packing bikes and spending time with the family. I'm so looking forward to the trip and the challenge. The nervousness is slowly fading and the exitment building. It's going to be massive.