Whilst we may portray ourselves as a fun-loving group, we do have elements of extreme seriousness in the group. I would be bold enough to say that we have one of the most experienced (if not THE most experienced) amateur Epic Partnership in the WORLD! How else would you describe Epic John and The Nutcracker? Epic John has done..... EIGHT Epics. The 2012 edition will be his ninth. The Nutcracker is embarking on his FIFTH Epic. We recently took them for a CAT Scan. How else would you explain this addiction to abuse? The results were somewhat obvious:
We spoke to Epic John about the Epic:
Smooth Knobblie (SK): So Epic John - do you mind if I call you Epic John?
Epic John (EJ): That's fine. Otherwise Sir John or Fat Bob would suffice.
SK: Great. Why have you done so many Epics?
EJ: I never planned to do so many. It wasn't a matter of me deciding all those years ago that I would try and ride into the record books. You need to understand that getting to the start line (never mind the finish line!) involves a great deal of luck. Juggling work, family, and training commitments - coupled to injuries; immune system crashes; and dodgy Epic riding partnerships all make this race a holistic challenge.
SK: What was your longest (time wise) Epic stage?
EJ: I think we once rode for 10 hours. I can't really remember. I just know that I had stopped singing and that's never really a good sign. Santa Claus was there too I think...its a bit blurry now.
SK: You've ridden most of your Epics with The Nutcracker. How has that been for you?
EJ: Lovely weather we're having today.....
SK: Ah - um. So between the two of you, who is the stronger rider?
EJ: Don't get me wrong - I love Ri (aka The Nutcracker). We've been through a lot. Probably too much really.Things that happen in the tent, stay in the tent! I do find that whenever I'm in the middle of a long and detailed discussion with him on the ride he tends to really put his head down and crank the pedals over. It makes me short of breath and then I can't finish my story! I don't know why he does that....
SK: Any advice for first time Epic riders?
EJ: (Laughs....rolls around actually. Wipes tears from eyes). Yes! Ahhh. If you think you're ready - you're not. If you believe that you have experienced pain and low points - chances are good you haven't yet. But that will change. This is my ninth edition - and I'm still not ready (laughs again).
SK: Well, here at the Smooth Knobblies we are a family and you are part of that family (even though you have an affiliation with Fat Bob or whatever) - so best of luck to you and The Nutcracker. We are very proud of you guys and trust that you will hold our banner high!
EJ: Thanks. I'm still wearing Fat Bob kit for most of the race though (EJ runs off....)
The Nutcracker - Fifth Time Epic Rider
Epic John sporting his "Dark Sith" helmet hairdo - riding in his ninth Epic this year.
