KAPsani2c 2020

Under normal circumstances, today would have been the start the 2020 KAP sani2c Trail event. Earlier in the year, as we worked and rode towards another great KAP sani2c and only knew Corona as a beer, we were blissfully unaware that our lives were about to be turned upside down.

With a few moments to ponder during lockdown, it occurred to me how our original sani2c race slogan, “Life’s not all downhill” might relate to 2020.

My thoughts were as follows:

• We went into the beginning of the year – that is, pre-lockdown – like a group of naïve sani2c novices as they undertake Day Two for the first time. They leave Mackenzie Club, all guns blazing and hit the Umko Drop with the innocence of a herd of calves set loose in a springtime pasture.
• Then things change. Beyond the 39-kilometre mark, at the College Water Table on the banks of the Umkomaas, we encounter the onset of lockdown. But, for a while, energy levels and the novelty factor remain high. All too soon though, the excitement and adrenaline wear off and the reality of Steve’s Spruit (aka lockdown) hits.
• At this point of lockdown, we are not quite sure where we are on Day Two. Have we reached Iconic yet? It’s clear that the finish line is not yet in sight. In fact, it could be a long way off. What we do know though, is that we need to take heed of the Mambas among us and listen to their experienced advice. Most importantly, we need to remain strong and positive to reach the finish line at Jolivet which will go down as a life changing experience.

In addition, like the KAP sani2c, lockdown is not all downhill. Although it’s not easy to recognise them amid the uncertainties and heartbreak that come with COVID-19, there are some positive things to celebrate.

The pandemic and lockdown have reminded us how important it is to work together and take care of one another on a national scale. My hope is that we will come out of this with a more cooperative approach and greater determination to make a success of our country.

For our family, the past 15 Mother’s Days have been observed on the side lines of the chaos and toil that come with packing sani2c black boxes. This year my wife, Mother Mandy was spoilt by her daughters with a wonderfully slow garden tea party. What a change from the typically hectic pace of the registration preparations!

In many ways, COVID-19 has forced us to slow down and remember the important things in life. I believe some of the world’s most pressing problems are caused by how disconnected we’ve become as families and societies, and our inability just to be – and to be together. If you are among those to have your family together at this time, I trust you are cherishing the time – home-schooling notwithstanding!

Indeed, weathering this storm is tough for everyone. I hope that, despite all the challenges, you will find the positives, including developing an even greater appreciation of the freedom of riding your bike in our beautiful country.

This week, on our sani2c social media channels, we will be sharing memories of the last 15 years. Be sure to have a look and share your memories too. We are also going to be running an awesome competition in partnership with Cannondale. You could be riding your next sani2c on a Cannondale Scalpel 3.

Be sure to visit our pages to see what it’s all about and join in on the sani2c lockdown gees.

Our plan going forward for KAP sani2c

As you would have read in our previous correspondence, KAP sani2c will take place in December 2020: Due to all the uncertainty around Covid 19, we have decided to drop the Trail event going forward. Due to everyone’s unfavourable leave and financial positions post COVID 19 and the fact that there are only 6 months between the December 2020 and May 2021 events, we have decided to only have two versions of KAP sani2c going forward. All Trail event riders will be combined with the Race event riders. We will only open up the Trail event again if we see a demand for a third event.

• Trail: 1 - 3 December 2020 (Cancelled and combined with Race event)
• Adventure: 2^nd - 4^th December 2020
• Race: 3^rd - 5^th December 2020

We are urging you all to please assist us in this process. Your registration owner (the person who completed your online entry) has received an email to confirm with us if you are riding the December edition of KAP sani2c 2020 or KAP sani2c 2021.

As we appreciate the last while has been chaotic for everyone, for us as an event it has been no different. We feel hugely privileged to have been able to present KAP sani2c over the past fifteen years, and the joy it has brought to our riders and our communities is the reason we continue to do what we do. As organisers, KAP sani2c is everything to us…… it has been our passion for close on 20 years and has become the lifeline and livelihood to many organizations and individuals in our community.

In closing…… we look forward to working towards a December special staging of KAP sani2c 2020. For now let’s together make sure that in a time of uncertainty and negativity, we concentrate on creating positive energy and kindness in our lives. Until we see you on the trails again, stay safe, follow the rules and enjoy whatever freedom you have outdoors.

Sincerely

Farmer Glen