Ukúnýuka: The Climb Begins

Ayanda & Duma’s Road to Cape Epic 2026

At Trail’s End Bike Hotel, we believe that mountain biking is about more than trails and finish lines. It’s about growth, resilience, community, and the quiet determination to keep moving forward — one hard-earned step at a time.

Ukúnýuka: to rise. to climb. to grow. to move forward.

These words perfectly capture the journey that lies ahead for Ayanda and Duma, two young riders with big dreams, strong legs, and an inspiring team spirit. In proud collaboration with Peregrine Farm Stall, Trail’s End Bike Hotel is supporting their development journey towards the Absa Cape Epic 2026 — one of the toughest and most respected mountain bike stage races in the world.

Meet Ayanda & Duma

The road to the Cape Epic is long and demanding. It is shaped by commitment, resilience, and the courage to keep going when the legs are tired and the mind is tested. Ayanda and Duma embody exactly that spirit.

Their journey is not just about racing; it’s about learning, growing, and being exposed to the discipline, structure, and mindset required to compete at the highest level of marathon mountain biking.

First Steps on the Epic Path

A major milestone in their journey was their first official training camp with Daisyway Coaching in Montagu, from 13 to 16 December. This camp marked their first real taste of Epic-style training — long days in the saddle, early starts, relentless heat, and the mental toughness required to push through fatigue.

Under the guidance of Coach Lance from Daisyway Coaching, Ayanda and Duma were introduced to the realities of elite endurance training. It was challenging, demanding, and at times uncomfortable — exactly the kind of experience that builds strength and resilience.

“We will keep pushing till the last day.” — Ayanda

Three days. Big miles. Bigger lessons.

This camp was made possible thanks to the generous support of Caro Jardine, who sponsored the camp, and Daisyway Coaching, who offered a significant discount to ensure the boys could attend and gain this invaluable experience. The shared goal was simple: to give Ayanda and Duma the best possible introduction to what lies ahead.

A Shared Vision for 2026

In collaboration with Peregrine Farm Stall, Trail’s End Hotel is proud to support Ayanda and Duma’s development entry into the Cape Epic 2026. This support is rooted in a shared belief in nurturing talent, creating opportunity, and investing in potential.

Over the coming months, we will be sharing updates from their journey — training camps, progress milestones, quiet wins, tough days, and everything in between. This is not an overnight story; it’s a long-term commitment to growth, consistency, and belief.

Be Part of the Climb

This is only the beginning. For those who feel drawn to support this journey — whether through kit, bikes, mechanical support, mentorship, or simply sharing time and knowledge — we welcome you to be part of the climb.

Ayanda and Duma’s road to Cape Epic 2026 is a reminder of what is possible when community comes together to uplift emerging talent.