Josh Fonner and Jackie Baker are taking on the South African Absa Cape Epic 2012. Training hard since October, it’s now or never as they are days away from the starting line. Absa Cape Epic is not for the faint of heart. It is the longest and most difficult team stage race in the world. 800 kilometers over 8 days of grueling and gorgeous terrain, these two will be tested on the journey through the landscape of this beautiful country.
It was Josh’s idea to sign up for the race. Looking for a race that was unique and different, Absa would combine his love of traveling with the desire to test his physical limits. That combined with the opportunity to visit South Africa again after the World Cup, he was sold. The next step was to find a partner. After several posts and no response to his calls to arms on Facebook, Jackie Baker finally responded and the Giant Honey Badgers were born.
Five months of rigorous workouts ensued. Out of 600 teams competing in the Absa Cape Epic, Josh and Jackie make up one of only 16 from the United States. These two Honey Badgers are ready. “We’ve trained hard. We’re ready to be in South Africa and we’re ready to race.” Their goal is to finish in the top 300.
Josh is a native of New Hampshire and currently resides in Lake Placid, NY. He works as the Regional Manager – East for Giant Bicycles. Josh loves bikes of all shapes and sizes and looks for new adventure around each corner.
Jackie is the Marketing Manager for Liv/giant and is based out of Newbury Park, CA. A former downhill and cross-country mountain bike racer, she’s also a fan of skiing. Jackie can be found outside enjoying these pursuits most of the time.
Sponsors: Stan’s NoTubes, Giant Bicycles, WTB Tires, Honey Stinger, POC Helmets & Armor, Sigma
For more on the story of Josh and Jackie’s journey and to interview, contact Christine at Roam Life: tele.914.584.8760 / email. [email protected]
