![\"ccs-62657-0-45040500-1412586695.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-45040500-1412586695.jpg\")
<\/a>\n<\/div>\nManser had decided he would \u201clove to do something with Vasti again\u201d, while she had been long been wanting to take on the Absa Cape Epic<\/p>\n
Geldenhuys said the urge to compete in the world\u2019s premier mountain bike stage race had taken root when she and Manser watched the finish in 2012: \u201cWe were on the spectator side of the barriers and it just felt wrong.\u201d Tackling the eight-day stage race became a regular subject as they shared a rowing boat for 133 days: \u201cRiaan and I had a lot of time to talk on the boat and the Absa Cape Epic was one of my favourite topics.\u201d Manser laughs: \u201cVasti was nagging me about it for 6000km across the ocean.\u201d<\/p>\n
Manser rose to international prominence by completing three world firsts: cycling the entire perimeter of the African continent, circumnavigating Madagascar on a single kayak and then paddling around Iceland with partner Dan Skinstad in a double kayak.<\/p>\n
The \u201cTake me to New York\u201d journey in a seven metre rowing boat was the first time Geldenhuys, his partner for 14 years, joined him on one of his adventures. By doing so she became the first woman from Africa to row across any ocean. They left from Agadir on the Moroccan coast and arrived six months later in New York, also becoming the first people to row from the African continent to North America.<\/p>\n
\u201cI realise the Cape Epic is extremely physical,\u201d said Manser. \u201cBut through my explorations I know the mental part of it may be much tougher.\u201d<\/p>\n