ROUTE DESCRIPTION
As in previous years, the routes start and end at the Potberg entrance to De Hoop Nature Reserve. The route mainly follows the much improved route of last year and again incorporates all the best elements of the previous versions of the route, whilst excluding the sand and rock track sections.
As it did last year, the route traverses around Potberg down to the Breede River along fast undulating farm jeep and single tracks. New track sections have been opened through the farms before reaching the Infanta road, as well as in the section on the opposite side of the Infanta road, along the river passing the bush pub and through the olive farm.
As in previous years, the routes start and end at the Potberg entrance to De Hoop Nature Reserve. The route mainly follows the much improved route of last year and again incorporates all the best elements of the previous versions of the route, whilst excluding the sand and rock track sections.
As it did last year, the route traverses around Potberg down to the Breede River along fast undulating farm jeep and single tracks. New track sections have been opened through the farms before reaching the Infanta road, as well as in the section on the opposite side of the Infanta road, along the river passing the bush pub and through the olive farm.
Cyclists then cross over the Infanta road again and head up and
over the Potberg. This section, introduced in 2009, traverses over a neck in
the mountain, which was historically a farm access route over the Potberg. Much
work by the local farmers has gone into reopening this previously overgrown
track. It is rideable the whole way on a springy vegetated surface. At the top
you are greeted with spectacular sweeping views across the Fynbos hills down to
the sea. The descent down the other side is a highlight, in the form of a steep
but contoured grassy single track that links up with the gravel road that heads
back to the Potberg start. A short but scenic new section at Cupidoskraal
provides a pleasant detour from this road.
The
Unigrain 55km route continues along this road to the finish, whereas the 75km
route heads left, up the well-loved short steep Vaalkrans concrete track, which
after turning right at the top follows a bumpy track down to the sea. As in
2011, this loop section is done in the less demanding anti clockwise direction,
gradually descending towards the sea for some whale watching and climbing back
on the gradually inclining gravel road. After an exhilarating descent of the
concrete track it is an easy 7km back to the finish along the main gravel road.
The 75 km route will require a reasonable level of fitness and
does offer a challenge for the fit rider looking for something more rewarding
and extreme than the ordinary. If you are unsure about your fitness and looking
for a challenging ride nonetheless, the 55km provides a challenge comparable to
many other races' long route.
The 32km route sets off along the gravel road towards the
Vaalkrans concrete track climb and then follows the same loop towards the sea
as the 75 km before descending the concrete track and back to the finish along
the 7km main gravel road. The concrete track climb is short but tough and will
see many a novice doing a hike-a-bike. The next couple of kilometres will also
test their technical skill across the rocky section, but otherwise it is not
too technical and suitable for the less fit, but prepared rider looking for an
enjoyable, scenic and rewarding ride. The 10km route is suitable for all ages
and a pleasant family excursion
