At the time of writing the detailed route was still a closely guarded secret. What is no secret is the route is a challenge. That much is a given. It is a beautiful ride that showcases the magnificence of the Karoo as well as the splendour of the Garden Route. From the Swartberg to the Outeniqua Mountains this is more than just a ride, this is a journey. The organisers may change the route at short notice. The following description is based largely on last year’s outing and is presented to give an idea of what to expect.
Stage 1 Start and Finish: Milkwood Primary School, Mossel Bay. Distance: 95 kilometres. Total ascent: 1,650 metres.
Stage 2 Start and Finish: Milkwood Primary School, Mossel Bay. Distance: 81 kilometres. Total ascent: 1,250 metres.
Stage 3 Start: Milkwood Primary School, Mossel Bay. Finish: Van Kervel High School, George. Distance: 99 kilometres. Total ascent: 1,950 metres.
Stage 4 Start and Finish: Van Kervel High School, George. Distance: 31 kilometres. Total ascent: 600 metres.
Stage 5 Start: Van Kervel High School, George. Finish: Langenhoven Gimnasium, Oudtshoorn. Distance: 94 kilometres. Total ascent: 1,600 metres.
Stage 6 Start: Langenhoven Gimnasium, Oudtshoorn. Finish: Swartberg Mountain top, Oudtshoorn. Distance: 107 kilometres. Total ascent: 2,450 metres.
Stage 7 Start Langenhoven Gimnasium, Oudtshoorn. Finish: Queens Hotel, Oudtshoorn. Distance: 107 kilometres. Total ascent 2,450 metres.