13km | 29km | 32km | 52km | 65km
13km fun farm meander – 115m elevation
The 13km route option is an easy ride on wide tracks, perfect for novices and younger riders. A short gradual climb within the first 2km is the only real challenge of your fitness and from here a fun cruise around the cattle camps, orchards and of course, vineyards, awaits.
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29km adventure – 430m elevation
Last year’s route gets a slight upgrade with additional climbing in the first 5km, and with a few rocky descents and corners, it is certainly a much more challenging start than last year!
At the 7km mark the route rejoins last year’s route and riders follow jeep tracks through the prized Angus cattle camps. At the 15km mark, riders split from the 13km riders and cross the Dwarsrivier for a spin around the north eastern sections of the estate offering fynbos sections as well as the scenic dams in this area. Here riders will encounter easy singletrack sections and negotiate a river bed or two.
This ride is considered easy and perfect for those looking for a fun mountain bike outing without the exertion and strenuous climbs of the longer rides on Sunday. Read on to see how this route compares to Sunday’s 32km route.
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32km MTB Challenge – 672m elevation
The route was redesigned in 2011 and traverses the Simonsberg in a westerly direction, offering beautiful vineyard views and some proper climbs towards Plaisir de Merle estate before returning to Boschendal for a fast, flat finish.
Although relatively non-technical, riders had issues with some of the short,fast descents with loose rocky conditions that claimed a collarbone and wrist in 2011. It is therefore important to stay in control of your bike at all times.
The climbs are strenuous at times but not nearly as challenging as the 52km route.
Can’t decide between Saturday’s 29km and Sunday’s 32km ride?
If you easily ride for an hour you’ll probably find the 29km too easy and can consider this option. Do not compare to the 29km based on the additional 3km in distance alone. On the whole the 32km ride is much more strenuous, with almost twice the amount of climbing.
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52km MTB Challenge – 1 208m elevation
The 52km is a tough mountain bike race with big climbs, technical singletrack sections and fast, rocky descents. This route should not be attempted by novice mountain bikers as it is as much a test of technical ability as fitness.
Riders will trace most of the 32km route up until the return to Boschendal. From here things get tough as riders ascend the notorious Lookout tar road followed by the rocky ascent of the Simonsberg mountain after the water point. Few have successfully conquered this terrain.
The reward is awesome contour riding offering vistas over the Dwarsrivier Valley and some super twisty, switchback infested downhill singletrack.
For proper enjoyment, a quick drop of the saddle for this section of almost 2km is recommended.
From here (40km point) the ascents are less strenuous and you head home on fast-flowing wide tracks and farm roads.
Heat is a factor, so always make sure you fill up at the refreshment stations.
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65km MTB Challenge – 1 384m elevation
If the 52km sounds tough, the thought of a 65km distance over similar terrain should be enough of an indication that this route is only intended for advanced riders.
In fact, this is the route used by the Columbia Grape Escape as its final stage in 2011.
The race follows exactly the same course as the 52km route up to the 48km mark before riders do an additional loop on the north eastern sections of Boschendal. The added section is flat compared to the preceding main loop, but with high temperatures being the norm coupled with fatigue, it will quickly become challenging.
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