THE ROUTE
The Cape Pioneer Trek is not only designed around giving the rider a tough physical challenge, it is also about
experiencing the beautiful Karoo and Garden Route, enjoying the culinary delights of the local cuisine, sampling
the wines of the area, and experiencing the breathtaking views from the top of the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains.
STAGE 1 - Oudtshoorn to Mossel Bay
Start: Chandelier Game & Ostrich Show Farm, Oudtshoorn
Start time: 07:00
Cut off: 11 hours
Finish: Milkwood Primary School, Mossel Bay
Distance: 134 km
Total vertical ascent: 2 650 m
The pioneers of 2010 start this journey through the jeep track of Chandelier in a south westerly direction towards the coast – they follow the footsteps of Isak Schrijver, the first pioneer to traverse these majestic mountains. Doringrivier nature reserve awaits and riders move through the Attakwaskloof towards Mossel Bay – a newly built single track section crosses the steep banks of the Kamma river onto a well deserved water point break.
An undulating landscape, passing through wildlife reserves, moving south, with the beautiful coastline of Mossel Bay on the horizon – Milkwood Primary school, only a stones' throw away from the ocean, hosts us on this, probably the toughest day of this years' race.
Route breakdown
Jeep track 57%
Single track 0.3%
Minor gravel roads 14%
District roads 22.3%
Sealed roads 6.4%
STAGE 2 - Mossel Bay to George
Start: Milkwood Primary School, Mossel Bay
Start time: 07:30
Cut off: 10 hours
Finish: Van Kervel School, George
Distance: 108 km
Total vertical ascent: 2 100 m
Nothing makes you enjoy a nights' rest like the sound of waves breaking nearby and that is why everyone will wake up refreshed and ready for the day ahead. A neutral zone takes you onto a short beach ride at low tide to experience the pioneering spirit of Bartholomeu Dias, as he came ashore in 1488.
Riders find their way through undulating farmlands, towards the imposing Outeniqua mountain range where water point 2 marks the entry into probably the most scenic jeep track so far. These contour roads flow into a never-ending single track section which marks the end of the stage – this was an easier day, after yesterday, well deserved.
Route breakdown
Jeep track 53.4%
Single track 5.4%
Minor gravel roads 3.7%
District roads 20.4%
Sealed roads 12.5%
Beach 4.6%
STAGE 3 - George to De Rust
Start: Van Kervel School, George
Start time: 07:30
Cut off: 10 hours
Finish: NG Church grounds, De Rust
Distance: 110 km
Total vertical ascent: 2 280 m
A neutral zone out of George gives riders the chance to loosen those legs and look forward to the entry into the Klein Karoo. The climb up to Duiwelskop pass is rewarded with breathtaking views of both the Karoo and the coast – a glimpse to the north, shows the Kamanassie mountains, looming large, fortunately this year, we are only brushing by.
A tricky descent and a warm welcome waits at Louvain Guest Farm where the break at the water point is well deserved.
Jeep track through farmlands brings us to the foothills of the Kamanassie, as Katot puts it, "we are only crossing the big toe this time". Water point 3, just after some scenic jeep track, takes riders onto the last easy stretch into De Rust.
Route breakdown
Jeep track 24%
Single track 0%
Minor gravel roads 29.3%
District roads 34.5%
Sealed roads 12.2%
STAGE 4 - De Rust to Prince Albert
Start: NG Church grounds, De Rust
Start time: 07:30
Cut off: 10 hours
Finish: Zwartberg High School, Prince Albert
Distance: 109 km
Total vertical ascent: 1 630 m
The ride through Meiringspoort, one of the worlds' natural wonders takes riders into the jeep and single track of Bloupunt – a valley nestled between the great Swartberg Mountains and the Karoo. The ever changing terrain is evident of the Great Karoo that waits – semi arid dry tracks take you through Groot Sleutelfontein reserve and onto water point 2.
Jeep track on the open plains, through the Karoo bossieveld, is something to cherish – this area has got a charm second to none. Once again we finish this stage with an easy ride into Prince Albert, together with stage 6, probably the easier of the Trek.
Route breakdown
Jeep track 42%
Single track 1%
Minor gravel roads 19.4%
District roads 16.6%
Sealed roads 21%
STAGE 5 - Prince Albert to Calitzdorp
Start: Zwartberg High School, Prince Albert
Start time: 07:30
Cut off: 10 hours
Finish: Calitzdorp High School, Calitzdorp
Distance: 105 km
Total vertical ascent: 2 120 m
We are nearing the end, but beware, the fat lady has not sung – the ride from Prince Albert starts with a 900m vertical traverse of the northerly slopes of the Swartberg Mountain – the last of the great obstacles on your way to the finish. Beware the descent, it is tricky and fast, with sharp bends and blind corners.
The ride through farmlands is rewarded with a new single track section from days gone past when ox wagon was the preferred method of transport. The Buffelskloof and Groenfontein jeep track cap a tough day in the saddle – the hospitality of the Port capital of the world, Calitzdorp awaits.
Route breakdown
Jeep track 23.8%
Single track 3.3%
Minor gravel roads 44.9%
District roads 18.3%
Sealed roads 10.2%
STAGE 6 - Calitzdorp to Oudtshoorn
Start: Calitzdorp High School, Calitzdorp
Start time: 07:00
Cut off: 9 hours
Finish: Oudtshoorn High School, Oudtshoorn
Distance: 114 km
Total vertical ascent: 1 795 m
A ride through the Port producing vineyards of this beautiful unspoilt town, following the flow of the Gamka river towards the the Rooiberg pass. The traverse of this relatively easy mountain pass take riders in to Vaalhoek reserve, just south of Gamkaberg Nature reserve, a natural home to the elusive Cape Leopard. Here you link up to the mighty Gouritz river with 2 crossings and definitely the highlight of the DCM Cape Pioneer Trek for 2010. Untouched by man, with the call of the Fish Eagle echoing from the mountain cliffs that lines the trail.
Onto Paardebont with undulating roads past Volmoed to a heroes welcome. This last stage, definitely not the toughest of the week, brings riders home to awaiting family and friends to share in this special achievement.
Route breakdown
Jeep track 22%
Single track 0%
Minor gravel roads 37.1%
District roads 29.9%
Sealed roads 11%
Total distance: 680 km
Total vertical ascent: 12 575 m
The organizers reserve the right to change routes, actual profiles and the ascent totals on short notice, due to circumstances beyond their control, and if so, updates hereof, will be given at the official race briefing, or the evening prior to the stage start.
The data reflects actual GPS recordings. Distance measurements typically vary between 3-5% between devices, as well as the method of measurement (GPS or rolling measurement) Ascent gain may vary 10-15% between devices and may be up to 30% different.
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