The first stage of Cape Pioneer Trek was preceded by ominously heavy rainfall. Just ten minutes before the start it was bucketing down, and showing no signs of clearing. Miraculously, as we were called to the line, the clouds lifted, leaving us with perfect, cool conditions for the rest of the day.
Riders in the neutral zone roll through the damp streets of Mossel Bay. Photo credit: Zoon Cronje
The day started with a seven-kilometre neutral stretch through town, which was a welcome way to ease into the swing of things. A steep tar climb at the end of the neutral zone quickly strung out the bunch before we turned onto rolling district roads through the farmlands around Mossel Bay. The first waterpoint was upon us in the blink of an eye.
The race leaders power through along the district roads. You can find results from the sharp end of the field here. Photo credit: Zoon Cronje
The water points at Dryland events are bewildering. There is so much on offer that it is hard to focus on what you want. I tend to go all goldfish-like and forget what I need, ending up with pockets stuffed with every kind of food. To avoid this, Nick took my bottle and sped off before the water point, leaving me to meander onwards unencumbered.
Bottle in one hand, date ball in the other. Master of multi-tasking. Photo credit: Dominique Kotze
We soon hit the first challenging climb of the day: steep loose and rocky and I knew all about it by the time we got to the top. Luckily for us, we were headed into a singletrack descent and giving us a chance to recover. Another sharp climb and we hit the showcase singletrack section for the day: an incredible trail that roller-coastered in and out of a river gully. Packed with loose steep descents, sneaky corners, overhanging trees and steep kickers waiting to catch out anyone in the wrong gear. Nick and I both fell over in different places (I like to think it was the excitement) and we popped out grinning like kids in an ice cream shop. Winners!
Things then got a little serious: a heavy dose of district road and a beast climb up to the second water point in Gondwana Reserve left me with tunnel vision. A fuel stop and the chance to spin comfortably for a few kilometres after the water point soon cured this, and I was able to enjoy the opportunity to soak up the bushveld scenery, and admire a few Wildebees, in the reserve.
Rolling hills and wide open fields set the scene most of the day. Photo credit: Zoon Cronje
Another technical climb kept things interesting before we shot back onto district roads leading to the final waterpoint. A quick top up with mouthwatering Klein Karoo Ostrich steak, and ‘n stukkie droëwors, and we were on our way back to Mossel Bay: smelling the barn. Our route took us through a field of Ostriches, and then some of the most relaxed cows I have ever encountered (it happens surprisingly often on bicycles). They seemed entirely unfazed by the hordes of lycra-clad humans on two wheels rampaging through their turf.
Finally, we were onto the tar, flying down into Mossel Bay, before a surprisingly long and painful drag back to the finish at Milkwood Primary school, through the streets of Mossel Bay. Thank you to the many patient drivers, and traffic officers and marshals who helped us all negotiate our way safely. The finish line was an extremely welcome sight, and even more so the burgers we devoured at lunch.
Tomorrow we ride 71 kilometres around the western coastline of Mossel Bay, including Bergsig Game Farm, where I’m hoping we’ll be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a giraffe.
Finish line stoke!
Tomorrow’s route profile. You can find more information on the stage here.
Outerpool looking primed for chucking some barrels...
Oh, and there was some mountain bike action as well.