The fourth stage of Cape Pioneer Trek was a 31 kilometre team time trial through the Saasveld forest around George with teams starting two minutes apart. To our great relief, this meant a sleep in and a welcome chance to catch up on some admin as we were only starting after nine.
Photo credit: Oakpics.co.za
The stage started with a fast flat assault through suburban George before dipping into the forest where we soon got our first taste of the winding forest trails that we would be riding for the first part of the day. Rooty and twisting, with punchy climbs, they had us working hard. Once again we saw tantalising glimpses of an incredible trail network, with drops, jumps and cheeky corners peeking out on either side of the forestry roads.
Photo credit: Oakpics.co.za
We had a bit of taste of the trails, and before we knew it, we hit the main climb of the day: a jeep track climb of 180 metres in 2 kilometres. A jeep track descent took us down the other side, and back into some more of yesterday’s mud. Any efforts to avoid it were futile, and we ground our way up a few more short, steep climbs, as the mud dried in the sun.
Photo credit: Oakpics.co.za
Finally, we were back in the cool of the forest on a winding trail alongside a river, made perilous for tall riders by low hanging branches, and a few very slippery moss covered roots. A sharp drop to the left of the trail added to the thrill, as a mistake could mean a quick swim in the river or a tumble down the bank.
Photo credit: Oakpics.co.za
After popping out in the suburbs, we were on the same finishing stretch as yesterday, headed for the race village, and a laid-back afternoon of recovery. Tomorrow we ride to Oudtshoorn via Montagu Pass.
Tomorrow’s route profile. You can find more information about the route here.
