![\"ccs-41808-0-18014200-1383726627.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-41808-0-18014200-1383726627.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nImage credit: Paul Nielsen<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt was a very difficult decision to postpone the event but a necessary one,\u201d says event director and route planner Darren Herbst. “This truly is a special race, but to ensure the safety of riders and the quality of the event, we had to call it off.\u201d The new date means the event will act as the ideal curtain raiser for Africa Bike Week, which follows in Stellenbosch. \u201cThe Western Cape will become a cycling Mecca for that week \u2013 it\u2019s going to be an amazing time.\u201d<\/p>\n Herbst says the trouble started earlier this year with runaway fires that destroyed the trees and vegetation on the mountainsides. \u201cThis affects not only the ecosystems but also water retention capabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n Add to that a few hundred millimetres of rain in the two weeks leading up to race day and the scene was set for a disaster of epic proportions. \u201cWe spent months searching and manicuring trails in the area and about 70 per cent of these were washed away or damaged beyond repair. Sections of the route just disappeared under water \u2013 it was crazy!\u201d<\/p>\n The intrepid route builders adopted an appropriate c\u2019est la vie attitude and pressed on with the necessary repairs and changes as soon as the ground began to dry out. \u201cThis event has so many special features and we\u2019re confident that 99 per cent of them will be ready in time for the event,\u201d says Herbst. \u201cThis area is like an oil painting.\u201d He says a special feature is that the race crosses fenced private property, which is not accessible at any other time.<\/p>\n Herbst says both the 30km and 60km routes, which start and finish at the exclusive Val de Vie Polo Club, are aimed at the social rider. \u201cBut make no mistake, it isn\u2019t easy.\u201d<\/p>\n The total elevation for each of the routes is 300m and 950m respectively. Highlights include some world-class single track and spectacular descents as riders criss-cross more than 30 vineyards and a secured section of a Cape Nature protected area.<\/p>\n \u201cA section of the route also goes through the Drakenstein Prison where Nelson Mandela was held. Cyclists will get to see where he lived and also ride through a working prison.” Herbst says water points will once again be talking points \u201cWe have teams from Virgin Active, Vrede Foundation, Raw Nutrition, Scheckter\u2019s Organic Energy, some of the landowners and a host of others en route to make the stops fun. Believe me, there\u2019s not just water and energy drinks.\u201d<\/p>\n The Val de Vie Market will keep spectators occupied while they wait for their riders to cross the finish line. With more than a thousand participants having taken part in the inaugural event last year, Herbst says organisers are expecting \u201csignificant growth\u201d this year.<\/p>\n About R150 000 worth of prizes, including cash, Rudy Project eyewear and helmets, iON action cameras and more will be up for grabs. The organisers are donating R10 from each entry to Cansa. Those riders who signed up for the original date but cannot be on the start line in November will be eligible for a refund, says Herbst.<\/p>\n