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Mountain Biking in
South Africa
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Video
and photos
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| Click
here for video downloads of the last start
and our finish and pictures from the race.
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Life
in the Cape Epic
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| Click
here for a day in the life of the Cape Epic
and tips for the event.
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Race
Route and Profiles
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| Click
here for the race route and profiles.
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Training
& preparation
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| Dedicated
training for the last 7 months was based on two
Polar heart rate training programs and simulated
multi day long rides... read more...
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Bikes
& Equipment
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| Alan
is riding a Scott Comp Racing hardtail, while
Albert upgraded his KHS Alite at the last minute
for a brand new Raleigh RDS 9.0 full suspension
bike.... read more...
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Cape
Epic Pages
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Check out links to our other
Cape Epic pages
for 2006 and 2007.
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| The Cape Epic
2005
- Route description |
Approximate Total Ascent = 16020m
Approximate Total Distance = 901.1km
(The Average Monthly Maximum Temperatures (based on 10 year data) and sunrise/sunset data is provided compliments of the South African Weather Service.)
Stage ONE: Starts 07h00
Start: Knysna Quays Waterfront
Finish: Saasveld Forestry Training College: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, George
Distance: 128.5km
Ascent: 2940m
Terrain: A very challenging ride with a long technical section with single and jeep-track through a potentially muddy forest. Lots of climbing; great scenery in forests and splendid vistas from the mountain-tops. Look forward to the (icy) plunge through the river.
Ave. Max. Temp: 23.4oC
Sunrise (Knysna): 06h40
Sunset (George): 18h23
Laundry Services: Yes
ATM: No
Swimming Pool: Yes
Stage TWO: Starts 07h00
Start: Saasveld Forestry Training College: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, George
Finish: Herbertsdale
Distance: 144.6km
Ascent: 2720m
Terrain: A long ride with plenty of climbing. The day begins with technical jeep track through forest. The scenery is spectacular and try to avoid the Elephants along the way.
Ave. Max. Temp: 22.3oC
Sunrise (George): 06h44
Sunset (Herbertsdale): 18h25
Laundry Services: No
ATM: No
Swimming Pool: No
Stage THREE: Starts 08h00
Start: Herbertsdale
Finish: Langenhoven High School, Riversdale
Distance: 104.0km
Ascent: 1435m
Terrain: A relatively short day to unwind and review team tactics. The first part of this day is technical jeep track through forest followed by open farm roads and tough technical detours.
Ave. Max. Temp: 24.2oC
Sunrise (Herbertsdale): 06h46
Sunset (Riversdale): 18h24
Laundry Services: Yes, in Riversdale Town
ATM: Yes, in Riversdale Town
Swimming Pool: No
Stage FOUR: Starts 08h00
Start: Langenhoven High School, Riversdale
Finish: Barrydale
Distance: 110.6km
Ascent: 2425m
Terrain: Some monster climbs. First half of stage is gravel roads followed by 20 km of technical jeep track on the side of a mountain amongst spectacular fynbos. A very rocky downhill stretch and with muddy sections. Finish on tar over the unforgettable Tradouws pass.
Ave. Max. Temp: 24.8oC
Sunrise (Riversdale): 06h50
Sunset (Barrydale): 18h27
Laundry Services: Yes
ATM: Yes
Swimming Pool: No
Stage FIVE: Starts 08h00
Start: Barrydale
Finish: Montagu
Distance: 107.4km
Ascent: 1135m
Terrain: This is probably the most spectacular stage ever in the history of the Epic. It includes more than 50km through private game reserve - some of this through Sanbona, the Cape's newest Big Five reserve. A very difficult, rocky and steep 4 x 4 trail will require some portage. Be sure to savour the scenery of a truly spectacular stage.
Ave. Max. Temp: 25.8oC
Sunrise (Barrydale): 06h52
Sunset (Montagu): 18h27
Laundry Services: Yes
ATM: Yes
Swimming Pool: Yes
Stage SIX: Starts 08h00 (tbc)
Start: Montagu
Finish: Villiersdorp
Distance: 127.3km
Ascent: 2030m
Terrain: A very hard and technical stage - 3 seperate 4x4 trail technical section.
Ave. Max. Temp: 25.0oC
Sunrise (Montagu): 06h56
Sunset (Villiersdorp): 18h30
Laundry Services: Yes
ATM: Yes
Swimming Pool: Yes
Stage SEVEN: Starts 08h00
Start: Villiersdorp
Finish: Boschendal, Franschhoek
Distance: 103.7km
Ascent: 1875m
Terrain: A very nice stage - Monster jeep track climb about 10km into stage - climb took well over 2 hours. Ends with the Franschoek pass - so 2 major climbs on the day. Some great scenery over nature reserve areas.
Ave. Max. Temp: 23.6oC
Sunrise (Villiersdorp): 06h59
Sunset (Franchhoek): 18h28
Laundry Services: No
ATM: No
Swimming Pool: No
Stage EIGHT: Starts 09h00 (tbc)
Start: Boschendal, Franschhoek
Finish: Spier Wine Estate
Distance: 75km
Ascent: 1460m
Terrain: 75km of technical jeep and single track. Wonderful scenery through the fantastic winelands of the Western Cape.
Ave. Max. Temp: 21.4oC
Sunrise (Franschoek): 07h01
Sunset (Stellenbosch): 19h10
Laundry Services: Yes (in Spier Hotel)
ATM: No
Swimming Pool: Yes (in Spier Hotel) |
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| Click
pics for large maps
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Stage
1 - 2 April 2005
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Stage
2 - 3 April 2005
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Stage
3 - 4 April 2005
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Stage
4 - 5 April 2005
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Stage 5 - 6 April 2005
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Stage 6 - 7 April 2005
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Stage 7 - 8 April 2005
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Last
stage - 9 April 2005
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