Cape Pioneer Trek - Latest 6 day stage race Report

The newest 6 day stage race in SA was held last week in the Oudtshoorn area. This seems to be the next big rival to the mighty Cape Epic. One thing that really stands out is the organizers commitment to uplifting the communities they ride through - and this makes the event special!! But read below to see what sets it apart from the seemingly over commercialized CE.

 

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This must be the most jaw dropping beautiful route I have ever ridden. 

 

The best organized event and this is why; 

-    3 WELL stocked water points on each stage (GU, energy drinks, sandwiches, apples, pears, bananas, sweets, steaks at some, ice, ice water, shade, very helpful school kids from the different small towns, chilled towels for the neck, they lube your chain, take your bottles/camel pack and fill it up, clean your glasses, etc, etc, etc)

-    Well marked route

-    Marshalls at crossings

-    Medics patrolling back and forth on quad bikes

-    Marshalls on bikes assisting where they can.

-    No need to wait for showers.

-    Lunch kept for you after coming in late.

-    Difficult rocky sections were well marked.

-    Best website I’ve seen with fantastic pics, reports, updates, results, etc (folks at home did not need to wait days for the updates)

 

This is just a few things that came to mind. From this event I can see Dryland is passionate about cycling, the Klein Karoo and the people in the community that benefits from a race like this. I don’t think they made much money at all to be honest. I actually think they made a loss. If the event grows; which I know and hope it will, yes, they will make a little profit, nothing in life is for free and you gotta make a living and these guys know how to organize and they deserve it.

 

Yes, it was tough, the toughest thing I have ever done in my life. The reason for this was because of the remoteness of some of the single track and jeep track, climbs, descents, old rocky routes/passes, only farmers frequent. We didn’t pedal along district roads 80% of the time, we were riding through very special nature reserves, like e.g. the Kammanassie. They wanted to show and share the beauty of the Karoo, foot paths and river beds hidden and remote, but it’s no walk in the park, there was a price to be paid to see it. It’s got nothing to do with the CE, or which one is tougher. Joberg2c will be unique and special in its own way. The CPT was to experience nature, you on your bike and to overcome your weaknesses, physically and mentally while being at one with nature and meet great mountain bikers, help and assist as it was hot and difficult. 

 

I will be back to ride the CPT in 2010.

 

Thank you Dryland!

 

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Same high standard as Attakwas, just over 6 days.  Well done Dryland - this can not be compared with Epic, as it is unique and in a class of its own - as one of the podium guys said: it is a stage race with heart.  If I have to rate, I will rate it higher, as it was intimate and friendly.  Maybe some stages individually on Epic is harder, but there are easier days inbetween - in CPT no easy days.  Hopefully organisers will try and keep it smaller (and still be able to do it viably), as the friendly atmosphere and access to a rider like Sauser makes it unique.  Although many moans and groans about the route, that is normal - this is really a true MTB race - do not change the route to district roads please!

 

Sauser also said that from a timing perspective it is very good for NH pro's as it is at the end of their season, and he will be back with some friends next year.  Book early!

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Take a look at their website, there are some STUNNING photo's!!
http://www.capepioneer.co.za/