Karoo to Coast – A race that so many people have done as their first ever mtb race for some reason!
Important, before leaving home, to have a good look at the weather forecast for Uniondale, Avontuur, and Knysna. The weather can change fairly dramatically between the start and finish. At the bare minimum all riders should dress in a gilet and arm warmers, and plan on wearing them till after the Pass. If the weather is looking dodge, rather come prepared for the weather!
Start shoots are accessible off main road, a batch is set off with the traditional shotgun blast, as for the rest, MC Eugene Roux will set you off with a bit of banter!
Immediate left turn at the start onto the tar road which makes it feel like a road race! There’s a bit of a climb out of town, which adrenaline takes care of, then the long straight by a few tight turns into the Lyonville suburb. Lots of “Hou bene hou” as we ride through Lyonville. Use this part to warm up, and find your rhythm and breath before the climb!
Then onto the mountain bike part of the race! The Ou Wapad was an extention of the Prince Alfreds pass, built by Thomas Bain and has beautiful sections of hand packed dry stone wall. There are also Boer War fortified shooting positions on this hill, with spent cartridge casings lying around!
Part of the climb is now fenced, and part of a game farm, with some BIG animals roaming freely! Definitely not advisable to wonder through when the race isn’t on!
The Wapad is a loose gravel pass of about 13km, which includes a climb of about 4.5km, gaining 300m in elevation, and then a descent. The road conditions have changed over the last 20 odd years since it has been graded but weather conditions and use can still cause it to be loose and rocky.
Regardless of the road conditions, it’s basically a jeep track, and some years there is just one line in some areas, so there can obviously be some congestion. Take it as it comes! It’s definitely not worth getting frustrated about, as I have had my best rides when forced to go slow on this first climb -There’s a waterpoint at the top, if you need to top up!
The descent after the top favors the skilled, the brave and the stupid. Stay way below your skill level as one can gather speed very quickly! The track usually has a distinct “middlemannetjie”, which can even have small bushes growing out of it! Fist sized and bigger rocks can litter the path. This track has regular water bars across the road which can really kick up the back wheel if you hit them wrong. If you have the skill, prejump them, and land on the downslope to generate more speed, but this also makes them safer and more controllable at speed.
The corners can be loose and rutted, so watch your speed. Watch out for the lost water bottles all the way down.
After the descent, there are a few short rocky climbs, and some really fast pedaling flats past the orchards and the farm school.
The only piece of actual Singletrack gets riders under the tar R62, and into the bustling metropolis of Avontuur, South Africa’s apple capital!
Training tip – Fitness: Ride your bike, consistently. A little often is more effective than a huge ride once a week.
Skill: Find a steep, loose, rocky climb, and get comfortable riding up slowly, trying to maintain traction and getting the bike to steer where you want to. In coming weeks, play with your pace on the climb, but work on the slow speed climbing skill