On STRAVA, this segment is called “respite.” 10km with an average gradient of – 2.2% Respite indeed!
Buffelsnek is where I put my Gilet (little French jacket) on! The climb to get here is on the northern slopes, in full sun. From here on, we’ll be on the southern slopes, and in the forest shade!
Get some food in, either at the waterpoint, or out of your pocket as there is a long downhill where eating is easier.
The first bit of indigenous forest usually brings shade, cold, potholes and puddles. This opens up into Fynbos as you climb the little hill past the Valley of the Furns picnic area on the left and Spitskop on the right. And then we go down. And down! And down!!
A long, long downhill on usually loose gravel, with a line that is sometimes quite uncomfortable! On the singlespeed, or under geared bikes, this section is forced rest, although it’s advised to try to keep the legs spinning while you keep an eye out for the beautiful view of Plett and the Robberg peninsula in the distance!
At the end of the gravel is a fast, dodgy right turn into the indigenous forest again. More cold. More shade. More trees. Some corners. Pedaling. Potholes. Puddles. Peddling. Peddling. Peddling. Get some warmth into the legs, but don’t get too carried away!
Past the Big Tree, and another Big Tree, to the turn to Komsepad!