The fifth stage of Cape Pioneer Trek took us from George to Oudtshoorn via Montagu Pass.
Once again, the day started with a neutral zone to navigate riders safely through the George morning traffic to the start of the pass. While getting dropped by the bunch in the neutral zone, I had a moment of self-doubt and wondered if I would survive the stage. It was a relief to hit the climb, settle into a rhythm and realise that it was all going to be ok.
The pros smashing the climb. Find all the details of the days racing here. Photo credit: Oakpics.co.za
The pass turned out to be a highlight of the route thus far: a dirt road winding gradually skywards, with a stone wall and epic views of the river valley to the left, and lush Garden Route forest to the right. The gradient was just right for setting a comfortable pace and it felt like we were at the top all too soon. The pass links George and the hamlet of Herold, and was opened in 1847 and is apparently the oldest, unaltered pass still in use in South Africa.
We are now firmly in the Karoo and Ostrich territory. Photo credit: Oakpics.co.za
We then snaked through Herold Farm on some fun forest trails before popping out at the first waterpoint. From there it was onto mostly dirt roads and it was incredible to see how quickly the terrain and vegetation changed from green forest, to Karoo veld and sharp shale rocks.
Photo credit: Oakpics.co.za
The headwind became intense, and we ground our way into it on kilometres of rolling district road. Things got more interesting as we headed into the Chandelier Game Reserve where we had loose shale surfaces to contend with and keep us concentrating. With about thirty kilometres to go, we only had 250 metres of climbing remaining, and it was a fast flat race to the finish, with a quick banana bread and chain lube stop at the final water point.
Another stage done, another selfie to celebrate.
Tomorrow is the queen stage: #SwartbergShowdown with a finish at the top of the infamous Swartberg Pass and 2700 metres of climbing over 95 kilometres.
Tomorrow’s route profile. You can find out more about the route here.
