Karoo to Coast Accomodation

[Mads]

With the K2C entries open. I want to organise everything well in advance as last year we battled to get accommodation.

 

So what we thought of doing this year is this:

 

On our way we stop at Uniondale and register

then... we sleep in Knysna

then ... we go to the start by shuttle the next morning

and then we stay the night in Knysna.

and come home on the Monday.

 

First of all ..... any comments . What is the pro's and con's of doing it this way?

 

And secondly can someone refer us to a place to stay that is reasonable, but near to the finish?

 

 

Thanks

[Mads]

[GLuvsMtb]

Pro's

- No support driver required

- Driving down Prince Alfred Pass the day before can prepare you for what's coming

- Better rates for a 2 or 3 night stay opposed to a 1 night stay (everyone wants to stay in Knysna the Sunday, especially with Monday being a PH)

 

Con's

- Getting up early to catch the shuttle

- I presume that the only way for the shuttle would be along the N9, so its at least a 2 hour drive.

- Potential damage to your bike while in transit

 

We usually stay at Forest Edge about 15km outside of Knysna. You can always park your car at the finish line and drive back afterwards. Last year we stayed 15km outside Willowmore at a fantastic place. It was also only 20 minutes back to Uniondale on Race morning and we were out of the noise of the Camp site and surrounds. With nearly 3000 cyclists in a very small town, it gets crowded. If it was up to me I'd get the extra sleep and stay on the Karoo side of the mountain.

[Mads]

Thank You

 

Some food for thought.

 

Especially the potential damage part. My brother could not ride last year because of a front wheel that got bend on our way to Uniondale. Would like to avoid a similar experience.

[bassasdaindia]

don't know if you have seen Dr Evil (Leon Evans) stage race with karoo2coast being the last day

 

looks nice

[bassasdaindia]

I see that Dr Evil has committed to a moderate and enjoyable stage race

[Mads]

I see that Dr Evil has committed to a moderate and enjoyable stage race

 

Mmm Although I would love to do a stage race and this one is actually very affordable compared to others, it is still bit steep for my tiny pocket.

 

But that would have been nice! And if I then would have won the bike ........... Ag what a pleasure!!

[petatodd]

The shuttle is potentially a great service but is expensive.

 

We camp in Uniondale and have a driver to pack up tents etc and take our car/trailer through to Knysna whre we spend Sunday night before a leisurely drive home on Monday.

[SeaBee]

My "problem" is the family - it is therefore best (I'd assume) to stay in Knysna somewhere... Where can I actually find info regarding the shuttle?

[Ratty]

We stayed in Knysna the last 2 years. First year, got someone to give us a lift to Uniondale, last year we used the shuttle.

 

Downside was having to get up very early in the morning. You can to get your bike on the first trailer as its the better trailer.

 

We stay at Eastford Country Estate which is halfway up Simola. Very reasonably priced at that time of year and great for families (3 bedroom self-catering house, with everything you need including a dish washer). Wouldn't recommend cycling there from the finish, its close, but all uphill.

[petatodd]

TRANSPORT

 

 

Transport Services – Selected reliable quality bicycle and rider transport service –

KONTOUR

Contact Person: Werner Lombard

Telephone Number: +27 (0)82 569 8997

Fax Number: +27 (0)44 382 4675<br>

E-Mail Address: info@kontours.co.za

Bike Transfers on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September:

ORBIT TOURS

Contact Person and numbers:

Hannetjie Coetzee 0824549260 or Dave Coetzee 0723773563

e-mail address: info@orbitdaytrips.co.za

Edited June 26, 2012 by petatodd

[SeaBee]

Hey Petatodd, what route does your driver take? Having looked at some options, I'm now also contemplating staying on the other side and having the family drive down to Knysna. But it seems the road will be closed...(?) Not that I know the area, just looking at the maps it seems we'll be riding a section of the R339 that Google suggest she'd take - and the site says route is closed from 6:30.

 

So which way are your guys coming through?

[petatodd]

The road is open until really early in the morning, not worth leaving so early though. The convoy, yes there are normally about 50 vehicles, drives through to George via the Outeniqua Pass then on to Knysna, takes almost 2 hours.

[fabes]

Last year we stayed in Knysna and i vowed to never do that again. Everything just went wrong the whole weekend. We arrived in Knysna on the Friday night and on the saturday we went to register, that took about 4 hours from knysna register in Uniondale then back to Knysna. Then on the day of the race we woke up so early to get back to Uniondale, upon arrival in Uniondale i had all my cycling stuff except my cycling top and i didnt have any juice or sweets because we left Knysna in such a rush. This year i think we will just try the camping route

[SeaBee]

Thanks! Will look into that - maybe also better if she knows she can do a "follow-those-cars" option with the little one.

[Andro]

I’m staying with folks in Mosselbay and we will drive there on Race day.

 

Dad will get me in Knysna which is if I make it... Crash out ect...

 

It’s all in your preparation...