wolseleytourism Posted April 19, 2012 Posted April 19, 2012 Event Name: Wolseley MTB ChallengeWhen: 21 July 2012Where: Laerskool Wolseley, Wolseley, Western CapeCategory: MTBWOLSELEY MTB CHALLENGE SATURDAY 21 JULY 2012 DISTANCES /STARTING TIMES 64 km @ 08h30; 44 km @ 08h50; 21 km @ 09h10; 5 km @ 09h30ORGANISING COMMITTEE Wolseley Tourism (info@wolseleyinfo.co.za; www.wolseleyinfo.co.za )VENUE Laerskool Wolseley – Regstration from 07h30 GPS S: 33º24.34 ; E: 19º12.3ENQUIRIES Natasha Dicey/Cathy GrobbelaarPHONE 082 7807516 / 084 254 5205FAX (023) 231-0601EMAIL ndicey@lando.co.za / grobbelaar100@telkomsa.net PRIZE GIVING & LUCKY DRAW 13h00CUT-OFF FOR TIMING MATS 13h30ROUTE CUT OFF 14h00PRE-ENTRIES CLOSE 19 July 2012ONLINE ENTRIES www.pedalpower.org.za ROUTE DESCRIPTIONThe Kluitjieskraal MTB route, as used in the Cape Epic 2010 & 2011, in between Worcester and Ceres, is renowned for its spectacular scenery and challenging uphills – some of which climb to 400m above sea level, followed by rocky, technical descents on narrow jeep tracks/single-track. It takes the rider into unknown forest and mountain territory. It is a water-rich route, which passes through the MTO forestry reserve and traverses the Waterval Mountains twice. Be prepared for some water crossings – you could get your feet wet! The 64 km route is challenging and includes steep climbs and sharp ascents and single-track. The 44 km is “pretty” but tough, while the 21 km is a family-friendly ride, with a steep hill at the beginning and amazing views over the valley. The 5 km is a kiddies’ fun ride, ages 4 to 12 years, through the farms adjacent to the school grounds. The 5 km races is untimed. DIRECTIONS TO VENUETake the N1 from Cape Town. Before reaching Worcester, turn left on the R43, direction Ceres. Turn right at the T-junction at Bergsig Wine Cellar (R43) and then left again to Wolseley (R43). After the 4-way stop in Wolseley turn 2nd right into Mill Street and follow the signs to the venue. Wolseley is approximately 120 km from Cape Town. GPS Coordinates: S: 33º24.34 ; E: 19º12.3. See the PPA website for interactive route directions. NOTESThe fun ride is for children aged 4 – 12 years old. This is a balancedroute with challenging climbs and spectacular views, with great technical jeeptrack and descents. It has received rave reviews from participants with numbersincreasing considerably annually. Note: All children u/10 must be accompaniedby an adult. PPA members wearing their seeded numbers will start before Non-PPAmembers or PPA members without their seeded numbers. This is a familyevent with a “mini-fair” atmosphere. Local wine estates and homeindustry will have stalls. Food on sale will be pancakes, hot dogs, snackwichesand hamburgers. Supervised games and entertainment for the kiddies will takeplace in the school hall. Remember to wear your PPA MTB funride number. Pre-Entries Late EntriesDistance Entry Fee PPA Discounted Entry Fee Entry Fee PPA Discounted Entry Fee64 km R120 R90 R140 R12044 km R100 R70 R120 R10021 km R60 R50 R80 R705 km - - R20 R20 Temp Nr R5 (unseeded) - R5 (unseeded) R30 (seeded)Go to Event Page
flymango Posted July 16, 2012 Posted July 16, 2012 I've not done this event before nor have I done the Kluitjieskraal trail, so I'll probably give it a bash. Anybody got an opinion or information on the 44km route? Thanks. wolseleytourism 1
BergForce Posted July 17, 2012 Posted July 17, 2012 (edited) Unfortunately a big front gonna hit this weekend it seems , always seem to hit on the weekends this year. Edited July 17, 2012 by Berg Bok
kvdp Posted July 17, 2012 Posted July 17, 2012 Will be my first time on this route as well,and i suppose it will be extra wet and muddy,but i will give it a try! wolseleytourism 1
Stevief Posted July 17, 2012 Posted July 17, 2012 I Have done it 3 times 2 x 45km 1 x 64km , its an awesome ride, lovely area one of the best on the calender. Its also quite tough. I just got horrid flu and havent ridden for 3 weeks so i doubt i will make it, pity though i enjoy this ride.
flymango Posted July 17, 2012 Posted July 17, 2012 I Have done it 3 times 2 x 45km 1 x 64km , its an awesome ride, lovely area one of the best on the calender. Its also quite tough. I just got horrid flu and havent ridden for 3 weeks so i doubt i will make it, pity though i enjoy this ride. Now for the bulk standard question to help me choose - any profiles or ascent stats? I'm thinking the 44km will be a nice outing, weather permitting. If memory serves me correctly, I've heard the 64km is quite a toughie.
Stevief Posted July 17, 2012 Posted July 17, 2012 not sure of the profile stats, weather looks horrid though
flymango Posted July 17, 2012 Posted July 17, 2012 Rain is still ok on the day - it's the days proceeding and the terrain and drainage that matters. Not keen for another mud bath like last weekend's Bastille. Is the route predominantly Karoo-typre terrain or Winelands-type terrain?
Jorrie Posted July 17, 2012 Posted July 17, 2012 Did the route this past weekend, always one of the most scenic routes you can do in this area with a bit of everything. Hope they work on the downhill jeeptrack to waterval though. I normally love technical, rocky downhills, but had to use all the available skill just to get down there in one piece,nevermind race it! Going to be quite a challenge in the wet! wolseleytourism 1
kandui Posted July 17, 2012 Posted July 17, 2012 (edited) Rain is still ok on the day - it's the days proceeding and the terrain and drainage that matters. Not keen for another mud bath like last weekend's Bastille. Is the route predominantly Karoo-typre terrain or Winelands-type terrain?Not sure where you live, but if you are going to drive all the way there, do the long route. The 44km heads out of town straight for the mountain while the 64km does a loop through the forest and joins the short route before the climb up the pass (don't know the name). On the plateau, the long route veers off to the left and does a longer loop through the forest plantation, before joining the 44km route at the first WP. Both routes climb and old jeep track over to get to the edge of the mountain, with a rocky and tricky descent.At the bottom of the descent,both routes cross a river (fast flowing for sure and will get your feet nice and frosty) , the 44km hands a right back down the mountain while the 64km now starts the toughest part of the route. A long climb along the edge of the mountain, towards Tulbagh.The 64km route eventually heads down into the valley, hugging the mountain and joins the 44km route again. You think its over now, but there are still some short, sharp bumps to come and you still have to cross the valley undulations to get back to Wolseley and the Finish. The 44km route is over too quickly to warrant a long drive ( I live in the CBD and was done in just over 2 hours).Go for the long one. You'll have snow on the Ceres mountains (if the clouds don't obscure it) and 2 years ago it felt like i was in Europe.Very nice race, one of my favourites I hope that helps you a bit. Edited July 17, 2012 by kandui kvdp, wolseleytourism and flymango 3
flymango Posted July 19, 2012 Posted July 19, 2012 Weather looking 50/50 and some heavy rain on Friday and showers on Saturday. Bit far from Cape Town to chance conditions after last week's mud in Franschhoek. Think I'll watch the S15 play-offs instead. Pitty.
Ceres Posted July 19, 2012 Posted July 19, 2012 Weather on the morning doesn't look too bad so I'll be going down for a ride. wolseleytourism 1
flymango Posted July 19, 2012 Posted July 19, 2012 Weather on the morning doesn't look too bad so I'll be going down for a ride. Hey Ceres, I know you guys in that area do an awesome job with event days and have access to some wonderful trails. So honestly, what's the drainage on this route like? I'm not scared of rain - it's the mud I'm not too keen on.
outoftowner Posted July 19, 2012 Posted July 19, 2012 Will be wet.cold and then some...Just fixed my bike from winter weather damage,so I will lay low this w-end. Good luck to all y'all,and will see you at the lbs for repairs.
Musashi Posted July 20, 2012 Posted July 20, 2012 I enjoyed the 64km last year. It was pletty fun with a few technical sections to keep things interesting. If I remember correctly there should not be lots of mud as the drainage is quite good and the soil is mostly sand and rocks. Last year the south easter was the biggest challenge from mother nature's side. Unfortunately I'm not in the Cape this weekend so can't make it, but have fun if you do!
Jorrie Posted July 20, 2012 Posted July 20, 2012 Hey Ceres, I know you guys in that area do an awesome job with event days and have access to some wonderful trails. So honestly, what's the drainage on this route like? I'm not scared of rain - it's the mud I'm not too keen on. Did 3/4 of the 64 km route last Sunday in the rain and I can honestly say mud won't be a problem. The route will be wet with bits of sand but mostly hard rocky underground. Currently they forcast rain for Friday afternoon and then lots of rain again from Saturday 11am for the rest of the day. If you're not to slow you might just be in before the rain starts!
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