The Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2013

[Guest Bridge SA]

Have you heard about the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek yet? Hosted yearly in and around the Karoo - just a couple of hours drive from Cape Town – the race is a favourite amongst both serious and amateur mountain bikers.

 

About The Race

 

Bridge will be sponsoring this event for the next four years and has offered a staggering prize of R100 000 for the victorious team on stage 2.

 

250 Teams of 2 will enter this year’s spirited Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek on 22 October and will be battling it out over 7 days, 6 stages and 550 km.

 

With easily accessible spectator points along the track and wide media coverage to boot, everyone can get a piece of the action.

 

It took four years of scouting and exploring to bring riders a route to remember! The track isn’t the exact same every year, so just because you rode it once, it doesn’t mean you will have a case of Déjà vu when you return.

Riders will face the World Heritage site of the mighty Swartberg Mountain, the cliffs of Meiringspoort, the arid semi desert region to the north near Prince Albert, the undulating mountainous Klein Karoo and the lush forests of the Garden Route coast.

 

The Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek website will tell you what to expect from the route and supply information about the sponsors, registration, daily routine and medical and bike services at the Trek. You can also follow our Blog, Twitter and Facebook for updates and reports.

 

Read what the previous riders had to say about their experiences and if any famous people are competing for a place in this year’s race.

 

http://blog.capepioneer.co.za/wp-content/gallery/stage-1/d97b0143.jpg

Edited August 22, 2013 by Bridge SA

[kandui]

I dig this race and will riding my 4th one in a row in October. Best atmosphere throughout and the organizers literally go the extra mile. The route last year was fantastic and this year will be the same, if not better with some tweaks here and there.

Very happy to be riding for Team Bridge this time around.

[Guest Bridge SA]

I dig this race and will riding my 4th one in a row in October. Best atmosphere throughout and the organizers literally go the extra mile. The route last year was fantastic and this year will be the same, if not better with some tweaks here and there.

Very happy to be riding for Team Bridge this time around.

That sounds awesome! 4 years in a row! Wow - Glad to know you'll be returning again for the 7 Days of challenging and memorable racing.

 

Be sure to share your Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek photos here if you have any : https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/130126-bridge-cape-pioneer-trek-race-photos/

 

And since you have a lot (4 years in a row is exceptional) of experience when it comes to the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek Race event - Be sure to share any helpful tips here if you don't mind: https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/130198-tips-for-the-bridge-cape-pioneer-trek-2013/

 

Looking forward to seeing you in action in a couple of days time!

[kandui]

Looking forward to seeing you in action in a couple of days time!

 

Don't worry me! I need some more time to train up and be ready!

[Guest Bridge SA]

Only 51 Day's left... Will you be ready by then?

 

Maybe make use of the Official prologue stage training opportunity : SATURDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2013 from 12:00 - 17:00.

Here you can train and warm up Physically and Mentally for the 7 days of riding ahead.

 

Amateur or Professional - We always like to see people in action and enjoying the experience.

 

[kandui]

Will definitely be there for a training run. too short to warm up the old diesel engine though. that needs about 4 days!

[Guest Bridge SA]

Will definitely be there for a training run. too short to warm up the old diesel engine though. that needs about 4 days!

Naaah - Don't undersell yourself... Diesel turns into jet fuel with some training and endurance. Sure you'll be ready and fit for "duty"....

[Vinnydabutcher]

Need to get some more long miles in this month - a head cold ruined my long ride planning for this past weekend.

 

Need to get over it asap - the beast is lurking just behind this month!

 

And there is no way around it!

[Guest Bridge SA]

No way around it - And no way one should miss this years event. There's some interesting changes and surprises in store for not only the participants but also the spectators.

 

Be sure to shake off the cold - and if not, get on that steel horse and forcefully shake it off!

Luckily there's still a couple (48 Days from today) of days left to train... Good luck! Let us know on your progress...

[deonkretch]

Whoohoo, 48 days to go.

 

My third Cape Pioneer in as many years and I have to agree with Kandui - awesome race, atmosphere and route!

 

See you guys in October!

[Jewbacca]

Is there a Solo Single Speed division?

 

I have WCAD X 2 weeks before but this race has been on my list of things to do for a while!

 

hmmmm......

[Guest Bridge SA]

Whoohoo, 48 days to go.

 

My third Cape Pioneer in as many years and I have to agree with Kandui - awesome race, atmosphere and route!

 

See you guys in October!

Awesome!!! Seeing old and familiar faces during the race always brings pleasure and smiles to our and the event organizers' hearts.

Be sure to post some of your photos from the previous years here:

 

Looking forward to seeing you in action!

[deonkretch]

Is there a Solo Single Speed division?

 

I have WCAD X 2 weeks before but this race has been on my list of things to do for a while!

 

hmmmm......

 

There is a solo category, not too sure about singlespeed though?

[Jewbacca]

There is a solo category, not too sure about singlespeed though?

 

haha... I was really pushing it there!

 

I think the only largish race with a solo SS category is the GR 200.

[D Vader]

Most of the days should be fine on SS, but day 2, you Start the Swartberg pass after almost 2000m of climbing and then no space to recover, but, all things being relative, you may be fine. I have done Attakwas SS, and still wouldn't do day 2 SS. I think it has been done, so, can be done. Day 3 has a very long flat initial section would also be a drag on SS.

Either way, I am doing it solo, so, may see you there.

[Guest Bridge SA]

Most of the days should be fine on SS, but day 2, you Start the Swartberg pass after almost 2000m of climbing and then no space to recover, but, all things being relative, you may be fine. I have done Attakwas SS, and still wouldn't do day 2 SS. I think it has been done, so, can be done. Day 3 has a very long flat initial section would also be a drag on SS.

Either way, I am doing it solo, so, may see you there.

Sounds like you've done your Homework on the route... And yes - Stage 2 is a stage to say the very least. But also worth taking note that this is the stage with the biggest prize in SA MTB cycling history... So for the Team's participating, stage 2 might be a challenging stage, but non the less a stage to be motivated for. And the same can be said for all the other participants and spectators. There is no stage you wont be able to conquer once you've reached the top and finish line of stage 2. One thing is for certain - Snoring and a night falling fast sleep in and around the tents after stage 2 is almost a guarantee - Professional and amateur alike.

 

Looking forward to seeing you in action - Sounds like you're coming prepared and well trained for this years event?