[Event] Cape Rouleur 2014

[charlotte@hotchillee.com]

Event Name: Cape Rouleur 2014
When: 2 March 2014 - 6 March 2014
Where: Franschhoek, Western Cape
Category: Road

The Cape Rouleur is a multi stage endurance road event that covers 600km and almost 5,000m of climbing. It is a pro style event that has rolling road closures and full logistic and crew support.

 

Cape Rouleur riders also get the opportunity to gain seeded entry to the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, the world's largest individually timed cycle race followed by VIP hospitality. This gives participants a full week of cycling, comprising the three stages of the Cape Rouleur, a 112km Festival ride into Cape Town escorted in style by the City traffic police. The week ends with the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour and VIP finish line hospitality.

 

The Cape Rouleur takes riders through the stunning South African scenery in the Western Cape, over mountain passes such as Franschhoek, Viljeon's and Houw Hoek, around Paarl Mountain and through the Perdeberg National Reserve. Riders will enjoy the stunning Clarence Drive from Gordon's Bay - called by Phil Liggett "my favourite stretch of road on the planet". Riders are based in one of the oldest towns in South Africa and the heart of gastronomy and wine in the country, Franschhoek.

 

As with all HotChillee events, it is organised to bring enthusiasts as close to the Tour de France experience as possible, with motorbike outriders, ride captains, lead and support vehicles, masseurs, full mechanical and paramedic support.

 

 

 

Go to Event Page

[Velouria]

I had the privilege last year of working at this event in one of the lead cars (my report is here: www.velotales.com/2013/03/the-cape-rouleur-2013.html‎). It's not often you get to rub shoulders with former world champs, Epic winners, Springbok rugby players and about 200 other cycling obsessed people in the beautiful surrounds of the Western Cape. There is something for everyone, from the person doing their first multi-day stage event, to the pro wannabe who wants to measure himself against some of the best bike riders in the world.

 

I'm fortunate enough to be riding this year, and can't wait.

 

While it's not pure racing, there are timed sections, hill climbs and sprints each day to satisfy the competitive urges. It's an event that places the riders first, gives them a taste stage racing, while enjoying some of the best hospitality and views the Cape Winelands have to offer.

 

PROLOGUE 7.6km, ascent 95m, max gradient 3.4%

STAGE 1 127km, ascent 527m, max gradient 2%

STAGE 2 147km, ascent 1939m, max gradient 8%

STAGE 3 208km, ascent 2006m, max gradient 8%

Festival Ride 112km, ascent 414m, max gradient 3%

 

Check out the coverage from last year's event

http://vimeo.com/61797001

[Velouria]

Another fantastic HotChillee event. We had wind, rain, and 3 days of glorious sun. The cycling was amazing, as was hanging out with some very interesting people, from national cricketers, celebrity chefs and rugby players, to former world champs, up and coming pros and a whole bunch of passionate cyclists.

 

My report: http://www.velotales.com/2014/03/2014-cape-rouleur.html

[Slowbee]

Velo, how fast is all this ?

 

I mean will a social rider be able to do it? or do you need ummm some speed in the body ?

[Blackbeard]

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Edited March 18, 2014 by Blackbeard

[Velouria]

Velo, how fast is all this ?

 

I mean will a social rider be able to do it? or do you need ummm some speed in the body ?

 

The great thing about HotChillee events is that they cater for all sorts of riders. You've got your racing snakes up front averaging 32+ km/h in Group 1, and then at the back in Group 3 you've got the Captain's of Industry - the cycling tourists - the guys who work too hard to spend too much time on their bikes but want the pro cyclist's experience - trundling along at 24km/h.

 

There's rolling road closure, mechanics and medics with each group (how often do us normal people get to put our hand in the air when we puncture and have a guy jump out of a van with a new wheel?).

[Velouria]

Jan Braai a celebrity CHEF? How far we have fallen! The scourge of reality tv will kill all we value and hold dear.

 

He's a decent bloke, makes some tasty food, and rides a bike quite well. That's enough for me.

[Blackbeard]

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Edited March 18, 2014 by Blackbeard

[Skubarra]

I accept all of that, but the title Chef is very specific and I doubt he would be so presumptious as to call himself a chef. A media campaign does not qualify one as a chef.

 

Velouria hitting a raw nerve here? I think the chef title was a little tongue in the cheek

 

Another fantastic HotChillee event. We had wind, rain, and 3 days of glorious sun. The cycling was amazing, as was hanging out with some very interesting people, from national cricketers, celebrity chefs and rugby players, to former world champs, up and coming pros and a whole bunch of passionate cyclists.

 

My report: http://www.velotales...pe-rouleur.html

 

Looks like a cool event, was trying to figure out from the website what the event would cost, but given the field of celebrities and people "involved" in private equity I guess if you have to ask you can't afford it.

 

Just on a sidetrack - isn't it curious how often how richer a person is, the more vague he is about what he actually does for a living - example here being "involved" in private equity..

Edited March 18, 2014 by Skubarra

[Blackbeard]

No nerve.

Edited March 18, 2014 by Blackbeard

[Skubarra]

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Edited March 18, 2014 by Skubarra

[Velouria]

Lesson learned. I shall refrain from referring to all people who prepare food as chefs. My wife is now "that person in our house who tinkers in the kitchen by randomly mixing various ingredients together".

 

I'll let you know how she handles her new title, although I fully expect her to bury the "that person in our house who tinkers in the kitchen by randomly mixing various ingredients together" 's knife in my back while I sleep.

 

P.S. I also mentioned The Plague - just to clarify, this wasn't the actual plague that decimated Europe, but instead a bad case of New Delhi Belly that the rounds.

 

P.P.S Flash is a guy, and wasn't actually pregnant.

 

P.P.P.S The Cape Rouleur is still an awesome event, despite the culinary qualifications of some of the participants.

[Blackbeard]

Sorry guys. Was taking myself far too seriously. I deleted my posts but obviously the damage was done.