[Event] Ronde Van Swartberg 100 Miler

[HubArch]

Event Name: Ronde Van Swartberg 100 Miler
When: 26/04/2025
Where: Swartberg Hotel, Prince Albert, Western Cape
Category: Gravel

SA's most iconic Gravel 100 Miler.

Go to Event Page.

[Philip.]

Anyone doing this? 
I'm entered for the 100 Miler, stress levels are very high.... 

[openmind]

I've done it a few times when it was still the Swartberg100. Don't stress too much, it's 70% tar. Enjoy the views and keep something in the tank for the Swartberg climb - the last few switchbacks especially. Oh, and take it easy going down, some corners are pretty sketchy on a gravel bike. Enjoy!

[Skubarra]

I slightly disagree... I think some stress is in order, despite the loads of tar its still a very tough route overall. Close to 3K of climbing not trivial.

But I agree with the advice, 1st 90km's are easy going, easy to get sucked into racing mode and burn too many matches staying with riders you have no business riding with. Then after De Rust the rolling hills and climbing starts and if you don't have enough in the tank your race can go sour before you even hit the Swartberg climb. ie very important to know the limits of your fitness and pace yourself correctly

[Kom]

4 minutes ago, Skubarra said:

I slightly disagree... I think some stress is in order, despite the loads of tar its still a very tough route overall. Close to 3K of climbing not trivial.

But I agree with the advice, 1st 90km's are easy going, easy to get sucked into racing mode and burn too many matches staying with riders you have no business riding with. Then after De Rust the rolling hills and climbing starts and if you don't have enough in the tank your race can go sour before you even hit the Swartberg climb. ie very important to know the limits of your fitness and pace yourself correctly

literally this 👆🏻

also - would recommend a proper stop at kobus se gat - you're between 1:30 -> 2hrs from the finish at this point, easy to think you can just push thru without a break.

[Philip.]

Riding with my hardtail, not planning on racing the gravel bikes. There is a 20km gravel section on the way to Meiringspoort with a proper climb. 
Thanks for the advice, will keep a steady pace and leave the racing for the morning coffee rides...

[Scalpel]

Did the route with @Spinnekopjust before the Argus. Unless something have changed quite a lot of corrugations on all the gravel roads. Swartberg pass on both sides very rutted and hasn't seen a grader in a while! Still beautiful and spectacular. The tar section from the end of Oude Muragie road to Kobus se gat should not be taken too lightly! One long never ending road!!  

[Prince Albert Cycles]

I drove the Pass 2 hours ago from Oudtshoorn coming home . It was raining and misty Oudtshoorn side dry this side .  Surface Oudtshoorn side is good .  A few bad sections this side on the zigzag section . The sement bridges which had potholes have been repaired . My car showed 9 degrees at Die Top 3 pm today . Enjoy .

Edited April 22 by Prince Albert Cycles

[ChrisF]

2 hours ago, Kom said:

literally this 👆🏻

also - would recommend a proper stop at kobus se gat - you're between 1:30 -> 2hrs from the finish at this point, easy to think you can just push thru without a break.

 

That climb after Kobus se gat .... SO EASY to THINK there is two more switch backs, and then give it your all .... come around the corner and your see a decent section of climb left .... go around that corner and your mood drops when you see yet another climb section .... TEMPER your effort up that climb !

 

 

That long steep downhill towards Prince Albert ... make sure your brake discs have ample life in it .... not the place to overheat worn discs ....

 

 

ENJOY !!

Edited April 22 by ChrisF

[buckstopper]

Watching the weather and wind closely for a friend. Looks like Saturday will be a warm day, 29c, with NW headwind during the afternoon. Hopefully it does cool higher up on the climb. Not a pushover this one.