740km & 7000m over 6 days
Stage 1 to Franschhoek
138km & 1300m on Sunday 4 March 2018
From the sea to the mountains. Start at the CPT stadium, pass the V&A Waterfront, through Bloubergstrand for that iconic Table Mountain view, then onto Philidelphia for a change of scenery. Enter the winelands and finish by the Hugenote Museum in Franschhoek.
- WP1 around 25km, between Blouberg & Melkbos
- WP2 around 75km, on R304
- WP3 around 106km, Allée Bleue
- Finish at 122km, Franschhoek
Stage 2 to Slanghoek
101km & 930m on Monday 5 March 2018
Immediately start climbing the iconic Franschhoek pass, Theewaterskloof dam, stop at Villiersdorp then free-wheel down and do the fast section to Brandvlei dam, left through Rawsonville and finish at Goudini where the views from the Slanghoek Villas will keep you you staring till long after sunset.
- WP1 at 34km, outskirts of Villiersdorp
- WP at 74km, Aan-de-Doorns
- Finish at 101km, Slanghoek Villas
- Can you ride all the way to the top at the end?
Stage 3 to Montagu
98km & 520m on Tuesday 6 March 2018
We backtrack to Aan-de-Doorns, then left to skip the town of Worcester and join Route 60 with a right hand turn. Breakfast stop the the chair at Rooiberg. Pass Graham Beck with a long left-hand incline before we free down to Robertson and a short fast flat stint to Ashton. At Cogmanskloof we might encounter some roadworks, but the sheer beauty of the rock formations will keep you in awe. Enjoy Montagu.
- WP1 at 55km, at Rooiberg
- WP2 at 71km, in Robertson
- Finish at 98km, Montagu
The longer loop through Bonnievale adds 25km for a total of 124km with 760m as below.
Stage 4 to Tulbagh
191*km & 2240m on Wednesday 7 March 2018
The longest day. Start with the majestic Burgers’ Pass. Breakfast just before the 50km mark, at Rooihoogte’s 1234m above sea level. Then a very fast 25kms down to the N1, where we regroup at the water point. Turn right and exercise caution for the 10kms on our National Road, before turning left onto the R46 to Ceres. Stock up at the WP before the T-junction (120kms in) for Die Venster & Hottentotskloof Passes. Braai & massage awaits you at the Charlie Hofmeyr school in Ceres. Decide to end your day here or enjoy the last 30km descent to Tulbagh (we certainly will, it comes highly recommended).
- WP1 at 48km, Rooihoogte
- WP2 at 76km, Karoo-One
- WP3 at 91km, Aquila Game Reserve
- WP4 at 120km, T-junction
- WP5 roaming to Ceres
- WP6 at 161km, HS Charlie Hofmeyer
- Finish here or in Tulbagh at 191km
Stage 5 to Riebeeck
97km & 1000m on Thursday 8 March 2018
From Tulbagh we get on the R46, turn right to go through Wolseley, right towards Slanghoek and right again to Bainskloof pass – our Tour’s signature pass. Enjoy breakfast at the top (45km in) and take it easy on the descent. Then through Wellington and onto the R44 to Hermon, turning left onto the R46 and water point at the Du Vlei farm stall at 83kms. Just 15kms to the end, through Riebeeck Kasteel to Riebeeck West, one of our favourite hotels.
- WP1 at 30km, before the climb
- WP2 at 45km, over Bainskloof
- WP3 at 83km, Du Vlei farm stall
- Finish at 97km, RV Hotel
Stage 6 to Stellenbosch
88km & 740m on Friday 16 March 2018
A casual ride back to Stellenbosch. Could have staggered start groups so all arrives at the finish more or less the same time. Expect to be in before 12pm.
- WP1 at 15km, Du Vlei farm stall
- WP2 at 68km, Nelson Mandela statue
- Finish at 88km, the brilliant Café Pave
