SPECIALIZED CAPE GRAVEL EXPERIENCE

RacePace Tours and Tri-Travel South Africa in association with the Specialized Experience Center in Stellenbosch offers a truly unique African Gravel Bike experience!

Tour Start Date 22.01.2025
  • 7 NIGHT PACKAGE

7 NIGHT PACKAGE

Overview

Two available tour dates for our 2025 Editions –
22-29 January 2025 & 6-13 February 2025.

5 unforgettable supported rides that will be mostly in and around the Klein (little) Karoo region.

The Little Karoo is separated from the Great Karoo by the Swartberg Mountain range. Geographically, it is a 290 km-long valley, only 40–60 km wide, formed by two parallel Cape Fold Mountain ranges, the Swartberg to the north, and the continuous Langeberg-Outeniqua range to the south. This is a generally dry area where the surrounding mountains take much of the air’s moisture, leaving little for the low-lying Little Karoo. This region of the Western Cape province is arguably one of the most beautiful areas the province has to offer. With the semi desert feel to it surrounded by the most picturesque, forested mountains with relatively limited access which creates the moist dramatic mountain passes – it’s simply a must do experience!

This 7 night tour will kick off in the picturesque and popular coastal town of George. Nestled at the foot of the Outeniqua pass, guests will be welcomed by our team and get ready for their most exciting week on two wheels. After our first night in George, riders will start their epic adventure up Outeniqua pass on route to Oudtshoorn and eventually to our accommodation for the night at the Swartberg Country Manor. For the next four days, riders will experience pristine gravel roads and surroundings experiencing the beautiful part of the southern tip of the untamed African continent.

There will be a total of 5 riding days – covering just over a total of 500 km’s. All rides will be supported with a lead and follow vehicle, a mechanic in case of the unplanned technical issue and dare we mention, well experienced and full-time dedicated tour operators. All on bike nutrition will be supplied as well as the best gravel bikes for this adventure, the SPECIALIZED Diverge Gravel bike which will be included in the tour fee.

 

What’s included

Day 1

Day 1

ARRIVAL

Arrival of guests at George Airport. Meet and greet our team at the airport and be transferred to your accommodation for the night.

Gear preparation. Receive your tour bike and get everything ready for your first day of riding.

Welcome dinner at one of George’s most famous restaurants.

 

 

 

Day 2

Day 2

THE FIRST RIDE

First riding day! After breakfast guests will saddle up their bikes and start their adventure. Starting with the Outeniqua Pass, guests will ride up and over the pass on route to Oudtshoorn. After a lunch stop, guests will have the option of riding further to the Swartberg Country lodge. Optional afternoon visit to the Cango Caves – arguably one of South Africa’s most popular tourist attractions. Dinner at Swartberg Country Manor.

Riding distance: 90 km
Elevation gain: 1300 m
Expected Riding time: 4 – 4.5 hours

 

 

Day 3

Day 3

RIDING DAY #2

After a good night’s rest and tasty breakfast, riders will be making their way down towards the very popular Rooiberg Lodge. With two “bumps” to get over the rest of the first 60kms are all downhill fun followed by one climb and a downhill to our lodge for the night. Lunch will be in Calitzdorp, another very popular town in the Little Karoo. Dinner at Rooiberg Lodge.

Riding distance: 92 km
Elevation gain: 1630 m
Expected riding time: 4.5 – 5 hours

 

Day 4

Day 4

RIDING DAY #3

After breakfast riders will make their way to the popular little town of Riversdale. Depending on the fitness level of the group, the group will have an option to do a shorter or longer ride on the day. Choose between 80km with 1250m ascent or 111km with 2000m ascent. On route lunch will be served (depending on the route) followed by an easy afternoon in Riversdale and dinner at our hotel.

Riding distance: 80 km / 111 km
Elevation gain: 1250 m / 2000 m
Expected riding time: 4 – 4.5 hrs / 5.5 – 6.5 hrs

Day 5

Day 5

RIDING DAY #4

BIG day in the saddle!

After breakfast riders will depart for their first, solid 100 km day! Not to worry, the last 40km is on fast flowing tarmac! Making our way to the picturesque town of Swellendam, we will have lunch ready for the hungry riders on our way to our accommodation for the night! Swellendam is nestled at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains – an incredible 290 km long mountain range covered in the unique Fynbos (fine bush).

Riding distance: 102 km
Elevation gain: 2000 m
Expected riding time: 5.5 – 6 hours

Day 6

Day 6

RIDING DAY #5

Final riding day!

After breakfast riders will depart for their last day in the saddle. Riders will be riding towards the final biking destination, Greyton. Stopping over in the the town of Riviersonderend (river with no end) for a quick bite before we continue. Once we arrive, bikes will be loaded and riders can sit back, relax with an cold one while we make our way to Stellenbosch for guests to check in and relax.
VIP dinner at the SPECIALIZED Experience Centre Stellenbosch.

Riding distance: 110 km
Elevation gain: 1400 m
Expected riding time: 5 – 6 hours

Day 7

Day 7

REST, EXPLORE AND ENJOY!

After an unforgettable night with celebrity chef food, guests will have the morning off to explore the beautiful town of Stellenbosch.
One of South Africa’s most visited towns. As the tour comes to an end, we will make our way to the world Famous golfer’s wine farm – Ernie Else Wines. Incredible food, views and laughs will be part of the afternoon as we reminisce about the good, the hard and the unforgettable week we experienced!

Day 8

Day 8

DEPARTURE DAY

Sadly, all good things must come to end and for the guests heading home, we will transfer you back to Cape Town International Airport. For those not to keen to go home just yet, we will have various tour extension options for you to explore!

 

 

 

READY TO BOOK