The departure from Eselfontein will take riders up a fairly long climb as they make their way up to Op Die Tradouw where they cover about 10km on the tar before a long windy decent down to Check Point 1 at the 38km marker.
The next leg heads straight into the Ceres Karoo, wide open spaces and although pretty much still on the downhill don’t misjudge the terrain, especially if a side wind is blowing. Check Point 2, Bizaansgat at 93km, is an old favourite where riders can relax and refresh before taking on the next climb on the way to the meal stop.
The trip to Check Point 3 is going to see your climbing legs get back into action with participants heading up to 990m before cresting the pass and heading down towards the world famous Windheuwel Honesty Shop, about 129km into your journey. From there is a short 13km to the second spectator point at Zeekooigat.
Then there is the big leg, the one that includes the might of Ouberg Pass. Remember to fill up your bottles at the base of the climb and pace yourself to the top, there really isn’t any other advice to give. The total leg distance is 56km, with the climb being around 8kms in length.
Check Point 4, at the top, will be manned by the crazy locals and you will hear it and smell the braai it long before you get there. Remember to rest up and put on some dry cloths before you carry on from here to the finish.
From Ouberg home riders will find a few little hills before they get to see the lights of Sutherland and the dramatic outline of the telescope on the hill up above. The good news is that Theo and his crew at the Jupiter Guest house will be waiting for you with a hot meal and a warm smile after your long day in the saddle.
Click here to download the route Map & Profile. Or click here to see the route on Google Earth.