THE NITTY GRITTY
TransCape – A singularly unique experience that combines hardcore endurance mountain bike stage racing with luxury, comfort and 5-star food.
Race Concept
TransCape is a unique multistage endurance MTB race across the Western Cape in South Africa. It offers the discerning mountain biker an endurance event with a perfect balance between a proper on-the-bike challenge and a very comfortable and premium off-the-bike experience.
Whilst our route philosophy is based on scenery, rideability and enjoyment rather than pushing your bike over ancient unused trails, stages still range from 70-100km. And they are not flat. There will be calf-crunching climbs, white-knuckle descents and long days of facing off against harsh elements as you navigate some of the most scenic, but notoriously rugged and challenging mountain biking terrain South Africa has to offer.
After a couple hours in the saddle you will arrive at a ‘race village’ quite unlike the normal. Think ‘premium package’, only at the TransCape it comes standard. Given that this is a small field event we are able to base ourselves at a variety of lodges, guest houses and premium tented camps. Every evening we will have prize giving and group dinner functions, finished off with a highlights presentation of the day’s riding. We also place a high premium on good food. Each night you will be able to refuel the tanks with the best local produce lovingly prepared by our hosts. And what is good food without good wine in this part of the country? The antioxidant of choice to many an experienced mountain biker of these parts will also be one of the luxuries to help get those pistons firing at full strength again.
Not forgetting about your bike, we will have bike wash facilities available at all overnight venues as well as a dedicated bike mechanic team that will be offering special maintenance packages. So we invite you to come saddle it up in the emerald heart of the scenic Garden Route. Cross the towering Outeniqua as you duel with gravity en route to the stunning, semi-arid Klein Karoo. Experience the best Karoo lamb and warm hospitality of this special place, then saddle up and say goodbye to this unforgettable semi-desert. Pedal ever onwards as you navigate the remote gravel roads and secret single tracks meandering via the hills and dales of the Overberg, a region resplendent with patchwork fields and lush grassland. Ahead lies the Cape’s picturesque Winelands, but first you must conquer the craggy ranges shaping a natural barrier between you and your destination. Champagne at the finish line await, as do memories which will last a lifetime.
Race Conditions
You had better be wearing your big girl panties, because the TransCape is not flat or easy. We do not believe in suffering, but a fair deal of blood, sweat and tears are an integral part of what makes any MTB event memorable. Every one of our riders should be able to finish the event if they trained for it, but do not expect it to be a breeze.
Diverse terrain and the full brunt of the harsh African elements will be there to face off to every morning when you saddle up, with daily stages constituting anything from 70km to 100km, with distances depending on relevant technical and geographic challenges. The Cape summer is not for sissies, and February just happens to coincide with red-hot temperatures and severe weather conditions. All we can say is bring your A-Game!
An adequate training programme – supplemented by a focused nutrition plan – will help to ensure that you are physically and mentally prepared for anything that Mother Nature and the TransCape route throw at you. Although we will endeavour to make sure the route is well marked – with strategically placed water points and a few welcome surprises along the way – it is essential that all riders are self-sufficient en route, with ample hydration, food and bike spares to handle these extremes.
Excluded from race
- Accommodation the night before the race starts (registration day) and accommodation after stage 6 in the Botrivier. Accommodation only included as per the 5 nights specified above.
- Bike maintenance, repairs and spare parts.
- Massages: to be booked directly with our official physio team.
- Any medical costs other than routine first aid. It is imperative that you have your own medical aid in order.
- Additional transfers: i.e. should you withdraw from the event for whatever reason and need to be transferred to the nearest airport or some other location *Our transfers partner ‘Tours4SA’ will be able to provide this service and any cost need to be settled directly with them.
- Additional mechanical services, repairs, spare parts, etc. will be charged by the bike service teams.
- Full bike maintenance packages will be available to purchase prior the event from our service providers.
