Today we were invited to ride trails in the Kammanassie that have never been ridden by bicycles before. This, however, will remain after today’s stage. It was hiking at its best. Over 1 hour of pushing the bike up a steep incline in fact so steep that my lower back muscles started cramping from the rather awkward movements. But I am getting ahead of myself, … Continue reading Cape Pioneer Trek: Stage 3 Kammanassie – The Hike
Today’s stage started off with a +/- 1 hour spin up Montagu Pass followed by a freewheeling flight into the community of Herold. From here on it was mostly open gravel road until Paardepoort where the climate changed to dry and hot temperature. The Karoo welcomed us with 40 degrees and made the last 40 kilometers a tough ride. While riding in these conditions it … Continue reading Cape Pioneer Trek: Stage 2 George to Oudtshoorn
We arrived in George to beautiful sunshine! Yes, no rain, no flooding, no gum boots but beautiful summer weather. It was a long day in the saddle for me with just over 6 hours of riding but certainly very eventful. It all started this morning in Mossel Bay. The leader’s jersey riders, including me, were allowed to start in front of the A group. Lined … Continue reading Cape Pioneer Trek: Stage 1 Mossel Bay to George
24 degrees, no rain and a light breeze, the perfect day to start the Pioneer. The Prologue kicked off at 10am, with the first riders getting to enjoy this amazingly designed urban course around Mossel Bay. It’s a 13km loop and started from the water’s edge at the Point with some steep climbing (23%) to the historic Point High School before hitting the hiking trail … Continue reading Cape Pioneer Trek: The Prologue
People always ask me how I will prepare for the Tour d’Afrique. It’s simple, I do what I always do and race day and multi stage events. Apparently one gets fitter and stronger as the tour progresses. Everyone can go at their own pace and less fit riders will just spend a little longer in the saddle each day. I aim for a good base and prep … Continue reading Dr Evil Classics: The last stretch of preparation for the Tour d’Afrique begins
katjasteenkamp.com 