Get ready to pedal your way into excitement at the Eastern Cape Herald Cycle Tour, a two-wheeled extravaganza drawing cycling fanatics from near and far! Set for February 2025, this tour is your ticket to cruise through the breathtaking beauty of the Eastern Cape while pushing your limits like a true cycling champ. Thinking about joining the fun? Buckle up for a wild ride filled with tips on what to expect and how to gear up for this epic cycling escapade!
Get ready to kick off the race on some smooth, flat gravel roads that wind through zesty citrus orchards and cosy canals! As you cruise up to the 10 km mark, brace yourself for your first climb and the glorious water stop halfway up Dung Beetle Hill.
After quenching your thirst, it’s time to ditch the 30 km loop and veer right into the adventurous Zuurberg Mountains, where the real climbing and singletrack excitement begins!
At about 20 km, you’ll hit the second water point and make a sharp right off the gravel road into the wild Hayterdale Trails. Get ready for wooden bridges, swooping trails, heart-pounding ascents, and exhilarating descents that will keep your adrenaline pumping!
You'll find a bit of joy on the Hayterdale Cross Country track before facing the grand challenge of the day: the mighty Zuurberg Pass. If you’re not gunning for that glorious KOM/QOM crown, take a breather and soak in those jaw-dropping views of the Sundays River Valley while you climb. The ascent is unique, with a total gain of 376 m over 9 km. Hit the top of the climb—33 km into the race—near the Zuurberg Mountain Inn, where the third water point awaits!
The silver lining? You’ve reached the high point of the course, which means it’s time to relish a long, exhilarating descent on some freshly minted single track!
At the 48 km mark, you’ll find the fourth water point, crossing Zuurberg road for one last time before diving into the wilds of Intsomi Game Reserve. If you’re in a pinch, there’s an unmanned, self-service water station at the 55 km mark to keep you fuelled.
Finally, at 65 km, you’ll reunite with the other race routes, leading you on a flat, easy stretch of gravel road toward the finish line, with one last water stop at 72 km to keep you cruising!
Riders start their race on the bustling streets of Walmer, embarking on a 55 km quest that cranks the difficulty dial to eleven with the notorious Longbarn Climb, followed by the leg-burning ascent of Lake Farm.
Then, they zoom east on Kragga Kamma Road, where the road lays down a flat welcome mat for a bit before they hit the hilly challenge of Butterfield Road. A quick jaunt on Old Cape Road leads them to Draaifontein Road, where they unleash their inner speed demons, barrelling down “The Wall” towards the steep thrill of the Maitlands Climb. Fingers crossed for a tailwind to give them a boost up that beast!
As they glide along Seaview Road, the grand finale awaits, with a picturesque pass through the lovely Schoenmakerskop coastal village before they zoom back to the Start/Finish line via the breezy Marine Drive. What a ride!
The 2025 route is a wild ride, packed with tough climbs that'll make your legs scream while treating your eyes to jaw-dropping views of the Gqeberha coastline!
Starting at Pollok Beach, cyclists will zoom down Marine Drive, cruise along Beach Road, and then take a left onto Walmer Boulevard. Next up, it’s time to conquer Walmer’s streets and tackle the summit of Mount Pleasant!
Once you reach that high point, it's time to veer off onto Seaview Road and take on the infamous Longbarn Climb, followed by the bumpy joyride of Old Seaview Road. Then, it’s back to Seaview Road, heading east through the scenic Schoemakerskop, before making a grand return to the Start/Finish via Marine Drive.
Adventure awaits!
Kick off your training extravaganza well before the big day! Craft a training plan that blends endurance rides, turbo-charged interval sprints, and those oh-so-important rest days. Slowly ramp up your mileage like a pro to level up your stamina, and don’t skimp on hill training—because those hills won’t climb themselves!
Give your bike a treat before the big event! Book a pro tune-up and give those brakes, gears, and tyres some serious TLC. Channel your inner bike mechanic! Get comfortable with some basic repairs, so if things go sideways during your ride, you’ll be ready to save the day!
Fueling up right is the secret to crushing those endurance events! Whip up a nutrition plan packed with carbs to power your pedal push, protein to help your muscles bounce back, and hydration to keep you feeling fabulous on the ride. Don't forget to test your race-day munchies during practice rides—it's like a dress rehearsal for your tummy, so you can discover what fuels your best performance!
Gear up like a pro cyclist! Snag a comfy helmet, some cushy padded shorts, and clothing that wicks sweat faster than you can say "Tour de France!" Don’t skimp on footwear—those tootsies need love too! And hey, clipless pedals are your friend for that extra zing in your ride. Oh, and keep an eye on the weather—pack smart so you’re ready for anything Mother Nature throws your way!
Cycling isn’t just a workout for your legs; it’s a mental marathon too! Picture yourself cruising across the finish line while giving yourself a pep talk. Get ready for those wild hills and valleys during your ride, and whip up some fun tactics to keep your spirits high when the going gets tough!
If you can, take a spin on parts of the tour route before the big day! It’s like a sneak peek into the wild ride ahead, letting you scope out tricky spots and pump up your confidence like a pro!
Get ready to pedal your heart out at the Eastern Cape Herald Cycle Tour 2025—it's going to be a legendary ride for cyclists of every stripe! With a little prep and the right mindset, you’ll be primed to soak up every moment of this epic event. Whether you're chasing that personal record or just wanna cruise and soak in the scenery, this tour is the perfect way to shout your love for cycling from the rooftops of South Africa's stunning landscapes. So, lace up those cycling shoes and start training—an adventure of a lifetime awaits!