Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/2740654565274235004

Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1s-0MHKG8ZPv5HObOPesPY8Nwyzw6WF8Q&usp=sharing

Detail: Spice Route parking - use the top parking area please

Location: 33°45'49.3"S 18°55'04.6"E

Notes: From the entrance to Spice Route, drive all the way to the top and turn left. Follow the signs to the parking area. Please use the furthest parking bays - you will be away most of the day and they will use the parking for regular guests as well. Follow the "Exit" route to the Suid-Agter Paarl Road with your team to start the ride!

Detail: Neutral start segment - get the legs working

Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/26337445

Distance: 4.16km

Notes: Easy roll from Spice Route exit along Suid-Agter Paarl road, left on Old Paarl Road and right on the R45 to Franschoek. Get your team organized for the start.

Detail: Race start to Franschoek

Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/26337530

Distance: 21.51km

Notes: After turning off Old Paarl road onto the R45, the official timing of the ride starts as you pass under the train bridge. Be careful for the first 10km until the Pniel / Stellenbosch turnoff - there is a lot of potholes and uneven road surface, and not any shoulder or yellow line. We are passing through here quite early, so the road should be quiet. After the turnoff the surface is better and there is a nice shoulder for safer riding.

Detail: Neural Zone through Franschoek

Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/25952158

Distance: 3.54km

Notes: Starting at Dennegeur road, you have 15 minutes to pass through Franschoek, so you don't have to take any chances in traffic. Look out for the Dennegeur sign to the left and Basso Provance to the right. The neutral zone ends at the T-junction at the Huguenot Momument.

Detail: Franschoek to Villiersdorp

Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/25963707

Distance: 32.47km

Notes: As soon as you turn left, the race is on again as you immediately hit the first of the two passes en-route. We will also publish a KOM leaderboard for the (FCC - FHK pass (properly defined) / https://www.strava.com/segments/19484195) Strava segment, but bear in mind, this is a team event, so don't cause bad vibes this early in the race!

Detail: Top of the Pass / end of the KOM

Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/19484195

Distance: 7.03km

Notes: The first big climb of the day is behind you! Time to enjoy the descent.

Support: On the left is a nice big area where your team support vehicle can meet you. There is a paved parking area on the right just before the summit - no problem to pull off there, but note you'll miss the KOM end (if that is important to you).

Detail: Neural Zone through Villiersdorp and pitstop

Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/25963615

Distance: 1.81km

Notes: The second town/neutral zone through Villiersdorp starts at the R43 turnoff at Betko Fruit and ends just after town. You have a bit more time to move through town (25 minutes) to allow you time to grab some refreshments from your support vehicle or answer nature's call. The Caltex station at the far end of town (left side) has ample parking and a convenience shop for....well...your convenience.

Detail: Villiersdorp to Rawsonville

Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/25968070

Distance: 60.48km

Notes: The dirt road just after town marks the start of the next timed segment to Rawsonville. The Rooihoogte Pass lies at around 70km into the ride. It's not a big pass, but the descent on the other side has some uneven surface and no shoulder, so please take care on this section. This is the longest section, so teams will want to arrange with their support vehicle for a stop. We suggest the turnoff to Cilmor Cellars @99km. They are closed on Saturdays, so there should not be too much traffic. Support drivers can leap-frog the teams and wait at any safe spot - just make sure you leave enough space for the team car + bikes + riders to stop safely out of the traffic!

Detail: Neural Zone through Rawsonville and lunch stop

Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/25963659

Distance: 2.68km

Notes: The town/neutral zone through Rawsonville starts at Goudyn street between the Holsloot and Smalblaar rivers. Take extra care through town, since you'll arrive there during late morning/early afternoon and can expect a lot of traffic. You have 45 minutes to move through town and take a break at UniWines/Nuwehoop cellars at the far end of town. There is a Total / Expressmark just before the stop if you need to stock up on emergency supplies. Make sure you refuel and refill your water bottles - the next big pass to climb is just around the corner.

Detail: Rawsonville to Wellington via Bainskloof

Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/25968096

Distance: 55.23km

Notes: At 55km, including the second major climb of the day (on tired legs), this will undoubtedly be the toughest part of the day. Knuckle down and pull through this together as a team! The race starts at the 4-way stop just after Rawsonville. Take care through Slanghoek Valley, there are sections without a yellow line. At the Breederiver crossing, the road is a bit washed out with potholes - take care. We suggest you arrange for a quick refill at the Bergsig Cellar turnoff - just be sure to park well out of the road and not impact traffic.

Detail: Neural Zone through Wellington and pitstop

Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/25952762

Distance: 4.42km

Notes: The town/neutral zone through Wellington starts at Barlinka Street and ends at the robot after the train-bridge on the R44. You have 25 minutes to move safely through town. We suggest a quick stop at the BP garage at Wellington Mall.

Detail: Wellington to Suid-Agter Paarl turnoff

Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/25968110

Distance: 16.50km

Notes: Knuckle down for the last timed segment of the day. A few rollers still lies ahead to test the legs, but a well deserved rest is almost around the corner.

Detail: Neutral segment at the end - take it easy home

Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/26337608

Distance: 3.57km

Notes: The race is done! Congratulations on completing an Epic day out. Take it easy back to the car and relax with a beer and snack at Spice Route!