The rider experience
- Social ride 55 to 65km per day - water-stop halfway.
- No pressure to ride full distance, support vehicles assist you along the way.
- "Xtra Large" option is available for 100km+ per day.
- Sweep Rider and bus always in attendance.
- Medic and Ambulance service available throughout the tour.
- Well stocked water-points
- 3 nights in a luxury B&B
- Dinner at a different restaurant each night
- Afternoons are free for activities of choice in the town.
- Arrive the evening of the first night, briefing before dinner
For the duration of the tour you are based in Prince Albert at a luxury bed and breakfast. The picturesque town of Prince Albert is known as the "Jewel of the Great Karoo" and lies at the foot of the iconic Swartberg Pass. There's lots to do and see in the town after you've stretched your legs on the bike in the morning. You can either drive to Prince Albert or fly in to George Airport and transport will be arranged. The daily routine is typically as follows:
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Mornings start with a good coffee and rusks, and then depending on the route for the day we either load you and your bike on the bus and give you breakfast along the route, or you ride to a breakfast spot.
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We then whisk out to the middle of nowhere, give you a quick lecture on how to use a GPS navigation device, (if the route requires it) strap it to your bike and bid you farewell on your ride for the day. You can just relax and enjoy the adventure and the camaraderie.
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The routes vary from day to day with differing terrain. You will traverse the iconic Swartberg Pass, ride across the plains of the Great Karoo and experience the farmlands on the southern and northern foothills of the Swartberg Range. It's a real Karoo experience incorporating both the Klein and Groot Karoo.
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Water stops are always fully stocked and provided at the halfway mark
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The scenery is always spectacular whether you are climbing 12% inclines in the mountains or hammering the flats out in the desert.
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The days ride ends again at the MTBAfrica Event field or a restaurant in Prince Albert where a choice of craft beers and lunch awaits you.
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Afternoons can be spent exploring the town and its attractions like Gay's working dairy or the Art collection at the Seven Arches Gallery, Wine Farms, Olive farms and virgin oil presses or just relax at the numerous antique and coffee shops. A nice afternoon nap is another option.
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Evenings are spent socialising and enjoying local cuisine at African Relish, Simply Saffron and other restaurants in the town.
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Late night entertainment isn't a big thing in a Karoo town, but there is the wonderfully renovated "Showroom" an art deco theatre which hosts musicians and shows, with the occasional movie as well. You can also venture out of town on a moonless night and do a bit of stargazing. Watching the sunset over the town before dinner from the nearest koppie is always a pleasant outing.
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