MTN GRAVELTRAVEL - XCM #6 driven by NISSAN

Saturday

Sunday

This event takes place on farm roads and jeep tracks heading away from Diemersfontein, through the vineyards and farms of Wellington, crossing the Bainskloof Pass road and heading towards Groenberg Mountain. The well-balanced, fast route is jam-packed with beautiful views, fynbos, historic farmsteads, stream crossings and vineyard settings, passing many of the local award-winning cellars. Expect fast flowing single track, technically within reach of everyone (check the website for video clips of single track as they are built!).

The Wellington Tourism & Wine Route of the Western Cape in South Africa is today a major tourist attraction. Nestling at the foot of the Groenberg, the historic town of Wellington lies in a picturesque valley on the banks of the Kromme River with the majestic Hawequa Mountains standing guard on its eastern border. Wellington, in the heart of the Boland and rich in cultural, religious and educational history, is an unsurpassed area to enjoy the winelands and scenery of the Western Cape in South Africa

The beauty of the area is best viewed either by foot, horse, bicycle or by car to take in the scenery of nature, fynbos, wine, olives and the historical buildings to name but a few. The pass up to Bain's Kloof winds through pine tree plantations, to the summit where on a clear day you can see a vast area, consisting of the Swartland to the left, home of the extensive wheat fields, the Cape Flats and Cape Town to the right, and the sun glimmering on the sea.

Diemersfontein is known for its beauty, informal elegance, and grace - an idyllic country destination only 45 minutes' drive from Cape Town and is situated near the Cape's famous Wine Routes. We warmly invite you to share with us the tranquil spirit of Diemersfontein - whether you are conferencing here, marrying here, staying for a few days of leisure (or even permanently) - or taking some of it home in a bottle! 

We will also have a 5km kiddies ride in the venue so bring along your kids to the event, they will have a ball!

Entries:

• Early Bird Fees TBA

• Normal Entry Fees

• Closing date for online entries is 21/08/2011 Midnight

Registration & Late Entries:

Thursday 23th Aug: Sportsmans Warehouse Rondebosch 12h00 - 14h00
Friday 24th Aug:       Sportmans Warehouse Tygervalley 12h00 - 14h00
Friday 24th Aug:       Diemersfontein 16h00 - 20h00
Saturday 25th Aug:  Diemersfontein 06h30 - 16h00
Sunday 26th Aug:    Diemersfontein 06h30 - 08h30

Registration will take place at the Diemersfontein Wine Estate, Wellington.

Route Descriptions:

People have described this route as being one of the most picturesque and gratifying trails you will ever do. Whilst the route is challenging, it is well worth the effort. The route will take approximately two hours and will take you through vineyards, orchards, forests, olive groves and alongside bubbling brooks.

The Route is not suitable for beginners as there are parts that are fairly steep and technical. The 105km will finish with some tough riding in the Hawekwa Plantation on the slopes of Du Toitskloof.

Route Maps:

Ultra Marathon

Marathon:

Half-Marathon:

20km Fun Race:

Video clips:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h8Bpc4jDlY&NR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u84S04z7LcE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGSHevH7AbY

 Specifics:

• Total Distance: 105 km (GPS)
• Total Ascent: 2900m (GPS)

All marshals will be cleared from the course after 16h00 and all direction markers removed. The cut off at the finish line for the 105km route is 15h45 we will also have a cutoff at approximately 75km, time to be confirmed soon...

Prize Money*:

• Prize money & Points will be calculated for the UCI PRO/Elite Men in this distance only.
• PRO/Elite ladies will earn points & prize money in the usual 75km marathon distance only.
• All other categories will only be eligible for points and prize money in the usual distance.

Approximate riding times:

• 105km:  5h00min – 8 hours
• 75km:   3 – 6 hours
• 40km:  2 – 4 hours
• Cut-off Waterpoint (TBA)
• 105km has a cut-off at the finish of 9hours.

Directions from Cape Town

• Approached from Cape Town, the most pleasing route is as follows:
• Take the N1 north until you reach exit 47. 
• Take this exit and turn left onto the R44 which you follow in the direction of Wellington (left) for 28km. 
• Do not turn off this road. You will pass various turnoffs and crossroads, which you should bypass, until you reach a long uphill stretch, with the town of Wellington on your left. 
• At the third robot, with the cemetery on your right, turn right and drive downhill for approximately 1km. 
• You will see the signs to Diemersfontein on your left.

Shuttle / Transport:

There are no official shuttle services on offer, public transport is available from CPT International airport, and this is the quickest way of getting to the venue. Diemersfontein wine estate is situated about 35min drive from CPT International.

Accommodation:

Accommodation information on all available accommodation can be obtained from Tourist Information Web Site or from Tourist Reservations.

• Diemersfontein website: http://www.diemersfontein.co.za
• Wellington Website: http://www.wellington.co.za/wellington_staying.php
• Rooms for Africa website: http://www.roomsforafrica.com/dest/south-africa/western-cape/wellington.jsp
• Cape Stay website: http://www.capestay.co.za/accommodation.asp?SuburbID=88&CatID=2
• SA Venues website: http://www.sa-venues.com/hotels/wellington.php

Important Pointers

• As this event is held in the summer, the cyclist may experience hot or rainy to cool weather and should be prepared to cope with these conditions.
• First Aid Services will be provided to the cyclists on the routes and at the finish.
• The organisers may, at their discretion, shorten, lengthen or change the course if the weather, or safety of the cyclist, deem this necessary.
• Bike wash facilities will be available at the finish area

• Wash only                                     R20
• Wash, Polish and Lube             R40  

Location of Amenities

Teams / Riders / Public Parking Location

Teams have access to the Event Venue, and setup in the teams designated area next to the finish area. Riders will park just adjacent to the race venue next to the venue, and the public at the designated public parking zones, outside the riders parking zone, just off the start finish venue.

Nearest Hospital and Medical Information

A wide range of professional medical services are available, including:

• Medi-Cross                                                           +27 (0) 21 873 1057
• Ambulance                                                            +27 10177
• Medi-Clinic Paarl                                                 +27 (0) 23 348 1110
• Police                                                                     +27 (0)21 864 8440