ROUTE

WHERE THE SHEEP TRAIL TAKES YOU...

DAY 1

DISTANCE: 17KM

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

WATER POINTS: WP 1 – Tot-Hier-Toe Padstall| WP 2 – Aunt Evelyn | WP 3 & 4 – Boetie’s Pub and The Village Inn.

ROAD SURFACE: A mix between Jeep tracks, Single tracks, Gravel and District road.

RECOMMENDED BIKE: We recommend using a Mountain Bike or E-Bike.

ROUTE: Day 1 is all about exploring the town of Nieu-Bethesda and to see what the enchanting town has on display along a 17km route through town with pit stops at interesting places. The Suspension Bridge crossing will be the first focal point which ascends to the Nieu-Bethesda viewpoint. Here you can enjoy a birds-eye view of the town and some small local farms. You will then head down to the Tot Hier Toe Padstal for a revitalising snack before going up towards Aunt Evelyn’s place for an ice-cold homemade ginger beer. The route descends onto a section alongside fully functioning historic water furrows, which serve as the watery veins of Nieu-Bethesda. The pitstops keep rolling in with a duel check-in pitstop at Boeties Pub for a refreshing beer and a delicious cinnamon-sugar-filled pancake nibble right next door at The Village Inn Restaurant before heading back to the race village.

DAY 2

CONQUER THE CLIMB

DISTANCE: 69KM | CLIMBING 800M

WATER POINTS: WP 1 – 30km | WP 2 – 50km

ROAD SURFACE: Mainly gravel roads.

RECOMMENDED BIKE: We recommend using a Mountain Bike or E-Bike.

ROUTE: On day two you will start your ride with a gradual climb towards the Sneeuberg nature reserve. Be sure to look out for wildlife like zebra, kudu, wildebeest and more along the way. Your first waterpoint will be at 30km, Blaauwater farm’s old train station siding. Thereafter it’s smooth sailing for a while before you hit a steep climb at 50km just before your second waterpoint just at the right time! With new energy, the last stretch to Nieu-Bethesda will go by swiftly. Heading into town, you will head straight to Brunos for lunch.

DAY 3

THE HOME STRETCH

DISTANCE: 53KM | CLIMBING 660M

WATER POINTS: WP 1 – 23km | WP 2 – 36km

ROAD SURFACE: A mix between Jeep tracks, Single tracks, Gravel and District road.

RECOMMENDED BIKE: We recommend using a Mountain Bike or E-Bike.

ROUTE: The final day heads out on a circular loop on the district gravel road leading to Graaff-Reinet, boasting beautiful views of kloofs and plateaus and bends back to Nieu-Bethesda. You can expect some steep uphills, fast downhills and mild oncoming wind in the true nature of the sweeping vistas of the Sneeuberg mountain range. You will be welcomed back in Nieu-Bethesda at the event finish line with a glass of Champagne and a handmade Souvenir to salute a great weekend!