RIDER's Guide 100-Miler
31 August 2024
Let the Journey begin…
Tackling a 100-mile gravel race is not just a challenge; it’s an exhilarating adventure that promises both a physical and mental thrill ride! Be sure to take in every beautiful vista from the Franschhoek Mountains, to the bright yellow canola fields of the Overberg region, to the stunning views of the Palmiet Mountains across the broad waters of the Botrivier lagoon at Benguela Cove.
In this guide, you will find all the important information for race day.
Registration
06H00
The Huguenot Memorial Monument
13 Lambrechts Road, Franschhoek
- Please have your Pursuit (previously SASeeding) race board handy when registering.
- If you don’t have one, you can buy a race board online or at registration for R60.
- Move my Bicycle Transport will be located in the main parking area inside the Huguenot Memorial.
Please take note of our emergency number. Save it to your phone: Faces Emergency Assist 066 247 2123
COMPULSORY GEAR
- Basic Bike Repair Tools:
- Multi-tool
- Tire levers
- CO2 cartridge/ pump
- Helmet: Wearing a helmet is mandatory for all participants.
- Cellphone: In case of an emergency, please contact us on the emergency number.
- GPS Device: A GPS device with the route file loaded and actively running is strongly advised as the route is marked with only basic markers
Start Time:
Please arrive 30 minutes before your start time.
| CATEGORY | START |
| Elite Men | 07:00 |
| Sub Vets Men (30 – 39) | 07:03 |
| Vet Men (40 – 49) | 07:06 |
| Master Men (50 – 59) | 07:09 |
| Elite Ladies | 07:15 |
| Sub Vet Ladies (30-39) | 07:18 |
| Vet Ladies (40-49) | 07:18 |
| Master (50-59) | 07:18 |
| Grand Master (60-69) | 07:18 |
| Grand Master Men (60-69) | 07:21 |
| A Batch | 07:24 |
| B Batch | 07:27 |
| C Batch | 07:30 |
| D Batch | 07:33 |
| E-bikes | 07:36 |
Start Venue
RIDER DROP OFF ZONE
- Parking at the Huguenot Memorial Monument is limited and is reserved for those riders who need to leave their vehicles at the start and who will return to Franschhoek after the race by shuttle.
- We encourage riders to make use of the Rider Drop-Off Zone where possible.
- Drivers and other supporters can collect their riders again from the Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate after the race.
VEHICLE TRANSFER DROP-OFF ZONE
- Riders who have booked the vehicle transfer service may drop their vehicles off at the Vehicle Transfer Drop-off Zone.
- Please remember to hand in your keys at the vehicle transfer gazebo next to registration
- Your vehicle will be transferred to the Finish where you can collect the keys again.
bag drop
- Drop your bag at the Bag Drop Area after registration.
- Bags will be taken directly to the finish for collection and can be picked up at the Faces Gazebo.
- You can pack a bag with a change of clothes, a towel and toiletries if you wish to take a quick shower after the race.
route information
We’re excited about the updated route for this year’s race, featuring some key changes due to recent flooding. The new route is 10 km shorter and has 190 m less elevation, with an insanely scenic finish. Despite these changes, it remains a rigorous test of strength and endurance!
Start your ride with the stunning 7 km climb up the Franschhoek Pass. The route then winds past Theewaterskloof Dam, through Caledon and the Hemel en Aarde Valley, and finishes at the beautiful Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate in Hermanus.
Please note: There will be no complete road closures and riders are urged to obey all traffic rules at all times. There will be bike marshalls at all main intersections who will assist riders to cross the roads safely. However, it remains every rider’s responsibility to remain vigilant for road traffic and vehicles.
A GPS device is not compulsory, but is advised, as the route is marked only at key turns or intersections.
CUT-OFF TIMES AND LOCATIONS
There will be three locations where cut-offs will be enforced.
- The cut-off at WP3 is @ 12h30
- The cut-off at WP 4 is @ 14:00
- The cut-off at WP 6 is @ 17:00
Water Points
Every water point will serve water, Coke, bananas, PVM Octane and PVM gels & bars. There will be tech zones at each water point operated by Specialized or Liqui Moly.
WP 1 | 30 km | Idea Fruit
- Waterpoint 1 will be at Idea Fruit Warehouse
- There will be toilet facilities.
WP 2 | 53 km | Hawston View
- WP2 will be at Hawston View farm, just before Botriver.
- There will be toilet facilities.
- Halfway mark & official spectator point, with a huge buffet of food on offer.
- There will be toilet facilities.
- The cut-off at WP3 is @ 12h30
WP 4 | 97 km | Caledon
- There will be toilet facilities.
- Official cut-off time @ 14:00
WP 5 | 117 km | De Hoek Farm
- There will be toilet facilities.
WP 6 | 137 km | Hasher Family Farm
- The cut-off at WP 6 is @ 17:00
WP 7 | 152 km | Escape Wines
- A pop-up water point with a few yummy surprises will be at Escape Wines, 5km before the finish.
- Be sure to stop and enjoy bubbles and boeries while admiring the stunning view.
- There will be toilet facilities.
Spectator supporting at Halfway (WP3)
- WP3 is the official spectator point where supporters can cheer on their riders.
- NB! Please access the venue from the R406 turnoff on the N2, and NOT from the Boontjieskraal Rd. From the R406 direction Greyton, you will turn left onto the Middelplaas Rd, then immediately left onto the Donkerhoek road that leads to WP3.
- Please park your vehicle in the designated parking area. Please note that the parking area may be wet and muddy due to rain. If you feel your vehicle won’t be able to manage, rather park on the side of the district road leading to the venue, making sure not to obstruct any potential farm traffic.
- Follow these directions to WP3 at Wolwekraal Farm.
Technical and medical assistance
- A sweep vehicle will follow the last rider to the finish.
- Various bike marshalls and medical services will be patrolling the route assisting riders to reach the finish safely.
Emergency Number Contacts:
- Faces Emergency Assist: 066 247 2123
- Iain (Safety Officer): 082 742 7969
- Graydon (Head of Medics): 060 8585 222
TECH ZONE
There will be tech zones at each water point operated by Specialized or Liqui Moly.
Race Rules
- King Price Race to the Sea is a CSA sanctioned event; CSA race rules will apply. The race will be on gravel and public tar roads, so obey all traffic rules on public roads at all times.
- For a detailed overview of our rules and regulations, please read through them here: https://racetothesea.co.za/rules-regulations/
Finish
You’ll receive an SMS with your race result after the event. Collect your medal and finisher t-shirt at the gazebo based on your time. Enjoy a meal and drink at Benguela Cove, and retrieve dropped bags at the King Price Gazebo. Relax with a beer at the Devil’s Peak beer garden. Children can play at the Adventure park for a fee.
Results
Collect your medal & T-Shirt at the gazebo based on your time.
- You’ll receive an SMS with your race result after the event.
- Collect your medal at the gazebo based on your time.
- For result queries, use the link in the SMS.
- All results are available here: https://racetothesea.co.za/results/.
Prize-giving
- Prize-giving will be held at 13h00
- Your category will be called to the podium if the first three riders in that category have crossed the finish line by the set times.
Medals
WILL YOU BE RACING AGAINST THE CLOCK?
GOLD | SUB 6:00hrs
SILVER | SUB 7:00hrs
BRONZE | SUB 8:00hrs
FINISHER MEDALS | 8:00hrs +
Expected Riding Times:
| Medal | AVG Speed km/h | WP 1 @30km | WP 2 @50km | WP 3 @77km | WP 4 @97km | WP 5 @117km | WP6 @136km | Finish @162km |
| Finishers | 15.5 | 01:56 | 02:13 | 04:58 | 06:15 | 07:32 | 08:46 | 10:27 |
| Bronze | 20.5 | 01:27 | 02:26 | 03:45 | 04:43 | 05:42 | 06:38 | 07:54 |
| Silver | 23.5 | 01:16 | 02:07 | 03:15 | 03:07 | 04:58 | 05:47 | 06:53 |
| Gold | 27.5 | 01:05 | 01:49 | 02:48 | 03:30 | 04:15 | 04:56 | 05:53 |
| Medal | AVG Speed km/h | WP 1 @30km |
| Finishers | 15.5 | 01:56 |
| Bronze | 20.5 | 01:27 |
| Silver | 23.5 | 01:16 |
| Gold | 27.5 | 01:05 |
| WP 2 @50km | WP 3 @77km | WP 4 @97km |
| 02:13 | 04:58 | 06:15 |
| 02:26 | 03:45 | 04:43 |
| 02:07 | 03:15 | 03:07 |
| 01:49 | 02:48 | 03:30 |
| WP 5 @117km | WP6 @136km | Finish @162km |
| 07:32 | 08:46 | 10:27 |
| 05:42 | 06:38 | 07:54 |
| 04:58 | 05:47 | 06:53 |
| 04:15 | 04:56 | 05:53 |
Shuttle Service and Bike Transfers:
A morning and afternoon shuttle will be available through Fabian’s Bicycle Transfer. Please follow the link below for info and to book your shuttle.
Please note that booking in advance is essential.
Good luck and enjoy your journey to the Sea!
Remember, this isn’t just about completing a race; it’s about embarking on a memorable and joyful gravel escapade. So gear up, grin big, and let the fun unfold as you conquer these 100 miles with style!
