RIDER's Guide 50-Miler

31 August 2024

Let the Journey begin…

Tackling a 50-mile is not just a challenge; it’s an exhilarating adventure that promises both a physical and mental thrill ride! Be sure to take in the beautiful views from 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.

For race updates, follow Race to the Sea on Instagram and Facebook 

Registration

09H00 | 31 Augustus 2024

  • Remember your race board. If you don’t have one, you can buy a race board online or at registration for R60 cash.

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 take note of our emergency number. Save it to your phone: Faces Emergency Assist 066 247 2123

START TIME

  • 10:20 am.
  • There will be only one start batch.
  • Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of your race.
  • Please note: The Franschhoek Pass will be closed from 6:30 am. If you’re staying in Franschhoek, please use an alternative route to get to the start venue.
CATEGORYSTART
A Batch 10:20

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

RIDER DROP OFF ZONE

  • Drivers will drop off 50-Miler riders and their bikes at WP3 and collect them again from Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate after the race.
  • 50 Miler Shuttle service are available, bookings can be made with Echelon Bike Transport 

Start Venue

Please park your vehicles in the designated parking area.

  • The parking area may be wet and muddy if it rains. 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.

route information

  • The 50-Miler distance jumps in and joins the 100-Miler riders at WP3 at Wolwekraal Farm, halfway into their race.
  • This route has 4 well-stocked water points before reaching the Finish at Benguela Cove.

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

  • The cut-off at WP 1 is @ 14:30
  • The cut-off at WP 3 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 | 19 km | Caledon

  • There will be toilet facilities.
  • Cut-off time @ 14:30.

WP 2 | 29 km | Bovenplaats Village

  • Just past Bovenplaats Village
  • There will be toilet facilities.

WP 3 | 68 km | Hasher Family Farm

  • There will be toilet facilities.
  • Cut-off time @ 17:00

WP 4 | 80 km | Escape Wines

  • There will be toilet facilities.
  • From here it is 4.5km to the finish!

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. Stay and enjoy a meal and drink at Benguela Cove. 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 14h00  provided all 3 riders in a category have crossed the finish line. 

Medals + T-Shirt

The 50-Mile riders receive a medal, and a pair of stunning 50-Miler SOX at the Finish. Special achievement medals are also only applicable to the 100-Miler riders.

As you cross the finish line you will receive an sms with your result. 

Please show the sms you received to the crew member at the Medal Gazebo who will hand over your medal in accordance with the time you have ridden.

MedalAVG Speed km/hWP 1 @30km
Finishers15.501:56
Bronze20.501:27
Silver23.501:16
Gold27.501:05
WP 2 @50kmWP 3 @77kmWP 4 @97km
02:1304:5806:15
02:2603:4504:43
02:0703:1503:07
01:4902:4803:30
WP 5 @117kmWP6 @136kmFinish @162km
07:3208:4610:27
05:4206:3807:54
04:5805:4706:53
04:1504:5605:53

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, we’ll sea you at the finish line!

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 these100 miles with style!