The Cape Rouleur
03/03/2013 - Cape Town - Multi-Day
Rating: 
The Cape Rouleur covers 525km and 6,475m of climbing. It takes riders through the stunning South African scenery in the Western Cape passing sites such as Paarl Mountain, the Perdeberg National Reserve and Betty's Bay. Riders are based out of one of the oldest towns in South Africa and the heart of gastronomy and wine in the country, Franschhoek. As with all HotChillee events, it is organised to bring enthusiasts as close to The Tour de France experience as possible, with motorbike outriders, lead and support vehicles from Vehicle Partner Hertz and constant access to masseurs and mechanics provided by Local Retail Partner, Cyclelab. The seeded groups will be led by experienced HotChillee Ride Captains.
As part of the entry to The Cape Rouleur, rider's get an entry to The Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, the world's largest individually timed cycle race. This gives participants a full week of cycling, comprising the three stages of The Cape Rouleur, a relaxed, social 96km escorted ride into Cape Town through Durbanville and then The Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour the following weekend, ending with finish line hospitality.
Itinerary
Sunday 3th March:
Sign On & Rider Briefing for the Cape Rouleur, Franschhoek
Monday 4 March:
Stage 1 of the Cape Rouleur (176 km, 1448m ascent, max gradient 7.9%): Stay in Franschhoek. This stage sees riders pass through the winelands, underneath the Taal Monument in Paarl, past the Fairview and many other wineries. It then passes Paarl Mountain to the west, heading North and over Botma's Kloof, returning via the Perdeberg National Reserve.
Tuesday 5 March:
Stage 2 (144 km, 2513m ascent, max gradient 10.4%): Stay in Franschhoek. This is the biggest day of climbing, heading east over Franschhoek pass, then South to Theewaterskloof dam. The route then heads south over Vilijoen's pass to Elgin and over the Houhoek pass returning to Villersdrop, the Theewaterskloof dam and back over the Franschhoek pass to the home straight.
Wednesday 6 March:
Stage 3 (205 km, 2504m ascent, max gradient 8.8%): Stay in Franschhoek. This is the longest day, from Franschhoek over Helshoogte ("Hellish Hill") descending into the university town of Stellenbosch and heading south towards Gordon's Bay. From here, the riders take one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world, passing Betty's Bay and the penguins. It's almost certain riders will see a troop of baboons somewhere en-route. The ride then turns inland at Kleinmond, over the Houhoek pass from the other direction returning again via Theewaterskloof dam and back over the Franschhoek pass home.
The day is followed by prizes and a VIP dinner with dignitaries and press people at the Grand Finale Dinner & Presentation in Franschhoek.
Thursday 7 March:
Escorted Festival Ride into Cape Town City, followed by celebratory drinks reception on the waterfront.
Sunday 10 March:
The Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour
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