SABIE CYCLE TOUR
SA's TOUGHEST TOUR ON TAR
4-5-6 October 2024
Covering a total of 364km with an elevation gain of over 7,000m, the Sabie Cycle is a bucket-list tour for all cyclists. This 3-day tour will push cyclists’ fitness levels to their max as you crest some of South Africa's spectacular mountain passes in Mpumalanga, cycle through old scenic towns and marvel at majestic views along the entire route.
The tour begins and finishes at Merry Pebbles in Sabie where 3 crew vehicles and a medical vehicle will accompany cyclists on their journey. Each vehicle is fully stocked with all your nutritional needs and with roaming water points, cyclists can grab any drinks or food they need to get them to the end of the day.
The Sabie Cycle tour is a very personal and unique cycling experience with an incredible sense of achievement after each day of cycling. Cyclists can either push themselves and go for their personal bests or take it easy and enjoy the scenery, either way, the crew will be there for you along the way.
THE BASICS
4 Oct – 6 Oct, 2024
3 Days | 2 Nights
3 Stages | 364km | 7,000+m ascent
REGISTRATION AND RACE BRIEFING AND START TIME
Registration will take place at Merry Pebbles between 17h00 – 18h00 on Thursday the 3rd Oct.
Race briefing will take place directly after registration at 18H00.
The Sabie Cycle Tour will start on Friday 4th at 06H00.
THE VENUE
Merry Pebbles, Sabie
Address: Ou Lydenburg Rd, Mpumalanga, Sabie, 1260
Phone: 013 764 2266
PRICING
There are 3 Sabie Cycle Tour packages to choose from.
Each package includes:
Rider goodie bag | Sabie Cycle Tour top | 3 x fully stocked support vehicles
Daily finish line beer | Well-deserved finisher medal | Random give-aways | Time trial competition
Nightly dinner wine | Incredible cycling experience | Dedicated medical vehicle
PACKAGE 1
Tour Only
Solo Rider (R3,250)
Team of 2 riders (R5,950 per team)
PACKAGE 2
Tour + Accommodation
Solo Rider 'non sharing' (R5,600)
Team of 2 riders (R9,800 per team)
PACKAGE 3
Tour + Accommodation + Food
Solo Rider 'non sharing' (R6,650)
Team of 2 riders (R12,200 per team)
Team of 5 riders (R29,000 per team)
ENTRIES CLOSE ON WEDNESDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER AT NOON
THE ROUTE
Day 1 - Friday 4th Oct
104km | 2,011m ascent
Sabie - Nelspruit - White River - Sabie
Day 1 is the easiest day of the tour where cyclist’s will ease into their journey taking them over two passes - Hendriksdal Pass (1,499m) and Skitzkop Pass (1,484m). Hendriks Pass is a gradual 9.5km ascent out of Sabie and named after the original farm in the area. This is followed by a 34km a fast undulated decent in Brondal and then a gradual climb towards White River 16km away. The final climb is to the top of Spitzkop is relatively steep with an average gradient of 6.5% but riders will be rewarded with spectacular views along the entire route to the top. Once you are over the top of the pass, its a fast 15km downhill return to Sabie and to the finish to unwind and talk about your first day in the saddle.
Day 2 - Saturday 5th Oct
148km | 3,068 ascent
Sabie - Graskop - Pilgrims Rest - Lydenberg - Sabie
Day 2 is the toughest day of the tour where riders will start off early and cross over some of Mpumalanga’s top mountain passes. The initial climb it up Mac Mas Pass (1,348m) with its sweeping curves and grand views with magnificent scenery in a picture-perfect Lowveld setting and continuing to the top of Bonnet Pass (1,620m). Riders enjoy a respite with a windy 9km downhill into Pilgrims Rest but followed by the steep climb up Robers Pass (1,789m). This pass offers diverse scenery through an area steeped in history and is a long pass of 20,6 km which includes 68 bends. After making your way their way through Lydenberg, riders will conquer Long Tom Pass (2,114m). This is undoubtedly the most famous pass in Mpumalanga. It is 26,2 km long and has an altitude variance of 671 vertical meters through a complex network of curves as it ascends up the Drakensberg escarpment between Ludenburg and Sabie. The last 13km is another fast decent back to Sabie and the end of day 2.
Day 3 - Sunday 5th Oct
112km | 2,353 ascent
Sabie - Graskop - Hazyview - Sabie
Day 3 takes riders back up Mac Mac Pass (1,348m), through the small town of Graskop and to the top of Kowyns Pass (1,448m). Another famous Mpumalanga pass with stunning views and an altitude drop of 512m through the Drakensberg escarpment with truly 'out of this world' views. The 41km route into Hazyview is a fast and long decent and time for riders to enjoy themselves before the final climb back to Sabie via Bergvliet Pass (937m). Bergvliet Pass lies between Hazyview and Sabie and is named after the Bergvliet plantation through which it traverses. This pass forms the most curvy and scenic part of the “Infamous 22”, a stretch of road that is 22 km long (hence the name). Its not all smooth riding from there as the return trip is a slow gradual climb back into Sabie and the end of your Sabie Cycle Tour.
ROUTE SUPPORT
Fully Stocked Water Points
There will be roaming / rolling water points on all three stages. Every water point will be fully stocked with 32Gi nutrition, water, coke, ice, banana’s, oranges, sweets and chocolates to keep you going each day.
Support Vehicles
3 Support vehicles and a medical vehicle will support you over the 3 days of the tour. The support vehicles will be there with any first aid needs, provide safety, encouragement, take pictures, setup the roaming water points and carry anything you want to leave in the car. Each vehicle will be fully stocked with nutrition that you can access any time on the way. If the group starts to breakup, the support vehicles will split and support each group / breakaway, making sure no rider is left without support. If you need a few minutes rest, hop into the car, take a breather and then get back onto the saddle.
ACCOMMODATION
3 Nights Accommodation
Thur 3rd Oct | Fri 4th Oct | Sat 5th Oct
Riders who have included accommodation in their package will be staying in the Cabana's at Merry Pebbles Resort. The cabana sleeps 2 adults in an open plan studio layout with either 1 x double bed or 2 x single beds.
Each Cabana has an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet, basin, and towels. There is a fully equipped kitchen with stove, microwave, fridge, cutlery and crockery. The units have a BBQ area as well as DSTV Channels. Bath towels are supplied.
6 Sleeper Units are available on request
MEALS
Delicious and filling homemade buffet style meals will be prepared and served at Merry Pebbles each day.
Meals package option includes Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily whilst on tour.
3 x Breakfast | 3 x Lunch | 2 x Dinner
Meals options will be confirmed on check-in on the 3rd of October during Race Briefing.
If you didnt book the package which includes a meal, you can pay for one at registration.
Please note:
Meal excludes Thursday night dinner (3rd Oct) and Sunday night dinner (5th Oct)
Any alcohol and drinks will be for the riders account.
POST CYCLE MASSAGE
A team of sports therapists will be on hand for any post-race massages to get those legs ready for the next day's challenge. Bookings can be made prior to the Tour or during the Tour.
TRANSFERS / WITHDRAW / REFUND POLICY
For information on the T&C's - CLICK HERE