Life is short, make the most of it!
This weekend local cycling was dealt a heavy blow as we learned of the passing of local legends Meurant & JP. As reported by Bikehub in Passing of South African Mountain Biking Pioneer Meurant Botha. And his close friend and fellow cycling icon JP van Zyl of Recycles Bike Shop. And shortly thereafter I learned of the passing of Eugene Roux from Sedgefield Cycleworx. Which goes to show, live is short, make the most of it while you can. Which is partly why we are cycling TO the Karoo 2 Coast again this year. To find Die SPOOK van Uniondale…
Searching for Die SPOOK van Uniondale
Whether you are looking to collect a space blanket from previous outing, lost in the Karoo. OR trying to switch off from the business of the office. OR off on your very first long-distance cycling road trip. For each of us the goal remains the same: get the Knysna in one piece and have fun while doing so. Here is the plan. Also on RWGPS. I just love playing with Ride with GPS, trying to find Die SPOOK van Uniondale.
To Karoo2coast route overview from RWGPS
2K2C Day 1 to Swellendam
210kms & 2800 meters of climbing from Stellenbosch to Swellendam. Over Franschhoek pass and turn before Villierdsdorp at the golf course next to Theewaterskloof dam. Then up over the stunning climb (don’t forget to look back down). And over Rusty Gate to Greyton. Into Riversonderend for a homemade pie and coffee at Oumeul. Followed by the climb up Stormsvlei and the endless rollers to Swellendam. Still far from Die SPOOK van Uniondale.
2K2C Day 2 to Oudtshoorn
230kms & 2900 meters of climbing over Barrydale and Vanwyksdorp. We head inland and cycle pass architect and staunch Tourdeboland supporter Nic Louw’s spot in Suurbraak. Then over Tradouws pass to the best milkshake in the Boland. Followed by some more climbing out of town. Before we hook a right off the tar and onto gravel. From here all that remains are stops at Muiskraal (100kms) and The Mall at Van Wyksdorp (140km). Then over Rooiberg into Oudtshoorn. Ostrich country. And climbing. getting closer to Die SPOOK van Uniondale.
2K2C Day 3 to Uniondale
105kms & 1400 meters of climbing – right-right-right to the showgrounds. But not flat. We leave Oudtshoorn maybe a bit later seeing as this is a shorter day. Then onto the lovely wide N12 for a few kms to De Rust (35kms). RIGHT onto the R341 and over Grootrivier for a few kms. Kap another right after Ribboksfontein at 75kms onto Hoekplaaspad and the gravel climb. Then right again onto the R339 tar road for the last 10kms into Uniondale show grounds. If we haven’t found Die SPOOK van Uniondale yet, we’ll have to go looking for her tonight…
2K2C Day 4 to Knysna
95kms & 1800 meters of climbing during race day at Karoo 2 Coast. Finally. Hope we survived the cold night camping overnight at the Uniondale show grounds. And looking forward to the increased hospitality at this year’s race. Which is in aid of the Lion’s club as before. Easy does it. Just 95kms & 1800 meters of climbing on the menu today. Some well-deserved beers in Knysna. Cheers! Time for R&R and a car back home the next day. Die SPOOK van Uniondale will have to wait for next year.
What a brilliant week!
Or you can take the easy route and #bicyclecouriers will happily send your bicycle to the start line or from the finish line of the K2C.
