Cycle the Cape. Bookings now open for Cycle Tour

Transcription

1 3 AUSTRALIAN CYCLE TOURS RUNNING CONCURRENTLY CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA The Cape Town Cycle Tour is the World s largest timed road race, celebrating the vibrancy, creativity, diversity and cultural richness that embodies the Spirit of South Africa. Cycle the Cape Bookings now open for Cycle Tour 2016 Images: Cycle Tour Go Wild African Safari the luxury safari and adventure travel specialists. Offering a comprehensive range of escorted tours including high-end flying experiences, cycling tours, safari & wildlife encounters, premium golf packages, and the culinary gems of Africa. Unforgettable. & TOURS

2 WARNING: READY FOR FUN & EXCITEMENT AHEAD Take a sun-drenched ride along the stunning coast of the Cape of Good Hope. Travel through gardens, wineries, charming historical villages and in a region packed with beautiful cuisine, good wine, friendly welcoming people and rich African culture. This is a recipe for unforgettable memories on a magical cycling adventure. Cape Town offers some of the best hotels in South Africa, within close proximity and ease of visiting famous places such as: Table Mountain; Robben Island the infamous prison that housed the late Nelson Mandela for 23 years; and Stellenbosch historical village, home to whale watching, great white shark cage diving, local wine and the Garden route. We organise all of these activities and more at your request. If you want to do something that we haven t specifically mentioned just ask! We are only to happy to oblige. OUR TEAM Our team is experienced in travelling Africa, with the backing of fantastic local knowledge, and on-ground support. Feel like a superstar in your gold and black jersey as part of our large international team. Join likeminded fit individuals with a passion for cycling and the good life. Go Wild Management Team Members will join the peloton on the day to ensure a smooth riding experience. We have strong relationships with the event hosts, as an official Tour Operator. ON THE DAY OF THE RIDE On race day we provide all of our riders with race nutrition. A mix of recovery beverages, energy bars and gels, snacks and a few other treats along the way. The non-riding portion of our team will meet at the finish to help everybody celebrate, retreat & recover a bit after the race. Then it s on to the Go Wild Team after party and hospitality suite. OUR ADVICE We want you to be as prepared as possible. As such, we highly recommend you take advantage of the included Travel Medical Forum; all included, and conducted by one of our Medical Directors from our medical partners at TMVC. For information see

3 Cycle the Cape Go Wild will provide you with an extensive packing list of what to take, and what you re able to live without, to make your trip as enjoyable, fun and memorable. LOGISTICAL SUPPORT We understand travelling with a bike can be a cumbersome So leave everything to us, to provide total logistical support. You arrive, and so will your bike! Our relationship with local transport businesses allows us to provide comprehensive, reliable and secure transport solutions for accompanied and unaccompanied gear. Access on race day will be streamlined and prioritised, with our own Go Wild dedicated team start. With our support and assistance you will feel like a pro. All accommodation options are less than a 20-minute easy warm-up ride from the starting line, and we will manage your transport for race day. Amidst the 35,000 other competitors, this is no mean feat as you can imagine. You and your bike will have the confidence that you will both arrive on time to start the race, then it s up to you. Go Wild is dedicated to providing guides, medical support, private coach transfers and access to bike mechanics if required. OUR PACKAGES Go Wild offer combination packages across 3 to 5 star accommodations where you can enjoy the luxuries of home and more. There are 5 different Cycle Tour packages to suit your budget. Hotel or apartment style of accommodation within a minimum 20 minutes ride to the start of the race. All Go Wild packages include return transfer from Cape Town airport to your hotel or apartment. Breakfast and dinner are included in your package for your trip*. Guests will have plenty of time to kick back with a great coffee, or hoe into amazing South African style BBQ ribs, biltong and more at the multitude of local cafes & restaurants. Discover why Cape Town is New York Times #1 global tourist destination at present. Your guides and hotel can suggest the gamut of must try local haunts, including the best of the local bar scene, if you have managed to come without the kids. *Unless otherwise stated for transport days; beverages not included within meals unless otherwise stated.

4 MEDIUM TO FIT BRONZE PACKAGE CAPE TOWN ABOUT THE COURSE DAY 1 2ND MARCH 2016 Leave Sydney bound for Cape Town no later than Wednesday 9th March, arrive in the afternoon in Cape Town. Relax, shower, meet the team and share a meal, rest up for tomorrows discovery tour of Cape Town (B, D) DAY 2 3RD MARCH 2016 Everyone meets for breakfast and then heads out on a day tour together either Table Mountain or Robben Island, the choice is yours. Join the group as we head into Cape Town for the afternoon or take a couple of hours for free time. Meet back at the ranch after an exciting day out, tonight all in at the Go Wild Welcome Reception and enjoy drinks provide and dinner together (B, B, D) DAY 3 4TH MARCH 2016 In the morning head to one of the World s largest and most comprehensive cycle expo s, where you will see amazing cycle products, technologies and fitness gadgets & widgets to order or purchase on the spot. PM the three different Australian cycle tours join to become one. Either join in an organised activity & or just dinner at the hotel (B,B,D) DAY 4 5TH MARCH 2016 Breakfast together, then head out stretch your legs for a practice ride for a few hours, free time or join in the organised activities and then dinner together as a large group. Get set, ready, sleep is the priority tonight, if the excited doesn t take over as tomorrow is the big race day (B,B,D). DAY 5 6TH MARCH 2016 (Up early (approx. 5.50am), quick wholesome breakfast, quick check of microchip, no s, then off we go, meet at the Go Wild team meeting spot, then as a large Australian team (complete with colours) we head for the starting point and wait for the starting gun. After the race, meet on the grass area, check your bike and then head for the Go Wild hospitality tent. This evening we all celebrate at the Go Wild After Party (B,B,D) DAY 6 7TH MARCH 2016 Breakfast together and sadly your time together has come to an end or head off on a safari.

5 MEDIUM TO FIT SILVER PACKAGE MOSSEL BAY > CAPE TOWN DEPARTS 26TH FEB 2016 ABOUT THE COURSE DAY 1: CAPE TOWN FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY Depart Sydney s Kingsford Smith Airport in the morning and arrive Cape Town Airport in the evening. Transfer to your Cape Town Hotel where your Welcome Pack awaits you in your very comfortable room. Relax, shower, dinner and rest up for the adventure that awaits. DAY 2: ARRIVAL & TRANSFER TO MOSSEL BAY SATURDAY 27TH FEBRUARY After being welcomed by our team, guide & driver in Cape Town, transfer by road to the Mossel Bay approx. 4-5 hrs drive. In the afternoon enjoy a 4x4WD Safari game drive, see elephant, rhino, buffalo and various antelope in Botelierskop private game reserve. Check into our very charming hotel, then that after we explore Mossel Bay and beyond. (D) DAY 3: CYCLE MOSSEL BAY OUDTSHOORN SUNDAY 28TH FEBRUARY (75 km; Hg: +950m.) (B, L, D) After a delightful breakfast we head off on our bikes with amazing views back along the coastline. Within a few kilometres the landscape changes from the evergreen coast to the dry expanse of the Little Karoo. From the ostrich town of Oudtshoorn we drive by bus through Schoemanns Gorge to the wellknown Cango Dripstone Caves. Back in Oudtshoorn we stay in a historical guesthouse. The host invites us to a traditional South African barbecue evening, called a Braai. Of course, ostrich steak cannot be missed. DAY 4: CYCLE OUDTSHOORN CALITZDORP MONDAY 29TH FEBRUARY (78 km; Hg: +150m) (B, L, D) After visiting an ostrich farm in the morning we cycle on level ground to Calitzdorp, which is well-known for its port wine. In between there is the opportunity to jump into some hot springs. In the afternoon we do a wine tasting including the well-known port style fortified wines. DAY 5: CYCLE CALITZDORP - LADISMITH

6 TUESDAY 1ST MARCH (48 km; Hg: +1100m) (B, L, D) In the morning we cycle up to the Huis River Pass (680m) before visiting the mission village of Amalienstein. During weekdays we will visit the local school and learn more about the educational challenges this country faces. Along the Swartberg Mountains we reach Ladismith, with the over 2100m Towerkop towering over it. From there we shuttle to Montagu. Stay at the Avalon Springs Hotel 3*. DAY 6: CYCLE MONTAGU BONNIEVALE ROBERTSON WEDNESDAY 2ND MARCH (53 km; Hg: +350m) (B, L, D) Today we continue cycling through the charming Kogmanns Gorge after which the landscape opens up. We ride through the Bree River Valley with vineyards on either side of us to Bonnievale and further into the winemaking town of Robertson. Along the way we might stop at a winery and have another go at the excellent Cape wines. Stay at a charming guest house in town. DAY 7: CYCLE ROBERTSON WORCESTER WELLINGTON THURSDAY 3RD MARCH (80 km; Hg: +650m) (B, L, D) A short transfer 30min, takes us to Brandvlei Dam. Usually aided by a strong south easterly wind we cycle through the Bree River Valley past Worcester and in front of the impressive Hex River Mountains over 2000m high. Later we enter the idyllic Bainskloof Gorge and ride up to Bainskloof Pass (600m). Along the way there is a chance to swim in one of many natural river pools. After a long downward ride, with wonderful views over the Cape Vineyards, we reach the winemaking town of Wellington. A 1 hr. transfer brings us to Cape Town, one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. We will stay in the comfortable 4* star property close to the waterfront (Stay for 4 nights). The affordable seafood cuisine in Cape Town is outstanding with lobster being their specialty and also affordable. DAY 8: CYCLE ROUND THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE FRIDAY 4TH MARCH (65 km; Hg: +750m) (B, L, D) After a short transfer, we visit Boulder Beach one of the two on shore colonies of the African penguin. Our ride starts at famous Cape of Good Hope where we cycle along the Western side of the Cape Peninsula back to Cape Town. The coastal road over Chapman s Peak and Hout Bay is rightfully one of the most breathtaking stretches in South Africa. It is not by chance that the popular annual Argus Cycle Tour, with over 35,000 participants from all over the world, takes place here. DAY 9: HIKE ONTO TABLE MOUNTAIN AND WALK THE CITY SATURDAY 5TH MARCH (REST DAY - BIG RACE TOMORROW INFORMATION PAGES 2 & 3) In the morning we visit the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. From there you can choose to take either a cable car up Table Mountain or a Robben Island half day trip. (Robben Island trip is optional, not included in offer). We need to get to the cycle fair on this day in order to collect the riders numbers, chip... etc. Taking the cable car (return) up Table Mountain see the world famous silhouette and enjoy spectacular 360 degree views. During the afternoon we do a 2 hr informative walk through the city centre visiting all major highlights like the parade, castle, town hall, Greenmarket Square, Parliament Gardens as well as Malay Quarter. (B, L, D) DAY 10 SUNDAY 6TH MARCH CAPE TOWN CYCLE TOUR TODAY (109Km - Cycle B,L,D) (Race registration included and you are ready to ride No s on your jersey & microchip on your bike and your off). Team meet early in the morning and ready to ride together to our allocated race shoot, where we await our race start with anticipation. During the race you are free to ride together as a pack or do your own thing. After the race concludes, you receive your race medal at the finish and then make your way to the Go Wild hospitality tent. STAY FINAL NIGHT IN CAPE TOWN We finish the tour this night with a Cocktail Party. DAY 11 MONDAY 7TH MARCH After breakfast transfer to Cape Town Airport or travel on Safari on our extension Safari Tour.

7 REASONABLY FIT PLATINUM PACKAGE PT ELIZABETH > CAPE OF GOOD HOPE DEPARTS 26TH FEB 2016 ABOUT THE COURSE DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PORT ELIZABETH FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY After being welcomed by your tour guide & driver in Cape Town, transfer to Port Elizabeth for the overnight stay. Stay over in Port Elizabeth in a hotel 3* overlooking the Indian Ocean. (B, L, D) DAY 2: CYCLE JEFFREYS BAY TSITSIKAMMA SATURDAY 27TH FEBRUARY (70 km, 410 am) (B, L, D) Drive to Addo Elephant National Park (1 hr.) for an afternoon safari in open Land Rovers. Apart from the elephants there are also zebras, lions, buffalo, ostrich, tortoise, warthogs and bontebok. Transfer to Jeffrey s Bay on the Garden Route (1 hr.). Along the old Cape road our first afternoon ride takes us along the boundary of the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range. DAY 3: CYCLE TSITSIKAMMA PLETTENBERG BAY SUNDAY 28TH FEBRUARY (96 km, 920 am) (B, L, D) Our second ride takes us into the Tsitsikamma National Park. Visit the Storms River Bridge. Once on the coastal plateau again, we are soon taken down into the deeply cut river valley of the Bloukrans and later through Nature s Valley. Have a break on one of South Africa s most beautiful beaches. We ride back to the plateau and towards the seaside resort of Plettenberg Bay. Transfer to George to our comfortable guesthouse 4*. DAY 4: CYCLE GEORGE OUDTSHOORN CANGO DRIPSTONE CAVES MONDAY 29TH FEBRUARY (128 km, 1420 am) (B, L, D) We start again from the guest house and our ride takes us over the Outeniqua Pass (850 m) with beautiful views back along the coastline. Within a few kilometres the landscape changes from the evergreen coast to the dry expanse of the Little Karoo. From the ostrich town of Oudtshoorn we cycle through Schoemanns Gorge to the well-known Cango Dripstone Caves. Back in Oudtshoorn we stay in a quiet guesthouse. The host invites us to a traditional South African barbecue evening, called a Braai. Of course, ostrich steak cannot be missing! DAY 5: CYCLE OUDTSHOORN - BARRYDALE TUESDAY 1ST MARCH (174 km, 1600 am) (B, L, D) Riding along the flat Olifants River valley we reach the port making village of Calitzdorp. After a break we cycle up to the Huis River Pass (650 m). Along the Swartberg Mountains we reach Ladismith on the foothills of the 2200 m high Towerkop. After lunch-break head in a south westerly direction through the grand expanse of Little Karoo to the Hamlet of Barrydale. Stay at a

8 charming hotel 3*. DAY 6: CYCLE BARRYDALE - SWELLENDAM WEDNESDAY 2ND MARCH (131 km; Hg: +1170m) (B, L, D) Riding along the Langeberg mountains we climb up Op die Tradouw Pass (800 m). Passing many fruit farms we reach the village of Montagu. Riding through the spectacular Kogmans Kloof we reach Ashton. The landscape changes and the wine growing area of the Western Cape begins. Passing through Bonnivale we ride past some beautiful historic wine estates on our way to Swellendam. Stay in a charming guest house 3*/4* close to the village centre. DAY 7: CYCLE STANFORD GORDON S BAY THURSDAY 3RD MARCH (110 km; Hg: +770m) (B, L, D) Transfer 1.5 hrs. to Stanford. Cycle along the Kleinriviersberge to Hermanus. After a short stop at the rocky shores and carry on via Kleinmond to Gordon s Bay. Finishing at the beach we load and shuttle to Cape Town. (1 hr.) We will stay again in the comfortable Rockwell Apartments 4* close to the waterfront. Stay for 4 nights. The seafood cuisine in Cape Town is outstanding with lobster being their specialty. DAY 8: CYCLE ROUND THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE FRIDAY 4TH MARCH (65 km; Hg: +750m) (B, L, D) After a short transfer, we visit Boulder Beach one of the two on shore colonies of the African penguin. Our ride starts at famous Cape of Good Hope where we cycle along the Western side of the Cape Peninsula back to Cape Town. The coastal road over Chapman s Peak and Hout Bay is rightfully one of the most breathtaking stretches in South Africa. It is not by chance that the popular annual Argus Cycle Tour, with over 35,000 participants from all over the world, takes place here. DAY 9: HIKE ONTO TABLE MOUNTAIN AND WALK THE CITY SATURDAY 5TH MARCH In the morning we visit the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. From there we take the cable car up Table Mountain or a Robben Island half day trip (rest day prior to Argus). From the world famous silhouette enjoy spectacular 360 degree views especially over the city. (Walking time 4 hrs.) The cable car takes us back down again. In the afternoon we do a 2 hr. informative walk through the city centre visiting all major highlights like the parade, castle, town hall, Greenmarket Square, Parliament Gardens as well as Malay Quarter. Collect starting kid from the race fair at Good Hope Center. (B, L, D) DAY 10: RIDE THE 2016 ARGUS RACE SUNDAY 6TH MARCH Celebrate at the finish! At the end of the race, you will receive your medal for completion and then head for the Go Wild hospitality tent sent up in the park near the Stadium. TONIGHT WE CELEBRATE WITH A COCKTAIL PARTY AT A 5 STAR VENUE ON OUR FINAL NIGHT IN CAPE TOWN (B, D) DAY 11: LEAVING CAPE TOWN MONDAY 7TH MARCH Time at leisure till the departure of your flights. The tour ends with your transfer to Cape Town Airport. (B) Fit Cyclist up for the challenge with lots of hills, sight seeing, fun and excitement. Accommodation hotels and lodges with ensuites. DAY 12: CAPE TOWN (FREE DAY) TUESDAY 8TH MARCH Days 13, 14, 15 & 16 Safari then Depart Day 17 heading for home.