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The Garden Route of the Western Cape in South Africa hosts the Sedgefield 500. On this epic journey, you will enjoy unparalleled natural beauty that very few places can offer. Every twist and turn gives something special, offering mixed landscapes that very few places in the world can compare to.
From the sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean to the lush forests of the South Africa Garden route, there’s always something to enjoy, and the surroundings change as you progress kilometer after kilometer. This isn’t just a tour on your bike but a journey of self-discovery.
This bikepacking gravel event spans 500 km and is 7000 meters in elevation. It will test your physical endurance and mental fortitude. Each pedal stroke will be a testament to your unwavering resolve and a reminder of your determination to finish.
The Sedgefield 500 is a very personal event. With a maximum limit of only 13 participants and a route made by a local expert, it will give you the best of the region and test you like no other ride. You might be there for a long weekend of riding or there to race to the finish.
No matter what brings you to the Sedgefield 500, it is much more than just a bike ride. It’s an odyssey of endurance and a journey of self-discovery in South Africa. It will leave you inspired, invigorated, and changed forever!
The Montagu Pass and Outeniqua Pass are two historic mountain passes located in the Western Cape region of South Africa, on the Garden Route. These passes have played an important role in the region’s history, and today they are popular routes for cyclists, hikers, and motorists.The Montagu Pass was constructed in the mid-19th century and was named after John Montagu, the colonial secretary of the Cape Colony. It was the first road over the Outeniqua Mountains and was built to connect the port town of George with the interior town of Oudtshoorn, which was a major center of ostrich farming. The pass was designed by Henry Fancourt White, a British engineer, and it took six years to complete.The Montagu Pass is a challenging climb, with an elevation gain of 800 meters over a distance of 11 kilometers. It features 126 bends, some of which are sharp hairpin turns, and the road surface is often steep and narrow. Despite its challenges, the Montagu Pass was a significant achievement at the time of its construction, and it opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce in the region.The Outeniqua Pass, on the other hand, was built later, in the early 20th century, and it replaced the Montagu Pass as the main route over the Outeniqua Mountains. The pass was constructed by Thomas Bain, a renowned road engineer who also designed many other mountain passes in South Africa. The Outeniqua Pass is longer than the Montagu Pass, stretching for 13 kilometers, and it has an elevation gain of 800 meters.The Outeniqua Pass is wider and less steep than the Montagu Pass, making it an easier climb for cyclists and motorists. However, it still offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including the Outeniqua Mountains, the Kaaimans River Gorge, and the Garden Route coastline.
Today, both the Montagu Pass and the Outeniqua Pass are popular routes for cyclists who want to test their endurance and enjoy the natural beauty of the Garden Route. These passes are also important landmarks in the region’s history and a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the engineers who built them. Cyclists who brave these historic mountain passes will be rewarded with stunning views and a sense of accomplishment that can only be gained through physical exertion and determination.
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