ROUTES
19-21 May:
CEDERSOCIAL
This weekend allows for a gentle introduction into what The Ceder, and the
Cederberg, has to offer. A chance for prospective entrants (along with their families and friends) to scout out some of the race routes, meet fellow participants and generally familiarise themselves with the area – with respect to accommodation options, weather environment and road conditions.
The intention of this weekend is to lower the perceived barrier to entry that exists in cycling and trail running. Feedback from people starting the sports say it can be intimidating. We want to diminish this. The Ceder Social Weekend offers the perfect, relaxed opportunity to join along – with zero pressure or intimidation.
There are organised rides and runs over the weekend. However, it’s not mandatory to join. We provide guidance and route options for all levels of experience.
Saturday 9 September 2023:
CEDER245
Distance 245km
Elevation Gain 3700m
The OG. A spellbinding 245km adventure through other-worldly rock formations and fynbos floral kingdoms covering mostly gravel roads. Departing at 4am, Grootrivierhoogte, Blinkberg Pass and Middelberg Pass loom large, before racers find themselves at the (roughly) halfway point in Citrusdal for a much needed refuel at a designated Aidstation & Waterpoint where riders have access to pre-packed dropboxes. Some choose to pitstop earlier, at Op-die-Berg.
Rolling out of Citrusdal, the route tracks the Olifants River as it winds it way into Clanwilliam Dam. At the 180km mark, riders ‘turn for home’ with the soul-destroying Uitkyk Pass in the forefront of their minds. Riders will find the last waterpoint at Jamaka Resort after the notorious 'Jamaka Rollers'.
Once over the pass, it’s 40km to the finish line and prayers of a tailwind.
CEDER140
Distance 140km
Elevation Gain 2200m
New to the roster of races this year, the Ceder140 is a welcome addition – an intermediate option for those who prefer to dice over a shorter distance. Sanctioned by Cycling South Africa, we expect a strong and deep field of the best gravel racers South Africa has to offer.
Leaving Cederberg Oasis, racers head towards the vineyards of Sanddrif & Cederberg Wines. Following a white-knuckle descent of Uitkyk Pass, racers pass Cape Nature’s Algeria complex – worthy of a pitstop for an ice cold Coke...or not. Shortly after Algeria, the route forks left onto Nieuwoudts Pass, ensuring all passes in the Cederberg get equal attention. The descent promises to put a huge smile on everyone’s face.
Reaching a four way crossing at the bottom by the Olifants River, the course goes right – placing racers onto the same route as the CEDER245. A legendary frozen orange juice awaits participants at the Jamaka Kiosk, or one last refill at the Jamaka Waterpoint providing that final motivation to complete Uitkyk Pass & the 40km left to go.
CEDER30mtb
Distance 30km
Elevation Gain 600m
Billed as a social event, riders taking on this 30km route can start when they please and enjoy the picturesque course at their own leisure. Unique to the race weekend, riders pass through Kromriver – the oldest tourist destination in the heart of the Cederberg. Surrounded by fynbos and the iconic majestic orange rock formations – this event is the perfect option for beginners, younger riders, andsocial racers.
An exclusive discount for CederMTB entrants at the Kromrivier Cederberg Park restaurant provides the perfect incentive to soak up the incredible, millions of years old scenery, while sipping on a cold beverage – of which there are many to choose from.
Sunday 10 September 2023:
CEDERRUN
The Cederberg is a world class trail running destination. Tapping in expert experience and local knowledge – say hello to CederRun.
Adding trail runs to the portfolio’s existing cycle events makes for a fun-fuelled, festival-feel weekend of activities. With kilometres of pristine singletrack on offer, runners are in for a treat.
CEDERFUNRUN
Distance 5km
A short and sharp 5km shakeout the day before the main event, or run on its own to experience the network of trails around Cederberg Oasis. With no official start time, runners can choose when to get going on Saturday.
CEDERRUN
Distance 22km
Elevation Gain 1200m
A tough, 20km+ trail run on the mountains standing over Cederberg Oasis, trail runners take on a circular route – arriving at the finish where The Ceder cyclists will be cheering home the runners.