Quite a few emails today asking about the Xterra Grabouw bike route this year. Have been out and about, dialed in some lines, and feel I have the terrain on my side. The course is similar to a reverse of last year, starting with a long climb, before a great yo-yo from climb to fun descent. There are quite a few rocks, and I did flat on Wednesday, picking a poor line. So perhaps caution to the heavier casing side. Quite a bit of sand, quite a bit of everything really. Think its a grand route that includes plenty honest riding. And with last year’s fire, its a dramatic landscape thats visually really dramatic and moving.
Course should be marked by tomorrow afternoon (I think), and if you have the opportunity to pre-ride, I couldnt recommend it more. Its a solid 1h45 loop though for me, so do give yourself some time. I think race time will be 1h12-1h15′ish.
All the best for the final few days!
Apparently hot as hell on Saturday. The way it should be.
