Cape Town, South Africa, 16 August 2019 – The second edition of the Rainmaker RollerCoaster will take place in the Western Cape this October, covering over 500km of farm trails and gravel roads between Swellendam and Plettenburg Bay.
HotChillee, the event organisers and group behind the renowned LONDON-PARIS and Cape Rouleur, have updated the route for 2019 showcasing the some of the best cycling the Western Cape has to offer.
This year’s edition will kick off from an elegant country retreat on the outskirts of Swellendam. The new Stage 1 will see a 30km leg loosener through the beautiful Citrus orchards in the Buffeljagsriver valley and then through the small game farm of Kwetu with numerous wild species like Springbok, Bontebok, Giraffe, Eland, Wildebeest, Kudu, Waterbuck, Reebok, Sable, crossing the riders’ path.
Sven Thiele, HotChillee Founder and CEO: “We’ve made some exciting changes to the route this year. With a new start venue and increased access to private land, riders will experience more of Swellendam’s rich history in 2019. Once we leave the green farmlands of the opening stages we’ll be staying longer in the semi-desert of the Karoo, making the most of the vast planes and rolling wide gravel roads typically associated with gravel adventures. Bring it on.”
Stage details:
Saturday 5 October: Stage 1 – Swellendam (29km/159m)
Sunday 6 October: Stage 2 – Swellendam – Swellendam (103km/1110m)
Monday 7 October: Stage 3 – Swellendam – Riversdale (97km/1635m)
Tuesday 8 October: Stage 4 – Riversdale – Calitzdorp (110km/1839m)
Wednesday 9 October: Stage 5 – Calitzdorp – Oudtshoorn (53km/240m)
Thursday 10 October: Stage 6 – Oudtshoorn – Uniondale (113km/1453m)
Friday 11 October: Stage 7 – Uniondale – Plettenberg Bay (90km/1392m)
Christoph Sauser: “2018 was an amazing gravel ride, and an excellent new event for the calendar. Exploring beautiful new landscapes with great company made me very happy.”
Penny Krohn, Rainmaker RollerCoaster rider: “One of the best weeks of my life: spectacular scenery, fabulous overnight spots, excellent backup, wonderful friendly cycling folk – simply superb. I loved everything about it.”
Richard Smith, Rainmaker RollerCoaster rider: “Without a shadow of doubt the most exhilarating, challenging and rewarding bike riding encounter I’ve ever had the privilege to undertake. This trip is out of this world! Trust me.”
Francis Cade, YouTube Vlogger: “A proper adventure, you’ll be surprised where a gravel bike can take you.”
Sakkie Franken, Executive Mayor of the Overberg region: “It is an honour to host the Rainmaker RollerCoaster in the Overberg region. The wonderful scenery, local food and wine will further enhance the riders experience whether they are racing, riding or just exploring the gravel parcours.”
Tim Harris, CEO WESGRO (the official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency for Cape Town): “WESGRO is excited to be partnering with another world class event in the region, which will continue to grow the R4.4 billion leisure cycling market in the province. We look forward to the region becoming the de facto gravel destination!”
Event date: 5 – 11 October 2019
Entry cost start from: 14,350 ZAR (single occupancy two-man tent with all meals)
Click here for further event information
