Glacier Cradle Traverse by Dryland
Inaugural Glacier Cradle Traverse…. great to see Dryland bringing a stage race to Gauteng
Stage 1
Fast flowing tracks will get the blood pumping early on as riders traverse the rocky steep trails in the Avianto trail network. The tree lined Crocodile River provides the perfect reprieve, before riders head out towards Glen Burn Lodge along some open farm tracks. A steep rocky climb leads to one of the highest points in the Cradle, rewards riders with the amazing views of the area. After some fast descending, riders link onto the Cradle trail. After negotiating an amazing dry riverbed section, riders head onto one of the neighbouring game farms where they are once again treated to some amazing views of the Cradle area.
Some tough climbing awaits, but the fast descents make it all worthwhile as riders drop back once again into the Avianto trails. Phambili provides some fun single tracks before riders are homeward bound and in sight of the Avianto clubhouse.
Distance: 40 km
Vertical ascent: 867 m
Water point 1: 16 km
Water point 2: 27 km
The longest stage of the Cradle Traverse, starts with a short stretch of tar road which leads riders onto the jeep tracks of the Avianto trails, after a short section through Syringa, riders will face the climb of the Driefontein waterworks. After a short tar transition riders are linked in with trails of the newly formed Cradle Moon. Some tough single track and jeep track sections with plenty of short power climbs will be the order of the day. The Cradle moon reserver will offer some fantastic scenery of Lake Heritage and some possible encounters with the game life that roam freely in the newly renovated conservancy.
After exiting the Cradle Moon Conservancy, riders will head into the open farmlands of Lammamoor. Long dirt road drags and descents interspersed with some fun single track sections will give riders a chance to recoup after the harder start to the stage. Some single track climbing and descending will still need to be conquered before riders find themselves back into the Avianto trail network and the finish line.
Distance: 54 km
Vertical ascent: 985 m
Water point 1: 18 km Cradle Moon Dam wall (double water point)
Water point 2: 31 km Cradle Moon Dam wall (double water point)
Water point 3: 43 km Lanseria/N14
Stage 3
A neutral zone through the original town of Muldersdrift sets the stage for the final day. Fast dirt roads might allure to a fast short day in the saddle, however once riders cross under the N14 the race truly begins. The hidden gem of the Laurentia farm provides a spectacular back drop for an amazing day in the saddle. Riding up the first road into Krugersdorp built in the early 1900’s provides a serious challenge to riders of all levels. A mixture of cattle trail, walking paths and custom built single tracks await riders at the top as some fast descending allows for a short reprieve before riders negotiate the next climb.
Once in the kloof the views are second to none as a natural spring waterfall and world heritage site that few get to visit are part the attractions that await the riders. A circular route brings riders back to the N14 crossing and with the toughest part of the stage well in the background, riders can enjoy some fast single track back towards Avianto and the finish of the inaugural Glacier Cradle Traverse.
Distance: 41 km
Vertical ascent: 681 m
Water point 1: 19 km
Water point 2: 28 km
