Joberg2C Day 2 – Frankfort School to Reitz Showgrounds
This is when the racing begins. Keep your legs fresh for the 10km of flowing single-track at the end. Enjoy the best of the eastern Free State.
Distance: 93km
Ascent: 1001m
Descent: 916m
Life Tracking https://www.mysos.co.za/sos_app/tracking?trk=event&evt=47
Day 2 is when the racing begins for some and the journey continues for most. Your legs will be warm, your protein levels (thanks to the Karan Beef steaks) will be high and you will be ready for some remote Free State riding.
After leaving the warm hospitality of Frankfort town, a massive Massey Ferguson will lead the 800-strong bunch of riders on a rolling start until hitting the dirt, an early morning meander along the Wilge River then over the bridge and onto a main farm road. Watch out for farmers late for their town meetings in big white bakkies.
At about the 13km mark you will leave the dirt road for your first piece of single-track on Andre and Liezl’s land. This is what the Old Mutual joBerg2c is about. Sections of happiness mixed with some kilometre-munching rural roads to make the journey interesting.
Enough talking, you are now in the heart of Free State farms, as you work your way to another breath-taking section of riding called Hou Duim Vas (Hold Thumbs) at the 25km mark. This land owned by Johan Du Plessis and Adrie Venter is perfect for a sensational single-track wave down the ridge line of their koppie.
Willie Venter and his sister, Adrie, have supported the event since it began. Adrie’s sons, Frans and Bart, help us mow trails, Willie helps us plan trails and together they represent the incredible community support we get for this inspirational ride.
It is almost certain now that you are close to the middle of nowhere. Passing through a few more farms, you will make your way to Johan Du Plessis’s Glen Walton farm for the first Water Point at the 35km mark. This Water Point is hosted by the “tough as nails” Skewerkop Boere Vereeniging/Farmers Association. Every year they go out of their way to feed riders to their hearts’ content.
From Johan’s it is through Page Makhalemel until we hit some rough rural roads. The next 27km will be great to shoot the breeze if you are just riding, but if you’re racing this is where you can really put the hammer down. You will reach Water Point 2 at 65km (a little earlier this year) – this also signals the start of Aubrey’s Starck Contrast – one of our favourite pieces of single-track that is certain to put a smile on your dial. Hoërskool Reitz knows you will need sustenance and they provide at the second and last Water Point of the day.
Out of Aubrey’s and Sakkie Hill and then we are into a new landowner courtesy of the Prinsloo Brothers. This new farm will take the sting out of the normally tough climb to Boerbull Descent where you will first see Reitz. Have a look at the state of the Prinsloo farm to understand what an incredible farming operation they have. What follows is 10km of flowing single-track – it is hard to believe that the straightest path to Reitz will be along this hand-cut trail – that will leave you tired but inspired.
The top of Boerbull Descent at 82km is designed for pure single track fun. Ride within your abilities and enjoy the drop towards Reitz.
Remember to look out for Larry’s wolves as you pass through Husky Romi Wolf Sanctuary. Ice-cold beer, live Rugby and gourmet food will be served by the Hoërskool Reitz where Berna and her fantastic Free State Masterchefs have been preparing for months.
Enjoy the afternoon, day 3 is where you realise that South Africa’s longest stage race is not a ride in the park.
