Get all the extra info about the race and rules below.

Schedule of

events

The Ride combines with The Tour

"We have decided to combine both "The Ride" and "The Tour". We felt we were missing something when it came to the hype around "The Tour". As there are fewer people on "The Tour" (by design) we are worried that when people get to the end, like they did this year, there won't be enough action at the end due to the smaller crowds.

This lack of hype, we thought, detracted from the overall achievement and thus combining the two events, while still keeping each events characteristics in place, was the right move."

- Shaun Glover, Red Cherry Events

Schedule

Wednesday, 19 February

15h00 – 18h00: Registration
18h30: Riders briefing

Registration will be at Mentorskraal. All ticket holders have accommodation and meals after Stage 1 on the 20th of February, to secure pre-event accommodation please click here to book.

Mentorskraal >> Assegaaibosch.

  • 05h30 – Breakfast station opens
  • 07h15 – Bag drop-off closes
  • 07h30 – Line-up in start shoot
  • 08h00 – Start of “The Ride” 
  • 08h05 – Start of “The Ride” E-Bike field
  • 08h10 – “The Tour” riders batch opens
  • 11h00 – Food Lovers Market Lunch
  • 16:30 – Stretch Class with Judy-Lee
  • 17:30 – Stretch Class with Judy-Lee
  • 17;30 – Sunset sessions with Gerald in Chill Zone
  • 18h00 – Supper
  • 19h00 – Riders Briefing & Prize Giving, presented on screens

Assegaaibosch >> Tsitsikamma.

  • 05h30 – Breakfast station opens
  • 07h00 – Bag drop-off closes
  • 07h30 – Line-up in start shoot
  • 08h00 – Start of “The Ride” 
  • 08h05 – Start of “The Ride” E-Bike field
  • 08h10 – “The Tour” riders batch opens
  • 11h00 – Food Lovers Market Lunch
  • 16:30 – Stretch Class with Judy-Lee
  • 17:30 – Stretch Class with Judy-Lee
  • 17;30 – Sunset sessions with Gerald in Chill Zone
  • 18h00 – Supper
  • 19h00 – Riders Briefing & Prize Giving, presented on screens

Tsitsikamma >> Tsitsikamma.

  • 05h30 – Breakfast station opens
  • 07h30 – Line-up in start shoot
  • 08h00 – Start of “The Ride” 
  • 08h05 – Start of “The Ride” E-Bike field
  • 08h10 – “The Tour” riders batch opens
  • 11h00 – Food Lovers Market Lunch
  • 16:30 – Stretch Class with Judy-Lee
  • 17:30 – Stretch Class with Judy-Lee
  • 17;30 – Sunset sessions with Gerald in Chill Zone
  • 18h00 – Supper
  • 19h00 – Riders Briefing & Prize Giving, presented on screens

Tsitsikamma >> Nature’s Valley

  • 05h30 – Breakfast station opens
  • 06h30 –Bag drop-off closes
  • 07h00 – Start of “The Ride” 
  • 07h05 – Start of “The Ride” E-Bike field
  • 07h10 – “The Tour” riders batch opens
  • 12h00 – Prize Giving

GPS

navigation

The route will be marked for 2025, we will however be sending out GPS files for the routes on the 10th of February.

Do you need to buy a GPS with files uploaded?
If you don’t have a GPS unit, EasyBike has great offers on Polar, Suunto, Garmin, Powertap & Sigma GPS units (please quote “PE Plett” if you order).
What type of GPS unit do I need?
Can be mounted on a bike.
Can upload FIT, GPX or FIT files to follow tracks.
What GPS units are recommended?
Check online (forums and websites) that your GPS unit model can upload FIT, GPX or FIT files to follow tracks. Simply type your model’s name and the word “FIT, GPX or FIT” to find out.

We are not endorsing any particular unit. These are some suitable GPS units suggested by EasyBike:

Suunto
Ambit
Ambit 2
Ambit 3
Suunto Traverse
Suunto Spartan
Suunto 9

Polar
Polar V650
Polar V800
Vantage M (Compatible Soon)
Vantage V (Compatible Soon

PowerTap
Joule GPS

Sigma
Rox 7
Rox 11
Rox 12

Garmin
eTrex 10, 20, 30
eTrex Touch 35
Oregon 400, 450, 500, 600, 610, 650, 680, 700, 750
GPSMAP 62, 62s, 64, 64s, 64sc
GPSMAP 78s
Montana 600, 610, 650, 680
Fenix, Fenix 2, Fenix 3, Fenix 3 HR, Fenix 5, Fenix 5 Plus
Tactix Bravo
Edge 20, 25, 130, 200, 500, 510, 520, 520 Plus, 800, 810, 820, 1000, 1030

Bryton
Rider 330
Rider 530

Wahoo
Element
Element Bolt

 

When will I receive the GPS files of the route to upload to my GPS device?
Within the week before the race, we will send out a mail containing the GPS files for each day’s routes. These files will also be available at registration at the EasyBike helpdesk if you struggle to download at home but we would prefer you to try first.
Do I need to upload maps onto my GPS device?
NO and this is a big NO. Maps are not necessary – all you need to do is follow the route on your GPS device. Maps are difficult to follow on a small device like a bike GPS and they chow battery. You are simply tracking a route each day and most devices have a warning to let you know you are off the route. Remember with GPS you could go wrong but you will never get lost!
How does GPS work?
You will have the route for each day uploaded in your device. You will select the day and off you go. You will follow what is called the “breadcrumb” track. If you go off the track most devices let you know that you are off, in addition you will see your arrow is off the track.
Will I have enough battery life?
You should have more than enough for each day and in some cases even more. Every manufacturer is different but look for a device that has the longest battery life. Most modern units have very good battery life.
Will there be daily charging stations?
There are charging stations in our Chill Zone every night, and just to be safe, bring an adaptor to suit your charger.
Do both riders in a team need to have a GPS unit?
Not essential, but it is preferable if you each have one.
How to upload the GPS files to your GPS unit?

– Dropbox GPS files for manual use

Drop Box GPS Files (other users and as a last resort for Windows users):
Check your email a week before the event for access to your files. Make sure you have the correct file format (GPX, FIT or TCX) for your GPS unit. If you download the wrong files you may not get all the added features available for your GPS unit (eg water point, Virtual Partner) and it may not work.

Why can’t I use my mobile phone?
Whilst some apps on your mobile phone link to GPS direct without requiring network signal, this is not optimal because there are sections of the route without data connection for mobile phones. Unless connected to a network, the GPS on a mobile phone is not accurate which means you will get lost or lose signal if you use your mobile phone.

Other reasons a mobile phone is unsuitable as your main GPS device:
– its battery will run out quickly
– its screen times out to avoid running down the battery running – but by re-activating it, you further waste battery
– you will need to find a bike mount for it
– most are not waterproof, if it rains or you fumble in the river crossings
– its screen is difficult to see in the sun
– most are not robust and will shatter if you fall. GPS units are more rugged.

So rather use your mobile phone as a backup but do not rely on it. Your GPS device is easy to see and follow, it will stay on at all times, it uses a fraction of the battery power and it is designed for this purpose.

What happens if my GPS unit runs out of battery life or stops working while on route?
You will need to follow your partner and other riders. Our safety marshals will ensure all riders get back safely. This is also another reason why its preferred that you each have a GPS.
What is stopping me from taking shorter routes?
We will be having checkpoints to ensure all riders are on track. This will also ensure we know if anyone is lost.
Can I ride the routes outside of the event?
No, you cannot ride our routes outside this event. Most of our route is through private land and you will be trespassing. It would also jeopardise any future events.
Which GPS make is better?
EasyBike has tried a few makes from entry-level through to top-end and they all work well. The main thing to consider is your budget, your needs and their support level. Questions you should ask: do I want more than a GPS ie training, heart rate, power etc.
Will there be GPS support at M&G Investments PE PLETT PE Plett?
We will have full GPS support from EasyBike who know their stuff. Your manufacturers will have websites devoted to helping you too, visit their sites and ask loads of questions.
Go and practice!

Load a GPS trail from where you train and see how the system you use works and what works for you. Go out and ride, get the feel of following the GPS. This will go a long way when you face a choice of 3 different tracks all going a similar direction on M&G PE Plett.

Other ride

information

Unwritten rules of single track

As much as the organisers try to position a race of this magnitude as fun and adventurous, there remains a need for rules. These rules are mainly created for your own safety and enjoyment.

The ride-of-way principal applies to single track and any challenging sections.

Ride-of-Way – this is a very simple concept that should apply to all fair mountain bikers all over the planet:

– If you are walking on a section because it is too technical or you are too tired you must give way to those riding.

– If you are behind a slower rider – ask nicely to pass but don’t make them panic and fall. We are all here for a good time. Keep it nice and chilled and nobody will get hurt.

– If you are a man and she is a woman, try not to be too bitter about the fact that you are being beaten but pull off the side of the road and wish her well.

– Give Way – if there is a faster rider behind you try to find a safe place to let him or her pass you.

– If you are behind someone pushing simply ask for ride of way. To view the full list of rules, go to Cycling SA’s website:
– www.cyclingsa.com/rules-and-regulations
– Race Info Rules

E-Bikes

E-Bikes are welcome and the M&G Investments PE PLETT has its own E-Bike class. It’s not a Race but a Ride so the onus is on you to get through to the end.

How it works:

  • You have your very own E-Bike class
  • We have 1 Battery swap-out station en route; Waterpoint 1, each day.
  • Battery charging station in village each night
  • Choice of Solo or Team.
  • Team entry – 1 rider can ride with a traditional bike, and you will feature in the “Hydrid” results.

Having an extra battery is not essential. Riders can conserve and run on economy mode to ensure they make it to the end with some juice to spare. Make sure you plan your strategy.

Our focus is fun and with all beer and wine sponsored, live music, and great food it really is a ride with a vibe.

E-Bikes can be ridden at both “The Ride” and “The Tour” events.

Cancellation

By entering the 2025 M&G Investments PE PLETT you agree to the following as well as the documents contained in the
Red Cherry Events terms and conditions

A R5,000 pp non-refundable deposit is required to secure your entry, thereafter the below applies.

Riders wanting to cancel, need to do so in writing by 30 June to receive a full refund (less deposit), otherwise the following applies:

75% of the entry fee will be refunded if written notice is received before 30 August.
50% of the entry fee will be refunded if written notice is received before 31 October.
0% will be refunded if written notice is received after 1 November.

All entries after 30 November will not be eligible for certain parts of the race pack.
No refunds are available on extras booked.

Any riders wishing to move their 4-day entry over to the Day Ripper, or between the two event will be treated as a new entry. Thus deposits cannot be carried over to the Day Ripper event.

Substitution

To make the substitution follow these steps:
  • Go to our Entry Portal
  • Log in using your email & password (alternatively using Facebook or google).
  • Click on your name – top right corner of the screen.
  • In the dropdown menu select “My Entries”.
  • A list of your entries will be displayed
  • Select “detail” for your entry – this will load an overview of your entry.
  • In the member’s table, on the right, you will see a substitute button.
  • Clicking the substitute button will open the “Substitute member” page.
  • Enter the email of the person who is going to receive the entry.
  • Save.
  • You will be redirected back to your registration overview page – not the message at the top of your screen: “Substitution added to the change list. Please click ‘confirm changes’ in your changes overview.”
  • Click on the changes overview or scroll to the bottom of the page where you will see the Confirm changes button
  • Once you are sure that the information is correct click Confirm changes, if for any reason the information is not correct you can withdraw the substitution.
  • You will be redirected to the payment page where the substitution fee can be paid.
  • Substitutions are charged at R350 per change.

It's a ride with a vibe

 

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