Following the rising sun as we venture east, from the picturesque Plettenberg Bay to the vibrant Port Elizabeth.
The 2024 M&G Investments PE PLETT is all set to embark on its journey towards the east, starting from the pristine Kurland Polo fields on the 21st of February 2024. This will mark the 11th edition of the ever-growing event, which has become renowned for its landmarks and exciting features. A new addition to this year’s event is “The Tour,” offering riders the opportunity to enjoy the days at their own pace, with open start chutes and a more relaxed experience without timing constraints.
Both “The Ride” and “The Tour” will commence from the Kurland Polo field, covering a spectacular 274 kilometers over four days, traversing the famous Garden Route of South Africa. The journey will culminate in the vibrant surf town of Jefferys Bay after four days and three nights of thrilling riding.
“The 2024 race is set to be a milestone for the M&G Investments PE PLETT. Celebrating its 11th year, this will be the first time that demand has led to an increase in participant numbers. With the addition of ‘The Tour,’ just four days after ‘The Ride,’ we believe we have the perfect offering for everyone, from racers to riders. This new edition allows us to expand the event while preserving our values of keeping the event small and intimate, with only 250 riders per event,” says event Director and Founder, Mike Glover.
Stage 1: Kurland Kickoff
Start: Kurland Polo Field
End: Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa
Distance:
75km
Elevation:
1200m
Difficulty:
3/5
Distance: 75km
Elevation: 1200m
Difficulty: 3/5
Setting off for the 11th time, we begin the journey through the breathtaking Tsitsikamma Coastline. Stage 1, the second-longest day of the event, takes us swiftly up the KOM to Natures Valley, descending into the enchanting Tsitsikamma Forests. Named “place of water” in Khoisan, the Tsitsikamma Forests, including Storms River, Wittelsbos, and Cold Stream, offer a mesmerizing display of fifty shades of green during this time of the year.
Winding our way through the forest roads all day, we take a detour from the Blou Krans pass to preserve our energy for the days to come. For those on “The Tour,” a leisurely lunch awaits in Storms River, while “The Ride” participants race onward to our first overnight stop at Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa. Here, you can enjoy the afternoon by the poolside, savoring an ice-cold Heineken Beer, always readily available.
Stage 2: Tranquil Trails
Start: Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa
End: Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa
Distance:
68.5km
Elevation:
1200m
Difficulty:
3/5
Distance: 68.5km
Elevation: 1200m
Difficulty: 3/5
A brand-new addition for 2024! In previous years, the M&G Investments PE PLETT took riders on a journey to different destinations each day. However, for 2024, we have something special as we start and return to the same village. This means you can revisit the same tent or room you stayed in the day before, adding a unique touch to the experience.
Stage 2 covers 68 kilometers with 1200 meters of total elevation gain, striking a perfect balance of climbing rewards and thrilling descents. Riders will delve deep into the captivating Tsitsikamma Forest, exploring its beauty like never before, before returning to the Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa.
Stage 3: Kareedouw Crossing
Start: Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa
End: Assegaaibosch Hotel
Distance:
55km
Elevation:
1332m
Difficulty:
4/5
Distance: 55km
Elevation: 1332m
Difficulty: 4/5
With a sawtooth profile, Stage 3 promises a challenging day ahead as we leave the coast and venture across the escarpment into the forestry town of Kareedouw. Covering 55 kilometers, it’s no easy task with 1332 meters of climbing standing in your way. The famous Robberhoek section greets us early on, bidding farewell to the Indian Ocean and leading us towards the event’s highest point, the infamous Soloko ascent. Once you conquer the KOM at 590 meters above sea level, you’ll traverse new single tracks as we make our way into Assegaaibosch Country Lodge, a venue used over eight times in the past.
After the race, you can drop your bike off at the Bike Wash, unwind with some Heineken beers, or enjoy a rejuvenating stretch session with your favorite instructor, Nicole. And what better way to spend the last evening than relaxing on a bean bag, listening to the sounds of our live entertainers, with tired legs that have covered over 210 kilometers in the last three days.
Stage 4: Victory Ride
Start: Assegaaibosch Hotel
End: Mentors Kraal
Distance:
75.8km
Elevation:
1218m
Difficulty:
5/5
Distance: 75.8km
Elevation: 1218m
Difficulty: 5/5
The final stage of the M&G Investments PE PLETT is also the longest and arguably the most challenging. Stretching 75 kilometers with 1,218 meters of climbing, it’s no “free ride” to the finish line. Riders will face the wind turbines, hoping that the predominant southwesterly winds will work in their favor.
Upon reaching Mentors Kraal, your journey is complete, having conquered over 290 kilometers of trails, descents, and challenges across the Garden Route of South Africa. Your bags await you at the finish line, and if you booked an upgrade package, shuttles will be ready to take you to your chosen destination.
All told, the route includes 275- kilometers of riding, with just over 4900 meters of climbing. The stats only tell a fraction of the facts, however. Only riding the M&G Investments PE PLETT can do the route justice. To experience it, from the 21st to the 27th of February 2023, click here to secure your spot.
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