15 km Botmaskop Traverse–Mountain Warrior Challenge 01 Sep 2012

Wow – what a trail! This has probably been my favourite (and most challenging) trail runs of the year so far (you’ll see why when you scroll down to the pics).
The Botmaskop Traverse forms part of the Mountain Warrior Challenge Festival held out in the mountains of Stellenbosch / Simonsberg. Take note: MOUNTAIN WARRIOR! – this course – even the “measly” 15km is a quad-buster of note! (as I’m writing this, I’m not a 100% certain I can get up from my chair without some sort of assistance).
To give you some idea: on the road I could probably cover the distance in about 1:20 – my finishing time was around 3:10.
I’ll admit the morning of the race, my expectations weren’t very high. The directions lead me the wrong way (thankfully I had GPS with me as a backup), the start was delayed by an hour, and there were only about 30 participants – how good could this race be with such little support? Well now I’m thinking either people were too ‘poep bang’ to take on the mountains, or this is one of the best kept secrets on the western cape trail circuit.
The parking was at the Rustenburg Wine Estate, which forms part of the Idas Valley area just outside Stellenbosch:

From there we were taken by bus to the starting point at the base of the mountain on Jonkershoek road.

The first few kms was a steep climb on a combination of single track and jeep track, and offered a small taste of the magnificent scenery that was on offer



The route seems to be popular for the mountain bikers

A small glimpse of what was to come about 1 km from the top

One at the top, the terrain get decidedly more tricky

some more great views

it’s at this point you can see why they call it a “traverse”

There’s pretty much no trail up here – you have to rely on a combination of piled rocks, white & orange poles, and spray painted rocks to lead the way – well done to the organisers – every time I went off path (and you will get off path) – there were markers to get me back on track.

This trail probably has some of the steepest descents you’ll encounter anywhere, sometimes requiring the obligatory “bum-slide” to get you down. Keep in mind I’m pointing the camera directly down on these shots:

The “cliff face” descent climb is followed by some pretty steep single track. My quads were busted by this time – I actually had to rest every now and then going down hill!
Eventually the single track opens up to a very pleasant last 3rd of the race on open jeep track and gentle descents

Boy was I glad to see the finish line!

If you’re thinking about doing this race – don’t think – do! Make sure you’re prepared tho – I now understand why the organisers at the start kept repeating: “just keep your sense of humour”
All-in-all a wonderful day spent in the splendour of God’s artistry.
There were just too many great shots to include in-line – check out the album for more trail evidence:

Botmaskop Traverse VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

2012 Bormaskop Traverse Mountain Warrior

“The Sovereign Lord gives me strength. He makes me sure-footed as a deer and keeps me safe on the mountains. “ – Habakkuk 3:19 (Good News)

2012 Cape Winter Trail Series–XL2: Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve Race Report

This past weekend was the 100th Wildrunner event held at the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. I entered the XL (Extra Long) event, because trailrunning.co.za described it as “Gentle climbs and descents” – I think they forgot to mention “with the exception of one m#$%rse ascent up a mountain!”
Needless to say my calves are voicing their disapproval.
Also, don’t be fooled by the “flat” route for the first 10kms – much of it is rock-hopping along the coast – no room for running there… and look out for the resident seals – I almost ran over one – thankfully it gave a “friendly” growl before I had the chance.
A good portion of the route is single track, and while the views aren’t as abundant as the recent Greyton & Franschhoek trails, the view from the top is still worth the trek.
Organization from wildrunner was top notch – there was some rather nice cold refuelling drink half way and at the finish, and the route was amply marked with bright orange ribbons along the way. This came in rather handy when I took an unexpected detour in the coastal bush – thankfully one of those handy orange markers could be seen from atop higher ground, and I was back on trail.
On a side note – check out the line-up for next year’s summer trail series – some interesting night runs are included.
Route profile can be found here

Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve–Cape Winter Trail Series XL 2

Kuilsriver Golf Club 10 Aug 2012

Salomon Bastille Day Trail Run – Franschhoek

Now that is a trail run!
The Bastille Day celebrations in Franschhoek included a Trail Run a few k’s outside of town along side the Berg River. I originally was running with a work colleague, and thus entered the shorter 12km route. In retrospect I’m rather glad it was the shorter route – the weather turned for the worse just after I finished, and I was still recovering from flu the week before.
Had the opportunity to meet Ryan Sandes at the start of the race – he was there as part of a JAG Foundation initiative.

The scenery at the start was rather awesome – video & full album links at the bottom of this post

The organisers did an excellent job. Registration was fast and easy – and I love the salomon race bibs – MUCH better than pinning holes in your shirt for your race number. There were plenty of marshals on the course – the only blip on the radar being some blue bibs taking the wrong route because there wasn’t a marshal at one of the race route splits. The race preview was also delivered rather entertainingly by an official in full dress:

The start of the route follows a pretty steep ascent into the mountains, offering some spectacular views:

I think the only thing that was slightly frustrating about the single-track route, is having to cope with the lack of passing opportunities – but then again it helps to have some forced stoppages to take in the scenery.

I think the most novel part of the race was the numerous river crossings involved. At the first stream I saw a number of ladies removing their shoes and socks in order not to get wet – well that proved pretty pointless, and that was just a promise of things to come. The last river crossing had waist deep (deeper for some of the more vertically challenged) strong flowing water.

For footage of the river crossings can be found in the video link below.
The final 2 k’s or so are pretty flat and open, allowing an open stride for the first time.

… and for the finish a rather novel prize: a yellow-wood tree:

All-in-all a true trail running experience (in my limited experience). I’ll definitely be returning for the longer distances next year. Some final pictures of the surroundings:

Bastille Day Trail Run 12km Highlights

Salomon Bastille Day Trail Run VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

“There is no peace more wonderful than the peace we enjoy when faith shows us God in all created things.”
— Jean-Pierre de Caussde (1675-1751)