Hey thanks for the question – really – it prompts me into action – like a dong on the head eh.

Firstly my broad view is that I have done lots and lots of touring so the first thing I like to plan is a trip that I would enjoy pedaling – moreover one that I can get so excited about and want to cajole all my buddies into (so much of my cycling has been ear bashing folk into inspiration).  So the choices when planning routes really are something like we asked in the survey – do we take a busier tar road or a lumpy gravel road. 

As a lecturer in my MBA said “the answer is always ‘it depends’”.  It depends on things like

• How busy is the tar road
• How lumpy is the gravel road
• Which looks betta
• Where are the bakeries and wineries and swimming holes
• And sometimes even - how tired was I on the day I pedaled through

Here’s what the folk who were on the ride said

I personally agree that some lovely quiet gravel roads make for a great days cycling so I smiled at these figures (particularly as the folk who have inherited many of the rides I established have entrenched policies of never using gravel).

So to answer your question – hmmmm - just checked that I have already written this for the web here http://www.greateventcompany.com/topic.php?a=4&b=127 for the Western Cape and there is also one for the Mpum ride which is just about all sealed.  We should get one of those RSS feeder thingys that update everyone when the site changes.

And now for what I reckon is the real question – for those who were on last years ride –this years is betta – one of the best weeks pedaling I have ever seen.  Every time I am over the route – I return thinking that we undersell the scenery.  Last year was a super weeks pedaling – but there were a couple of average bits – on the concrete road to Calitzdorp and the section around Robertson and the last day maybe.  This year is stunning every day – there isn’t a dull bit – and this is one of the few times I have been able to say this.  What an amazing place South Africa is.  For those who know the country – I challenge you to think of a section that isn’t top class pedaling.  We are grinding our way on top of the admin and plumbing issues and when do – I keep saying to the team that we don’t have to do much else – we have South Africa as a back drop. 

If I was brave or clever enough I would offer some crazy challenge to those that pedal this and reckon it was betta than last year – so what say I offer a frothy or a bubbly to those who honestly say this isn’t betta than last year.  I think I should have some small print here that refers to conditions and rules but we cannot afford the lawyers so we thought we might try this lame sight gag.

Till the next question that dongs me into a response,

Paul McKay