The Sabie Experience :: Lite Stage 3

Sabie Experience 2011 » Lite Stage 3

*"Up to Maritzbos Hut and Jantjiesbos - Your Legs will burn"*
Click image to enlarge	Saturday, 17 December 2011 Subject to change - 1 November 2011 Summary This stage is the "rest" stage of your ride. It is about 1 km shorter than stage 2 and very scenic, with some fantastic trail riding in the last 7 km down into Ceylon. Be prepared for some rocky ascents through Jantjiesbos and more technical riding down the slopes above Bridal Veil Falls.
Quick Releases
Total Distance : Accumulated Ascent : Time : Start and Finish : Start Altitude : ETA First Team : Stage 3 Cut-Off :	28 km (GPS) 550 m 07h30 York Timbers Sports Grounds 1014 masl 10h35 (2 hours 35 minutes)
One Refreshment Station
First Point :	At approximately 10,5km at the Maritzbos Hiking Hut, just before the Sabie "Lite" route splits away from the Sabie Experience route at 12km. Be sure to take on water and sustenance here, as you will have another 10km of undulating climbs before the descent into Ceylon. ETA First Team : 09H10
Media / Spectator / Supporter Points
As the riders leave the Neutral Zone at the end of the tar in Ceylon Forestry Village, only 1,2km from the start ETA : 08H03 As the riders cross the main gravel road from Ceylon to Bridal Veil Falls, about 200m from the parking area, before they disappear into single track heaven. ETA : 10H20 For safety reasons traveling in front of, or with the riders on the stages is not allowed. Any private vehicles doing this will be immediately stopped by race officials.
Stage Description
The stage starts with a flat section on first tar and then dirt road for about 3km, before a gradual, undulating climb of 4 km to above Lone Creek Falls, with a beautiful view of the valley below on the left. A fast, flat section alongside an indigenous riverine area ends at the Maritzbos Hiking Trail Hut, where the first Refreshment Station at 10,5km may quench initial thirst before the next big effort up to the Jantjiesbos climb to the contour road over the ridge and main road to above Bridal Veil Falls. From here onwards it is plain sailing, with some steep, technical jeep tracks and lovely single tracks in the valley before a ride past "Okkie's Dam" and some of the well-known single tracks along the river to the finish at the Sports Grounds. Eat a proper meal, take a shower, get a massage, get the bike washed and polished by the Powasol crew, a proper service if needed by Cycle Junkies and prepare for the fourth and final stage over 37km - a visit to the Long Tom Waterfall. Again, pray for good weather! Stage Four briefing will take place in the Bambanani Indoor Sport Centre Hall next to the York Timbers Sports Grounds at 17h00.