RIDE THE VIRTUAL TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA – ANYWHERE, ANY TIME!
Virtual Insanity, in partnership with Fulgaz and Bicycling, is excited to unveil the Virtual Tour of South Africa, from 13-23 November. This virtual tour is an exciting set of five exotic rides through South Africa that will transport you instantly to our beautiful country in what is one of the most picturesque series of routes on the Fulgaz virtual platform.
They’re all expertly filmed in stunningl 4K, and there’s a varied mix of terrain, scenery and technical sections to keep you glued to your screen – and motivated!
All rides will be available in a single drop, and you have 10 days to complete the challenge.
This event features five great rides – three of which are yet to be released, and will be available for early access only to event entrants. Be careful – the wildlife isn’t always friendly, with roadside rhinos, gawking giraffes and even a lounging lion!
Entry is free, but register at fulgaz.com to secure your space and donate to their charity partner, Headway. Headway is a charity that focuses on braininjury survivors.
THE ROUTES
AQUILA GAME DRIVE
Ceres, Western Cape Aquila Game Reserve is named after the endangered black or Verreaux eagle. The reserve is situated in the historic town of Touws River, in a valley in the Karoo between the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains. The 10 000-hectare conservancy has evolved from its early days as a residence for various antelope species only, to becoming the home of the Big Five – elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and leopard – as well as a significant variety of other wild game, which roam freely on the reserve. Distance: 18.54km • Elevation: 263m
COAST TO COAST
Betty’s Bay, Western Cape This journey begins just outside the small village of Betty’s Bay, a small coastal holiday town situated in the Overberg region of South Africa. It is located 100km from Cape Town beneath the steep Kogelberg mountain range. This scenic ocean ride from Betty’s Bay to Gordon’s Bay is breathtaking, offering a variety of beaches, mountain ranges and sublime summer playgrounds. It’s a road not often travelled, and truly one of South Africa’s bestkept secrets. Distance: 43.09km • Elevation: 488m
CEDERBERG MOUNTAINS Western Cape
The Cederberg mountain region is only two hours from Cape Town, and yet the landscape is completely different: wilder, warmer, with raw, dramatic beauty.
Its beautiful, towering mountains offer brilliant purple-and-orange sunsets, and exceptional botanical diversity. The route is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom of South Africa, and among the twisted rock formations, farmers cultivate the world-famous (and healthy) rooibos tea, found only in the Cederberg.
The climbs are tough and challenging, but the surroundings will keep you intrigued; this is a bucket-list experience. Distance: 31.61km • Elevation: 919m
HERMANUS TOWNSHIP & TRAILS Hermanus, Western Cape Just outside Cape Town, close to the southern tip of Africa, you will find the Cape Whale Coast – a place that could easily be named ‘Heaven on Earth’.
Hermanus is renowned as the breeding ground for Southern Right whales on their annual winter migration. The Hemel-enaarde (‘Heaven and Earth’) valley boasts a stretch of vineyards, and some of the most incredible mountain-bike trails.
This ride will take you on a scenically and culturally diverse journey: from a small-town harbour, through a township, up and over the mountain tops above the village – and through the valley of heaven! Distance: 29.69km • Elevation: 640m
TABLE MOUNTAIN
Cape Town, Western Cape Ride the most iconic landmark in South Africa: Table Mountain. Warm up the legs by starting at Mouille Point Lighthouse, and enjoy the view along Seapoint and the famous Camps Bay.
In Camps Bay you will turn to tackle Table Mountain via ‘The Glen’ – short, steep and sweet. Continue the climb to the Lion’s Head lookout over Table Bay. Majestic views of Table Mountain, Table Bay and the city will make you forget all the metres you’ve just climbed. Then cruise along the legendary Table Mountain Road. Watch out for the Cableway Station, waterfalls, families and a lot of people loving the mountain! A fast descent down Kloof Nek Road, and you’re ready for a coffee stop at one of Cape Town’s finest establishments. Distance: 33km • Elevation: 650m