An interesting mix - a balance between tough climbing, fast flat sections and some great single track. First there are a few climbs to negotiate though, at about 5km there is a short but particularly nasty one that has concrete strips for traction (beware of the tricky descent too), then on to tackle the Nuweberg from the East side. This is the biggest climb of the day - it is about five-and-a-half kilometres with a gradient steeper than 25% on one section. Watch out for some washed out segments on the descents as the course weaves over the hills above Grabouw and on to single track heaven. The trail carves through about 7km of forest before depositing elated riders at the Elgin Country Club and Water Point 2. The single track is far from over though and soon riders will be crossing over and through the Oak Valley Wine Estate and Paul Cluver Estate, both with some of the best purpose-built trails around. Expect loads of spectators at the Paul Cluver amphitheatre with its bridges and North Shore-type elevated sections.