The Inaugural Cape Hope 500: A Gritty 500km Journey of Self-Sufficiency and Adventure


BICYCLING REPORTER |

The Cape Hope 500, an exciting addition to the ultra-adventure cycling scene, kicked off on the 11th of October, 2024, in Cape Town. Organised by Gravalist, cyclists embarked on a 500 km journey filled with grit, determination, and self-sufficiency. The race took riders on detours, adventures, and loops, venturing from the beach up the West Coast, through farmlands, along gravel paths to Tulbagh, across Bainskloof, battling headwinds back to town, and conquering challenging sections within Table Mountain’s national parks.

With the iconic Table Mountain bathed in early morning light, the inaugural race began at Nobel Square in the V&A Waterfront, marking the start of what is set to become a legendary event in gravel cycling.

A ride preparing to depart on the Cape Hope 500.

One of the riders, Fanie van Zyl, meticulously prepared for this ultra-endurance race. Balancing his passion for cycling with his family business, Fanie arrived equipped with two GPS units, a SPOT tracker, and detailed route notes strapped to his aero bars. His goal? To complete the grueling 500 km course in under 40 hours, pushing through the night with minimal sleep. As he set off with calm focus, Fanie and the other riders tackled not only the distance but also a variety of rugged terrains.

An Unsupported Adventure Like No Other

The race tested the physical and mental limits of its participants

The Cape Hope 500 was no ordinary cycling event. Riders had to navigate the entire course solo, managing their supplies and equipment while battling ever-changing landscapes—from beach sand to gravel paths, smooth tar to rocky mountain trails. This event demanded complete self-sufficiency, testing the physical and mental limits of its participants. The beauty of the event lay not just in its difficulty but in the freedom it gave riders to determine their own path.

A rider leaving Cape Town on the Cape Hope 500

The race began early that morning with a few hiccups, as some GPS units malfunctioned within the first kilometer, but the riders pressed on. For Fanie, the GPS mishap was a minor inconvenience; his sights were set on the bigger picture. As Cape Town stirred with the hum of morning traffic, the riders left the city behind and dove headfirst into the challenges of the course.

Facing the Beach – A Race Against the Tide

One of the first major hurdles the riders faced was a daunting 10 km stretch of beach. With high tide expected at 10:30 am, this section proved to be a tough slog, forcing riders to dismount and walk their bikes through soft, deep sand. The race briefing had highlighted this as one of the most difficult sections, likening it to the trials early settlers faced when they arrived in the Cape seeking a new beginning. For Fanie, this section represented just another challenge in his quest to complete the ride on his own terms.

Other riders, like Marcus, opted to take the race at a slower pace, bypassing the beach altogether. For him, the Cape Hope 500 was less about racing and more about enjoying the journey. He planned to ride through to Paarl and stop for a rest there, showcasing one of the many ways participants could tailor the adventure to their own pace and goals.

Navigating Challenges Across Mixed Terrain

As the day unfolded, the riders encountered a mix of fast tar sections and rough gravel stretches. From the city’s outskirts to the farmlands, they faced different challenges, including the infamous 5 km stretch of corrugated gravel near Riebeek Kasteel. Later in the race, the toughest part of the course lay ahead—150 km of relentless climbs, rocky paths, and unforgiving trails. Signal Hill, with its sharp ascent up Noon Gun, awaited those still riding after nearly 40 hours, with the mental and physical toll of the race pushing riders to their limits.

More Than a Race—A Celebration of Adventure

As the Cape Hope 500 unfolded, it became clear that the event wasn’t just about racing from point A to point B. It was a journey of personal discovery, a celebration of cycling, and a testament to the resilience required to tackle such a monumental challenge. With each pedal stroke, the riders forged their own paths, overcame obstacles, and savoured the beauty of Cape Town and its surrounding landscapes.

A rider on a gravel road during the Cape Hope 500.

For riders like Fanie, who were determined to conquer the course in under 40 hours, it was a race against time and themselves. Others, like Marcus, were content with a more leisurely ride, stopping to enjoy the scenery and the adventure along the way. No matter the approach, every participant wrote their own story during the event.

As the riders pushed through the night, braving exhaustion and challenging terrains, the Cape Hope 500 proved itself to be a legendary event in the making.

Fanie’s Triumph

Ultimately, Fanie successfully completed the 500 km journey first, in 40 hours, conquering the challenging course and achieving his goal. His determination and preparation paid off, marking an incredible achievement in the inaugural Cape Hope 500.

Next year’s event takes place from 10th October – 12th October 2025. But here’s the kicker. Only 13 riders can participate, so get your name onto the waiting list pronto.

READ MORE ON: endurance racing gravel Gravel Riding SA races

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