The early morning light is breaking over Cape Town, casting a soft glow on Table Mountain as the city slowly awakens. The inaugural Cape Hope 500 is just getting underway, with riders lining up filled with anticipation and nervous excitement. Among the first to arrive is Fanie, who has ensured his 17-year-old son is handling the family business, allowing him more time to focus on his passion for cycling. Clad in cycling gear, Fanie has come prepared for this ultra adventure, equipped with two GPS units, a SPOT tracker, power banks, and notes strapped to his aero bars.

Photo: Route notes "Vas Byt Yster"

Photo: Fanie checking all 3 GPS units. 

“The thing is, as soon as I start the GPS, the nerves just go,” he says, taking a drag on a cigarette before setting off. His goal is ambitious: he’s aiming to finish the 500 km course in under 40 hours, planning to ride through the night without much sleep. For Fanie, this race isn’t just about completing the distance—it’s a test of endurance, both mentally and physically.

An Ultra Adventure in Real Time

Right now, riders are out on the course, facing an unsupported journey that demands every ounce of self-sufficiency. The Cape Hope 500 is no ordinary bike-packing event; riders must navigate the entire route, manage their supplies, and tackle any issues without outside assistance. The route is a challenging mix of terrain, with long stretches of beach, rough gravel paths, smooth tar, and rugged mountain trails, making for a grueling but exhilarating experience.

Already, the reality of the course is setting in for some. Just a kilometer into the route, several GPS devices are failing, momentarily disorienting riders. We catch up with Fanie at a stoplight, where he pauses, seemingly taking the mishap in stride. The sun is rising, painting the sky with vibrant hues of pink and orange as light clouds drift over Cape Town. The city’s streets are gradually filling with the steady hum of traffic, while the riders press onward, unperturbed.

Photo: Nelson Mandela's quote on Noble Square.

Confronting the Beach

The first significant challenge is now upon them: a 10 km stretch of beach. High tide is approaching, expected around 10:30 am, and Fanie has mentioned that it could make this section particularly tough. As the tide comes in, the hard-packed sand needed for cycling becomes scarce, forcing riders to slog through deep, soft sand where pedaling becomes nearly impossible. This stretch had been highlighted in the race briefing as potentially one of the toughest, a reminder of the struggles faced by early settlers who arrived at the Cape with hopes for a new life.

Some riders are already adjusting their plans based on the conditions. Marcus, another participant, is setting a more relaxed pace. “I’m riding to Paarl and then sleeping there—I’m not going to push through to Sunday,” he says. He has decided to avoid the beach section altogether, recognizing that while it might not align with the pure spirit of the event, it’s the right decision for him today. The Cape Hope 500 is about the journey, after all—finding one's limits, adapting to circumstances, and defining success on personal terms.

Photo: Marcus arriving at 5:49 for the 06:00 Friday morning start.

Photo: A small V&A detour on the route created a relaxed start to the Cape Hope 500.

Navigating the Ongoing Challenges

As the riders continue, they follow a route that takes them from the city out onto the beach and then across farmlands. There are stretches of smooth tar and gravel that allow for some faster riding, offering a bit of relief before the more difficult segments. The road toward Riebeek Kasteel is already proving challenging, with a 5 km stretch of heavily corrugated road rattling even the most prepared riders. Beyond Riebeek Kasteel, they are making their way toward Tulbagh, where the course takes them over a train line and through service roads, requiring some to dismount and carry their bikes.

Photo: Cape Town's access to gravel routes is to be celebrated. As a city that supports cycling and tourism. 

The gravel sections behind Bainskloof offer smoother riding, but there is no doubt that the toughest test lies ahead in the last 150 km. As they approach Table Mountain, riders are preparing themselves for the relentless climbs and rocky paths. These trails are unforgiving, especially for those who are already riding without sleep. Signal Hill, looming in the distance, includes sections that require dismounting and hiking up and over Noon Gun. It’s here, with many riders potentially 40 hours in, where accumulated fatigue threatens to overcome their mental resilience—a moment some refer to as a “sense of humor failure.”

Photo: Bainskloof entry. Back to gravel at around 200km of the 500km course.

A Celebration of the Present Moment

Right now, the riders of the Cape Hope 500 are not just out on a course; they are on a journey of self-discovery, pushing boundaries, and celebrating life through the act of riding. The stunning backdrop of Cape Town and its surrounding landscapes is more than a setting—it’s a constant reminder of the beauty and challenge that make this event extraordinary. With each climb, descent, and pedal stroke, they are expressing their dedication to the sport, their grit, and their love for the adventure.

Photo: Single Hill entry has a brutal path around Noon gun.

Photo: Passed the Lion on Lion's head and up and over.

Photo: But not before passing by the Bo-Kaap. A beautiful and historically significant part of the Cape Town city bowl.

Fanie is out there, chasing his goal of completing the course in 40 hours. Every moment, every mile, is a test of his endurance and determination. The question is no longer whether he can make it—it’s about how he is pushing through, finding the strength within himself to keep going. For Marcus and others, the race is unfolding as an opportunity to enjoy the ride, embracing the freedom to choose their own pace and focus on the experience rather than the clock.

The inaugural Cape Hope 500 is happening now, with each rider writing their own story in real-time. As the adventure continues, the city, the mountains, and the beach bear witness to an event that goes beyond a simple race. It’s a celebration of resilience, adventure, and the unbreakable spirit of gravel cycling. The memories being made out there today will resonate long after the finish line has been crossed.

For those who are riding through the night, battling exhaustion, and navigating the challenging terrain, the Cape Hope 500 is becoming a legend before our very eyes. It’s not just about reaching the end—it’s about finding the limits of what they can achieve and discovering what it truly means to live for the ride.

Photo: Pierre stopping by Fanie who was having GPS issues