THE CEDER 2023
Sat Sep 9, 04:00 - Sun Sep 10, 14:00
Cederberg Oasis
ABOUT
Inspired by Cape Cycle Routes’ Cederberg Circuit, The Ceder started in 2021 as a 245km, self-supported, single-stage bicycle race in the spectacular Cederberg – Western Cape, South Africa. A circular route, on mostly gravel roads, along sweeping historical mountain passes, through pristine floral landscapes passing crystal clear rivers. 2022 saw The Ceder grow to a portfolio of events, taking place over two separate weekends.
For 2023, we’ve built on the success of previous years, adding more cycle race options as well as two trail running events – taking the number of events to six – over the two weekends.
THE CEDER SOCIAL WEEKEND | 19-21 MAY | FREE
THE CEDER RACE WEEKEND | 8-10 SEPTEMBER | TICKETED EVENTS
THE CEDER SOCIAL WEEKEND | 19-21 MAY | FREE
Taking place from 19-21 May, this weekend allows for a gentle introduction into what The Ceder, and the Cederberg, has to offer.
A chance for prospective entrants (along with their families and friends) to scout out some of the race routes, meet fellow participants and generally familiarise themselves with the area – with respect to accommodation options, weather environment and road conditions.
The intention of this weekend is to lower the perceived barrier to entry that exists in cycling and trail running. Feedback from people starting the sports say it can be intimidating. We want to diminish this. The Ceder Social Weekend offers the perfect, relaxed opportunity to join along – with zero pressure or intimidation.
There are organised rides and runs over the weekend. However, it’s not mandatory to join. We provide guidance and route options for all levels of experience. This year, we’re offering a two-day bike packing route, starting and finishing in Citrusdal – using Cederberg Oasis as the overnight stop.
THE CEDER RACE WEEKEND | 8-10 SEPTEMBER | TICKETED EVENTS
Starting and finishing at the iconic Cederberg Oasis (home of the smiley face), racing gets underway early on Saturday (cycle) and Sunday (run).
Picturesque snow greeted riders in 2021. 2022 brought about crisp and clear conditions. With the weather playing such a big part in the riders’ race strategies, WhatsApp groups are alive with predications as the race weekend nears. We can’t control the weather but we can guarantee a memorable weekend.
Five events cater for beginners to the experienced. Each with unique challenges, joys and goals.
THE CEDER CYCLE EVENTS
THE CEDER245
Distance: 245km
Elevation Gain: 3700m
Date: Saturday 9 September 2023
Start time: 04:00am
Cut-off: 22:00pm
The OG. A spellbinding adventure through other-worldly rock formations and fynbos floral kingdoms. Departing at 4am from Cederberg Oasis, Grootrivierhoogte, Blinkberg Pass and Middelberg Pass loom large, before racers find themselves at the (roughly) halfway point in Citrusdal for a much needed refuel. Some choose to pitstop earlier, at Op-die-Berg.
Rolling out of town, the route tracks the Olifants River as it winds it way into Clanwilliam Dam. At the 180km mark, riders ‘turn for home’ with the soul-destroying Uitkyk Pass in the forefront of their minds.
Once over the pass, it’s 40km to the finish line and prayers of a tailwind.
THE CEDER140 | NEW EVENT
Distance: 140km
Elevation Gain: 2200m
Date: Saturday 9 September 2023
Start time: 06:00am
Cut-off: 18:00pm
New to the roster of races this year, the Ceder140 is a welcome addition – an intermediate option for those who prefer to dice over a shorter distance. We expect a strong and deep field of the best gravel racers South Africa has to offer.
Leaving Cederberg Oasis, riders head towards the vineyards of Sanddrif. Following a white-knuckle descent of Uitkyk Pass, riders pass Cape Nature’s Algeria complex – worthy of a pitstop for an ice cold Coke. Shortly after Algeria, the route forks left onto Nieuwoudts Pass, ensuring all passes in the Cederberg get equal attention. The descent promises to put a huge smile on everyone’s face.
Reaching a four way crossing at the bottom, the course goes right – placing riders onto the same route as the Ceder245. A legendary frozen orange juice awaits participants at the Jamaka aid station, providing that final motivation to complete the 40km left to go.
THE CEDER30 | 30KM SOCIAL ROUTE
Distance: 30km
Elevation Gain: 600m
Date: Saturday 9 September 2023
Start time: Riders can start at own time throughout the day
Cut-off: 18:00pm
Billed as a social event, riders taking on this 30km route can start when they please and enjoy the picturesque course at their own leisure. Unique to the race weekend, riders pass through Kromriver – the oldest tourist destination in the heart of the Cederberg. Surrounded by fynbos and the iconic majestic orange rock formations – this event is the perfect option for beginners, younger riders, and social racers.
Kromrivier Cederberg Park restaurant provides the perfect incentive to soak up the incredible, millions of years old scenery, while sipping on a cold beverage – of which there are many to choose from.
THE CEDER TRAIL RUN EVENTS
The Cederberg is a world class trail running destination. Tapping in expert experience and local knowledge – say hello to CederRun.
Adding trail runs to the portfolio’s existing cycle events makes for a fun-fuelled, festival-feel weekend of activities and adventure. With kilometres of pristine single-track on offer, runners are in for a treat.
THE CEDERRUN | 5KM | FREE EVENT
Distance: 5km
Elevation Gain: 100m
Date: Saturday 9 September 2023
Start time: Runners can start at own time throughout the day
Cut-off: 18:00pm
A short and sharp 5km shakeout the day before the main event, or run on its own to experience the network of trails around Cederberg Oasis. With no official start time, runners can choose when to get going on Saturday.
THE CEDERRUN | 22KM | NEW EVENT
Distance: 22km
Elevation Gain: 1200m
Date: Sunday 10 September 2023
Start time: 06:00am
Cut-off: 12:00pm
A tough, 22km trail run on the mountains standing over Cederberg Oasis, trail runners take on a circular route – arriving at the finish where The Ceder cyclists will be cheering home the runners.
RIDE INFO
- Race it or ride it!
- All bicycles welcome except E-bikes. NO E-bikes allowed unfortunately
- Self-Supported
- The Ceder245 offers a dropbox / aidstation around halfway mark (Before Citrusdal)
- The Ceder140 offers a waterpoint
- Race format: Solo / no teams
- Limited race entries available
- Group Starts: The Ceder245 04:00am Saturday 9 September
- Group Starts: The Ceder140 06:00am Saturday 9 September
- Any emergency race support or assistance will be withdrawn at 22:00 Saturday 9 September
- GPX file will be sent via email leading up to race day
- There will be a top 3 podium for a men’s category & a women’s category (Equal prizes for both podiums)
We encourage all participants to treat The Ceder as a self-supported race / ride. There will be minimal route markings, please ensure you have the correct GPX loaded before entering the Cederberg. The safety & well-being of our riders are a priority, there will be a medical support vehicle on route & ambulance in case of emergencies. Please be sure to save necessary emergency contact numbers provided via email & at registration.
ENTRY FEE
- Ceder245 (Early Bird) - R1250 (Ends 27 April 12:00pm)
- Ceder245 (General) - R1495 (Ends 28 August 12:00pm)
- Ceder245 (Last Round) - R1650
- Ceder140 (Early Bird) - R795 (Ends 27 April 12:00pm)
- Ceder140 (General) - R975 (Ends 28 August 12:00pm)
- Ceder140 (Last Round) - R1250
- Ceder30MTB(General) - R375
- CederRun (Early Bird) - R795 (Ends 27 April 12:00pm)
- CederRun (General) - R995 (Ends 28 August 12:00pm)
- CederRun (Last Round) - R1250
- Entries only available online via Quicket
- Substitutions will be charged an additional R250, no substitutions after 31 July
- No refunds
- Event cancelation due to any unforeseen issues, all entries will automatically carry over to following year
RACE ENTRY INCLUDES
- Goodies Bag (Except Ceder30MTB & CederRun 5km) - Follow The Ceder for goodies announcements
- The Ceder Musette
- Race Number (Except CederRun 5km)
- On route Medical support vehicle & ambulance
- Equal prizes for men’s & women’s podiums - Follow The Ceder for prize announcements
Attending The Ceder Event & participating in The Ceder Race, all participants do so at their own risk. The Ceder, organizer/s, volunteers, staff, sponsors & Cederberg Oasis take no responsibility for any loss, damage, injuries or deaths.
The Ceder recommends that you arrange your own personal accident insurance, ambulance cover and income protection insurance before participating in the Event to cover any unforeseen personal costs you may incur due to ambulance trips, medical expenses or time off work due to injuries sustained whilst participating in the Event. As a The Ceder participant, you are responsible for yourself and should know the rules and regulations of the race. You need to be able to clearly evaluate your mental and physical abilities. You need to be sufficiently trained and keep with you all the necessary & compulsory equipment, gear & kit.
In entering any of The Ceder events, participants acknowledge and agree to all of the above.
REGISTRATION
- Venue & date to be announced leading up to race day
COMPULSORY KIT & GEAR
- Fully charged front & rear bicycle lights (with additional spare batteries or power pack) Lights to be capable of minimum 6 hours
- Helmet
- Waterproof jacket (TBC leading up to race day)
- Windbreaker
- Thermal layers (Baselayer, arm warmers or long sleeve jersey, leg warmers)
- Buff
- Gloves
- Emergency Survival blanket (Space blanket)
- Fully charged phone with saved emergency contacts (To conserve battery, leave phone in ‘Flight mode’)
- Food, Nutrition & Hydration
- Hydration - Minimum 1.5L capacity (Bottles or bladder or both)
- Race Number (Mounted as specified)
- GPS device for route navigation & time tracking
- Cape Nature Day Permit issued by the reserve
DNF (DID NOT FINISH) / RETIRING FROM THE RACE
Should you need to drop out of the race, you have to notify a race official immediately. If you leave the course and fail to notify race officials, you will be banned from participating in the future (unless assisted from the course by the race medic) Please report to race organizer or race officials when finished. Contacts provided on entry & at registration on Friday evening.
ENVIRONMENT
- Leave no trace & take no souvenirs
- Race participants are responsible for anything they discard, goes into a bin
- Please respect & be aware of other road users, especially on descents and blind corners
ACCOMMODATION
- ALL participants are responsible for booking their own accommodation directly with Cederberg Oasis. It is recommended to book accommodation ASAP to avoid disappointment
- Other surrounding accommodation options:
- Nuwerust
- Mount Ceder
- Kromriver
- Sanddrif
- Driehoek
- Algeria
OTHER INFO
- Cederberg Oasis offer braai facilities (wood for sale on premises)
- Oasis restaurant: Please visit website for menu, kitchen closes 9pm
- Cash bar: Oasis will have a cash bar (no Honesty bar over race weekend)
- Closest shop & fuel station: Op-die-berg 65km (Petrol Station closed on Sundays)
- No pets allowed unfortunately
- No 4x4 needed to reach Cederberg Oasis, although it is recommended due to condition of gravel roads
Please note that The Ceder is in the process of sanctioning the race with Cycling South Africa. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]
Currently, it is not sanctioned with any cycling association or governing body. We have followed the practice of most gravel bike events worldwide. The Ceder complies to the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events act, 2010. If you are a pro cyclist and/or a member of a cycling association that may have rules & regulations regarding entering non-sanctioned events, please understand them before entering The Ceder at this point in time.
RUN INFO
- Self-Supported
- Race format: Solo / no teams
- Limited race entries available
- Group Starts: The CederRun 06:00am Sunday 10 September
- Any emergency race support or assistance will be withdrawn at 12:00 Sunday 10 September
- GPX file will be sent via email leading up to race day
- There will be a top 3 podium for a men’s category & a women’s category (Equal prizes for both podiums)
We encourage all participants to treat The CederRun as a self-supported race / run. There will be minimal route markings, please ensure you have the correct GPX loaded before entering the Cederberg. The safety & well-being of our runners are a priority, there will be a medical support vehicle on route & ambulance in case of emergencies. Please be sure to save necessary emergency contact numbers provided via email & at registration.
ENTRY FEE
- Ceder245 (Early Bird) - R1250 (Ends 27 April 12:00pm)
- Ceder245 (General) - R1495 (Ends 28 August 12:00pm)
- Ceder245 (Last Round) - R1650
- Ceder140 (Early Bird) - R795 (Ends 27 April 12:00pm)
- Ceder140 (General) - R975 (Ends 28 August 12:00pm)
- Ceder140 (Last Round) - R1250
- Ceder30MTB(General) - R375
- CederRun (Early Bird) - R795 (Ends 27 April 12:00pm)
- CederRun (General) - R995 (Ends 28 August 12:00pm)
- CederRun (Last Round) - R1250
- Entries only available online via Quicket
- Substitutions will be charged an additional R250, no substitutions after 31 July
- No refunds
- Event cancelation due to any unforeseen issues, all entries will automatically carry over to following year
RACE ENTRY INCLUDES
- Goodies Bag (Except Ceder30MTB & CederRun 5km) - Follow The Ceder for goodies announcements
- The Ceder Musette
- Race Number (Except CederRun 5km)
- On route Medical support vehicle & ambulance
- Equal prizes for men’s & women’s podiums - Follow The Ceder for prize announcements
Attending The Ceder Event & participating in The Ceder Race, all participants do so at their own risk. The Ceder, organizer/s, volunteers, staff, sponsors & Cederberg Oasis take no responsibility for any loss, damage, injuries or deaths.
The Ceder recommends that you arrange your own personal accident insurance, ambulance cover and income protection insurance before participating in the Event to cover any unforeseen personal costs you may incur due to ambulance trips, medical expenses or time off work due to injuries sustained whilst participating in the Event. As a The Ceder participant, you are responsible for yourself and should know the rules and regulations of the race. You need to be able to clearly evaluate your mental and physical abilities. You need to be sufficiently trained and keep with you all the necessary & compulsory equipment, gear & kit.
In entering any of The Ceder events, participants acknowledge and agree to all of the above.
REGISTRATION
- Venue & date to be announced leading up to race day
COMPULSORY KIT & GEAR
- Fully charged headlamp
- Waterproof jacket (TBC leading up to race day)
- Windbreaker
- Thermal layers (Baselayer, arm warmers or long sleeve jersey, leg warmers)
- Buff
- Gloves
- Emergency Survival blanket (Space blanket)
- Fully charged phone with saved emergency contacts (To conserve battery, leave phone in ‘Flight mode’)
- Food, Nutrition & Hydration
- Hydration - Minimum 1.5L capacity (Bottles or bladder or both)
- Race Number (Pinned as specified)
- GPS device for route navigation & time tracking
DNF (DID NOT FINISH) / RETIRING FROM THE RACE
Should you need to drop out of the race, you have to notify a race official immediately. If you leave the course and fail to notify race officials, you will be banned from participating in the future (unless assisted from the course by the race medic) Please report to race organizer or race officials when finished. Contacts provided on entry & at registration on Friday evening.
ENVIRONMENT
- Leave no trace & take no souvenirs
- Race participants are responsible for anything they discard, goes into a bin
- Please respect & be aware of other road users, especially on descents and blind corners
ACCOMMODATION
- ALL participants are responsible for booking their own accommodation directly with Cederberg Oasis. It is recommended to book accommodation ASAP to avoid disappointment
- Other surrounding accommodation options:
- Nuwerust
- Mount Ceder
- Kromriver
- Sanddrif
- Driehoek
- Algeria
OTHER INFO
- Cederberg Oasis offer braai facilities (wood for sale on premises)
- Oasis restaurant: Please visit website for menu, kitchen closes 9pm
- Cash bar: Oasis will have a cash bar (no Honesty bar over race weekend)
- Closest shop & fuel station: Op-die-berg 65km (Petrol Station closed on Sundays)
- No pets allowed unfortunately
- No 4x4 needed to reach Cederberg Oasis, although it is recommended due to condition of gravel roads
The Ceder is not sanctioned with any running association or governing body. The Ceder complies to the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events act, 2010. If you are a pro runner and/or a member of a running association that may have rules & regulations regarding entering non-sanctioned events, please understand them before entering The Ceder at this point in time.