Preparation
Founder's Rides
Each year, our FNB Wines2Whales Founder, Johan Kriegler, shares a sneak peek of the route on three organized Founder's Rides.
These rides offer an invaluable opportunity to experience approximately 30km - 60km of the race route. Whether you're looking for a training ride or seeking to assess your preparation for the upcoming race, the Founders Rides provide a great day out for all.
The Founders Ride serves as a perfect introduction for first-time participants, allowing them to explore sections of the official race route that are typically inaccessible. It's a chance to discover new trails and appreciate the unique beauty they offer. Returning riders are well aware of the allure of these routes and eagerly return year after year.
Please note that the Founders Rides are available to all, but as spots are limited and in high demand, we recommend booking early to secure your place in this unforgettable experience.
Dates & Schedules for the 2024 Founders Rides will be announced soon!
Booking information will be posted here and shared via Rider Updates and our social media channels.
Training programmes
Keep your training on track for the FNB Wines2Whales
We enlisted Daisyway Coaching Systems to put together effective training programmes for you to use.
“Training for an event like the FNB Wines2Whales should be fun while pushing your fitness limits at the same time. The goal of the first phase of training is to build a base; the first plan focusses on time in the saddle and developing a routine that you’ll be able to use going forward. These sessions should be enjoyable and are a good opportunity to get some good riding banter going with your race partner.”
A new 6-month & 3-month training plan for the 2024 FNB Wines2Whales will be shared in May!
Rider Checklists
Travelling
Whether you’re local to the Western Cape , travelling in from the rest of South Africa or flying in from abroad, we want to ensure that you have covered all your bases in preparation for the event. Make sure you have ticked all your boxes by checking out the additional event services we have available and be sure to make use of the special discounts and rates available exclusively for FNB Wines2Whales riders.
Packing
We recommend that you bring no (or as few as possible) valuables to the race. We cannot take responsibility for valuables lost during the course of the event.
What to Bring:
- GEES
- Sleeping bag & Pillow
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Headlight
- Earplugs
- Beanie and scarf & gloves for evenings
- Warm long pants
- Casual clothes
- Slops
- Wellington Boots
- Sun block
- Washing powder
- A lock for your tent
Your Bicycle
Your bike should be in perfect working order at the start of the FNB W2W MTB. It will be subjected to severe riding conditions and we recommend that you replace any old parts that may not survive the distance. Select tyres that are suitable for harsh conditions. The use of tubeless tyres is highly recommended. Check your slime levels and top up slime. Various bike shops will provide repairs and servicing in the race villages. We anticipate a high demand for their services, so draw on them only when absolutely necessary. Replacement parts will be sold at normal retail prices.
Equipment Checklist
- Helmet, gloves, cycling shoes
- 3 sets of cycling shorts, tops, socks
- Wind breaker and / or rain jacket
- Sun glasses
- Hydration pack with space for spares – a capacity of 3 litres.
- GPS /Heart rate monitor, bike computer (optional) + Chargers
- Slime/Stan’s, bomb and adaptor, plugs etc,
- Gators, pump, brake pads, drop out, chain, links, pins,
- Cable ties, duct tape
- Chain lube (Squirt)
- Spare brake pads
Safety
MySOS is the recommended emergency app, and we require all riders download the app for the event.
