Our first Western Cape Epic group has completed the challenge and crossed the finish line, so who better to tell you what it’s really like than the cyclists who took it on? From the toughest days in the saddle to their favourite moments along the way, we’ve gathered their reviews and feedback to give you a first-hand insight into this brand-new KE cycling challenge.

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"This trip is difficult. Had I known the true level of difficulty in the terrain, the types of tires needed, and that it was not 95% vehicle supported, I would not have booked this trip with KE.

But then I would have totally missed out on what I view as a trip of a lifetime. When I realized the true level of difficulty, I felt frozen with fear as I felt I was unsuited to the challenge. With support/knowledge of the entire group of trip participants and invaluable information and support from Charles and Tallis, however, I found that I did have the ability to do this trip and to enjoy it.

This trip is BEAUTIFUL. The varied terrain, vistas, towns, and lodgings all exceeded my expectations. South Africa is stunning and to experience it on a bike made it that much more authentic of an experience.

I would recommend this trip to any future participant who loves to ride, who loves challenging terrain, and wants to get in the saddle for 11 days of riding through a beautiful landscape. Be open minded, understand that it would be unsafe for the van to support you through a bulk of the riding, and go with the flow...all the while getting an 'African massage'."

- Paula from Maryland

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"The nearly 2-week ride across the southern cape through various gravel passes was at times challenging but extremely rewarding if you have that new gravel bike pack it up and send yourself to South Africa and you will both have a fantastic time."

- Nick from London

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"Really great cycling, very hilly, spectacular scenery, very good leaders, unexpectedly plush accommodation, exceeded expectations, would thoroughly recommend."

- Paul from Cornwall

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This was a very very good gravel cycling trip. As frequently is the case, it comes down to people with Tellis and Charles being competent and compelling guides and great hosts to their country and my fellow riders being a great bunch making me laugh and learn a lot. The cycling was one of the best, truly demanding grade 10 gravel cycling, landscapes of Western Cape are amazing and Cape Town is in my opinion a singularly beautiful (albeit troubled) place.

- Matus, from London