The Power 99er Cycle Tour has become a fixture on the Western Cape calendar for good reason. Nearly 5,000 riders take on the roads and gravel through the Durbanville wine valleys and surrounding farmlands each February, with distances that range from a more relaxed 45 km to the classic 95 km road route and the 80 km Trilogy Challenge (gravel, tar and single track). Organised by El Shaddai Christian School as its main fundraiser, the event draws a strong community of parents, staff, pupils, alumni and volunteers who help keep everything running smoothly.
Whether you are aiming for a solid seeding position for the Cape Town Cycle Tour on the 95 km or Trilogy routes, or simply planning to enjoy the views on the shorter distances, your bike needs to be ready. A mechanical issue on the climbs out of Durbanville, on the gravel sections of the Trilogy, or in the later stages of the 95 km can turn a good day into a long walk. Here is a practical pre-race service checklist that covers the essentials without overcomplicating things.
Why a proper check matters for the 99er
The routes are scenic but not flat. The 95 km and 76 km include punchy climbs and rolling hills past farms and estates such as Diemersdal. The Trilogy mixes smooth tar with gravel, jeep tracks and some technical single-track. Early start times (the 95 km sets off at 06h00) mean you will be riding in cooler conditions at first, and cut-off points along the way leave little room for long stops. A clean, well-adjusted bike helps you stay comfortable and focused on the ride rather than on creaks or slipping gears.
1. Clean the bike thoroughly
Start with a proper wash. Remove dried mud, chain lube and road grime from the frame, wheels, drivetrain and brakes. A clean bike lets you spot cracks, loose parts or worn components more easily. Pay extra attention if you have been riding in wet or dusty conditions recently. Dry everything properly afterwards, especially around the bottom bracket and headset.
2. Check and service the drivetrain
- Inspect the chain for stretch and wear. A worn chain accelerates wear on the cassette and chainrings.
- Clean the chain and apply fresh lubricant. Wipe off excess so it does not attract grit.
- Check the cassette and chainrings for sharp teeth or missing teeth.
- Shift through all gears on a stand or short ride. Make sure changes are crisp and the derailleur is not rubbing.
- Look at the jockey wheels on the rear derailleur for wear or play.
For the Trilogy Challenge in particular, a smooth drivetrain helps when the surface changes under you.
3. Inspect the wheels and tyres
- Check tyre pressure the night before and again on race morning. Use the pressure recommended for your tyre width and the surface you will ride (slightly lower for the gravel sections of the Trilogy can improve grip and comfort).
- Look for cuts, bulges or embedded glass in the tyres. Replace anything that looks compromised.
- Spin both wheels and check for true. A buckled wheel can rub on the brakes or cause handling issues.
- Make sure quick-release skewers or thru-axles are properly tightened, and that the wheels sit fully in the dropouts.
- Confirm that both brakes work effectively and that the pads have sufficient material left. For disc brakes, check rotor condition and that the callipers are centred.
4. Review the brakes, headset and bottom bracket
Squeeze the brakes firmly. The levers should feel firm without excessive travel, and the bike should stop in a straight line. Listen for grinding or squealing that might indicate worn pads or contaminated discs.
Turn the handlebars from side to side. The headset should move smoothly without play or binding. Check the bottom bracket by trying to rock the cranks sideways; there should be no movement.
5. Check bolts, pedals and contact points
Go over the main bolts with the correct torque if you have a torque wrench, or at least check they are snug: stem bolts, handlebar clamp, seat post, saddle rails, bottle cage bolts and any rack or computer mounts. Loose parts are easy to overlook until they cause a problem on the road.
Inspect your pedals and cleats. Make sure the cleats are not excessively worn and that they clip in and out cleanly. On race day you do not want to struggle with entry or exit in the start pen or at a hydration point.
6. Test lights, electronics and spares (if relevant)
If you are on an e-bike (permitted on all distances in the open seeded category, with motor assistance limited according to the rules), check the battery charge, motor response and display. Riders must use only one battery for the race.
Even on a standard bike it is worth carrying a mini pump or CO2, spare tube or plug kit, multi-tool and a tyre lever. The rules encourage riders to carry essential spares. Confirm that your helmet is in good condition and that the strap closes securely, as helmets are mandatory and must stay fastened.
7. Do a short shakedown ride
The day before the event, take the bike out for 10–20 minutes. Shift, brake and listen for any new noises. This is the best time to catch something you missed on the stand. If anything feels off, address it before race morning rather than in the car park at Durbanville Sports Complex.
Final race-morning checks
On the day itself, do a quick visual once-over: tyre pressure, chain lubricant if needed, bolts still tight, and that your race number and timing chip are correctly fitted. Arrive early enough to deal with any last-minute issues before your start time.
A well-serviced bike will not guarantee a personal best, but it removes one major variable from the day. The 99er is built around community, scenery and a shared effort that raises funds for El Shaddai Christian School. With the mechanical side sorted, you can focus on the ride through the wine valleys, the atmosphere at the sports complex, and the post-finish celebration.
Entries and full route details, including hydration points and cut-offs, are available on the official site at 99er.co.za. Whether you are lining up for the 45 km, the 76 km, the 95 km or the Trilogy Challenge, a solid pre-race service is one of the simplest ways to make the most of the event.
Follow the 99er on Instagram:
instagram.com/99ercycle
Learn more about the 99er:
99er.co.za/about-us/
