2011 Amashova Cycle Race - Train Tour

14 to 17 October 2011
From Jo’burg to Durban

JB Train Tours invite you to join us on one of our annual train tours to the 2011 Amashova Cycle Race (hereafter called the Shova Train) in KZN. Are you tired of driving, looking for accommodation and worrying about the logistics? We’ll take you there. This year we’ve hosted our 9th consecutive train tour to the Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle race in Cape Town & 12th Comrades marathon tour.

When travelling by train, you don’t have to worry about increasing petrol prices, tollgate fees, heavy traffic, driving back or sitting with stiff legs in your car. The long road becomes shorter AND you can enjoy a cold beer en route. It is so much easier and VERY price competitive. You don’t need to take leave from work either!

Any person who is interested in going to the Amashova may join this tour. I.e.: Cyclists, supporters, family, friends, children and girl friend, from anywhere.

Please note that this is the regular Trans Natal Tourist Class train. A number of carriages have been booked on this train for the use of the Cycle Tour ‘participants’. Apart from this Tourist Class train tour we have a new tour on the Premier Classe train to the Cycle Tour as well. Contact us for details.

Accommodation over the Amashova weekend in Durban is very scarce and expensive. We were fortunate to secure a number of rooms in The Balmoral hotel again! This package is real value for money. We’ve being staying in this hotel for many years and it has proven to be very popular. (It is fairly close to the finishing line of the race).

This tour is not only about the Amashova, but about travelling & staying well and enjoying Durban and its amenities. The weather is normally good, the sea beautiful and the beaches clean. Go and enjoy it!

The advantage of this tour is that you arrive Saturday morning in Durban and you’ll have ample time to register for the race, visit the Expo and ‘tune your bike’ whilst enjoying a ‘last minute’ ride. Please take note that this train departs from Durban to Jo’burg early evening on race day. If you miss the train on Sunday there is NO alternative transport available. However, go and enjoy it with a lot of other cyclists and supporters – like they do it annually.

 

Hierdie Fietstoer is ‘n belewenis. ‘n Groot gedeelte van die roete loop op die Comrades marathon se roete en vir baie oud-hardlopers sal dit goeie herinneringe oproep. Hierdie treinrit op die legendariese Trans Natal Toeriste Klas trein, die verblyf in een van die smaakvolle hotelle (naby die einde) en die heerlike Natalse weer, maak dit ‘n geleentheid en toer wat nie gemis mag word nie.

Neem kennis dat hierdie trein vroegaand op die wedrendag, Sondag, vanuit Durban na JHB vertrek.

Name of tour 2011 Amashova Tour Train Tour - from JHB

Tour dates & Number

Friday 14th to Monday 17th October 2011 (4 days)                Shova #1

Departure times

Johannesburg 18:30 Platform 14 Day 1 (Friday)
Durban 19:15 Platform 14 Day 3 (Sunday)

Arrival times

Durban 07:21 Platform 14 Day 2 (Thursday)
Johannesburg 07:44 Platform 14 Day 4 (Monday)

The arrival and departure times at the other stations are as per the official running times of the Trans Natal Tourist Class train. (See Page 4 of this memo).

You may board the train at any of these stations. Please indicate accordingly on your Reservation Form.

Tour price

Price Per Person
R1690 		4 Persons/4-bed Compartment (On the train)
2 Passengers per Room (In the Hotel)
   
Price Per Person
R1910 		3 Persons/4-bed Compartment (On the train)
2  & 1 Passenger per 2 Rooms (In the Hotel)
   
Price Per Person
R2190 		2 Persons/4-bed Compartment (On the train)
2 Passengers per Room (In the Hotel)
   
Price Per Person
R1890 		2 Passengers per 2-bed Coupe (On the train)
2 Passengers per Room (In the Hotel)
   
Price Per Person
R2510 		1 Passenger per 2-bed Coupe (On the train)
1 Passenger per Room (In the Hotel)

Note

Please  note that there are only 6 coupes per train available.

Children

Children under 2 - 9 years of age qualify for a R250 pp discount. Children younger than 2 years of age, sharing a bed with the parent, can travel free of charge.

Included in the tour price

Transport on the Trans Natal Tourist Class train from Jo’burg to Durban and back; Two nights accommodation on the train (bedding included), one night’s B&B accommodation in The Balmoral Hotel on the beach front in Durban and transportation of your bicycle on the train; certain meals & tour guide travelling along.

Deposit

A R500 per person non-refundable deposit is needed when booking is done. The balance is to be paid by latest six weeks before departure date. If this is not done, you'll forfeit your reservation and deposit.

Meals

Two breakfasts (one on train and one at the hotel) and two light take away suppers (on the train) are included in the tour price. You are welcome to take along some ‘padkos’.

Excluded from the tour price

Entry fees at tourist destinations, expenses of a personal nature, gratuities, transport shuttle for you and your bike between DBN and starting line in PMB & Comprehensive Travel Insurance. Anything else not mentioned in the Information Document.

Route

You will travel from Johannesburg to Durban via Standerton, Newcastle, Ladysmith and Pietermaritzburg..

Passengers may join at any of the official stopping places for the train en route. (See Page 4)

Accommodation

It is provided on the train (two nights) and one night in "The Balmoral" Hotel. The rooms are spacious, the facilities are great and the breakfast tasty and BIG. We have secured a number of rooms in the hotel. The Balmoral Hotel is located on the beach front on the Marine Parade, one block away from the old 'West Street'.

Balmoral Hotel

http://www.raya-hotels.com

Bedding

It is provided - on the train and in the hotels.

Transport in Durban

Shuttle bus transport is provided (included in the tour package) for the luggage and passengers without a bicycle between the DBN station and hotel. Cyclists have to cycle to the hotel. (+- 2km)

Shuttle bus transport is provided (included in the tour package) for the luggage and passengers without a bicycle between the hotel and DBN station on Sunday afternoon. Cyclists have to cycle to the station. (+- 2km)

Transport from Durban to PMB – Race Day

A Shuttle bus transport is available (excluded from the tour package) for cyclist and bike on the morning of the race from DBN to PMB. This is an additional R275 pp. This must be booked directly with the race organisers (NOT via JB Train Tours).

Please find enclosed the official booking form for the transfer shuttle for both cyclist and bike.

Transportation of bicycles on the train

It is transported in the Guard’s Van on the train. Included in the tour package. Please wrap or box it yourself AND put your name and cell phone number on the box/bicycle.

Bicycles must be at the station by latest 90 minutes before departure of the train at Johannesburg station. I.e.: At 17:00. Loading of bicycles takes place on Platform 14. Safe storage space is available at the hotel. (Though, your bike will be transported to PMB on Saturday night).

Race information

Please read your Cycle Tour information brochure well or visit their website at: http://www.amashovashova.co.za

Registration

Registration for the race will be done in your own time on Saturday.

BOOK  NOW!            The space on the train is limited to maximum 84 passengers.

Booking

Please complete the attached Reservation Form and return it (fax or e-mail), with the Bank Deposit slip, to the tour organiser (JB Train Tours). Closing date is when all the places are fully booked. (Like all the previous years.) We suggest you book now. Group/club bookings are welcome.

NB

Deposits will not be paid back, but can be transferred/resold to someone else, with the consent of the organisers.

We are looking forward in taking you to the Holiday City again.

Travel greetings

Johan Badenhorst &
The JB Train Tours Team

Running times of the train

Train Station Arrival Departure Train Station Arrival Departure
Johannesburg   18:30 day 1 Durban   19:15 day 3
Germiston 18:45 day 1 19:00 day 1 Pietermaritzburg 21:26 day 3 21:36 day 3
Standerton 21:11 day 1 21:20 day 1 Ladysmith 00:32 day 4 00:41 day 4
Newcastle 23:24 day 1 23:50 day 1 Newcastle 02:35 day 4 02:40 day 4
Ladysmith 01:24 day 2 01:31 day 2 Standerton 04:51 day 4 05:10 day 4
Pietermaritzburg 04:41 day 2 04:58 day 2 Germiston 07:13 day 4 07:23 day 4
Durban 07:21 day 2   Johannesburg 07:44 day 4  

Please note that running times are not guaranteed.

 

Provisional PROGRAMME

2011 Amashovashova Cycle Race - Train Tour
14 to 17 October March 2011

Friday 14 October
   
17:00
18:30		 Load bikes at Platform 14
 Train departs Johannesburg – Platform 14
Dinner served on train (included in the tour price)
Travel overnight
   
Saturday

15 October
   
07:21 Arrival in Durban
Breakfast served in Durban at Hotel (included in the tour price)
Registration for the race
Loading of bikes at Moses Mabhida Stadium for transfer to PMB
14:00 Book in at "The Hotel"
Rest of day – own programme
Sleep at the Hotel
   
Sunday

16 October
   
  Own breakfast
04:30 - 05:30 Buses depart for PMB
06:20+ Race starts in PMB
After race:
Book out of the hotel
Luggage stored at the hotel & shower facilities @ hotel available
16:30 Load luggage at hotel into bus for transfer to station
17:00 Load bikes and board the train
18:30 Train departs for Jo’burg
Dinner served on train (included in the tour price)
Travel overnight
   
Monday

17 October
   
  Take away breakfast served on the train (included in the tour price)
07:44 Arrival Johannesburg
End of tour
   
   
   

RESERVATION FORM

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRAIN