Zwift’s new Urukazi map contains the game’s most eye-popping visuals yet, but we think the official routes downplay Urukazi’s coolest features: the connector roads from Neokyo and Yumezi!
From Neokyo you descend to Urukazi through the massive cavern we’ve named “Pain Cavern” when you’re riding it uphill in the other direction. This twisty road is full of unique scenery including cave excavations, flying bats, and unique lighting.
The slot canyon connecting Yumezi to Urukazi is also beautiful, but in a completely different way. From the adan fruit farm to the towering rocks, this twisty, slightly uphill road from Urukazi beaches to Yumezi’s tranquil countryside is a feast for the eyes even while it puts a sting in the legs.
Our new “Cavern to Canyon” Rebel Route takes you on the shortest loop possible covering both of these connector roads. You’ll ride in a clockwise direction, climbing up the slot canyon road and descending through the cavern.
About Rebel Routes
“Rebel Routes” are Zwift rides not available on Zwift’s routes list, thus requiring manual navigation.
The reward for your rebel ride? Exploring a new route, knowing you’ve gone where few Zwifters have gone before. And a Strava segment rank in the tens or hundreds instead of the thousands! They are included as a separate category on our Veloviewer Route Hunter leaderboard.
Route Description
This loop begins and ends at the Tidepool Sprint banner in Urukazi, so you’re going to have a bit of a lead-in no matter how you get there. We recommend starting by choosing the “Turf N Surf” route, then flipping a u-turn and heading toward the cavern for a descent to Urukazi.
From the Tidepool Sprint you’ll ride along the beach for a bit, then begin climbing up the slot canyon road toward Yumezi. This road winds through adan farms and across bridges in steep canyons before delivering you onto the dirt road connecting Yumezi to Neokyo.
A right at this dirt road takes you through the tunnel to Neokyo, then you’ll stay right through Neokyo to take the shortest route around the edge of the city then across the bridge and into the connector cavern.
Descend through the cavern, turn a right at the end to stay on our loop, and you’ll be back to the Tidepool Sprint in no time. Give it another go if you don’t already have the green jersey!
Profile
A simple profile: up the slot canyon, flat around Neokyo, down through the cavern.
Getting Started + Lead-In
The easiest way to get started is to choose “Turf N Surf” from your Makuri Islands route options. Flip a quick u-turn, then turn left toward Urukazi. This will take you down through the cavern, where you’ll turn right at the end onto the beachfront to hit the Tidepool Sprint and begin the route.
Turn by Turn
Here are the turns you’ll need to make to successfully complete Canyon to Cavern once you’ve done the lead-in to the Tidepool Sprint (described above).
- Straight/Right to Yumezi
- Right to Neokyo
- Straight/Right to Tower
- Straight/Right to Tower
- Right to Harbor
- Right to Harbor
- Right to Urukazi
- Right to Hidden Reefs
Pro tip: instead of following the turn-by-turn, the easiest way to navigate this once you reach the Tidepool Sprint is – just stay right!
Route details:
Distance: 13.41km (8.33 miles)
Elevation Gain: 87m (284′)
Strava Segment
Rebel Route Suggestions
Got an idea for a great Rebel Route? Share it below and maybe we’ll publish a post about it!
Should it not show Canyon to Cavern?
Fun route. The Tidepool sprint does make an fun interesting S/F point for routes.
It’s odd that sea level in Neokyo’s harbor is 60m above sea level in Urukazi.
Yes it is. #zwiftmagic
Also noticed this after expecting a longer descent coming out of the pain cavern in Neokyo. Perhaps a lock and dam system.
I rode this route already before. And I like the canyon and cavern roads. But I would like to avoid the dark urban roads of Neokyo (I don’t really like them). I’d appreciate a rural connection between the cavern exit at the harbor bridge and the Yumezi junction. Could be something like Titan’s Grove.
Same here, I find the roads of Neokyo rather forbidding. Much better to make a U-turn at the tunnel entrance and return the way you came.
Turn no. 8 – left to Urukazi ???
Ah, good catch. Removed!