The inaugural Wines2Whales mountain bike
race will take place from 13 to 15 November this year (2009). Over the
course of 3 days, teams consisting of two cyclists each will cross
approximately 230 km of the Western Cape’s most beautiful and unspoilt
terrain.
Participants from around the country will
kick off in Somerset West, and traverse across 13 wineries, 26 private
farms, six mountains, some beautiful historic roads and passes, as well as
exquisite nature conservation areas before finishing near Walker Bay in
the picturesque town of Hermanus. Here cyclists will be welcomed with
entertainment for the entire family, whale watching for which the area is
renowned internationally and the finest food and wine. Adding to the
excitement, race organisers have made provision for vantage points along
the route of the race, which will be accessible to the general public.
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Stage 1 will see riders doing 80km
to the race village in Elgin, Grabouw. From Somerset West, riders will
head towards Sir Lowry’s Pass via the Schapenberg Farms. The early steep
ascents will stretch out the field, just in time for some rocky
single-track. From here they will meander through the MTO Plantations as
well as the many fruit and wine farms in the area to the race village,
where they will settle for the next two nights, in order to enjoy a
well-earned rest.
Stage 2 will be a 70km ride. Route
designer Johan Kriegler has tapped the knowledge of the locals to include
some of the best mountain biking trails in the area, including some single
and Jeep tracks linked with locally hand-built trails for the perfect
experience. Riders will again return to the race village in Elgin to
prepare for the final stage the next day.
The third and final stage (Stage
3) will take riders from Elgin to Hermanus, an 80km route. Riders’ legs
will remember stages 1 and 2 all too clearly as they tackle the descent
into Hermanus. Before spotting a whale, riders will need to endure the
toughest, but also most rewarding stage of the race. This stage will
include a good deal of ‘never ridden before’ trails, including parts of
Groenlandberg, the historic Katberg Pass, the Botriver Valley,
Karwyderskraal and the Hemel en Aarde valley.
According to Johan Kriegler, route
designer, “This race will offer riders magnificent scenery and some of the
best mountain biking tracks in the country. Variety is a key factor,
offering participants a different riding experience each day. We expect
experienced riders to take between 3 and 4 hours for each stage, whilst
the more leisurely riders should finish within 7 hours. Our aim is to
deliver an unforgettable mountain bike experience. Spending three days
cycling the Wines2Whales race will be one of the most rewarding
experiences you can give your mind, body and soul!”
The first Wines2Whales race promises
participants breathtaking scenery and spectacular mountain biking terrain,
as well as the opportunity to test their endurance and skill. Family and
friends will also be able to support their favourite teams along the
spectator friendly route.
Entries close on Saturday, 31 October
2009.
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