ENTRIES have opened for the 2016 edition of one of newest and most talked about mountain bike stage races in the Western Cape, the Gravel & Grape MTB Challenge.
Besides improvements to the course for the three-day event, the organisers have introduced a two-day Gravel & Grape Lite over shorter distances and aimed at younger or less-experienced competitors.
GRAPE ESCAPE: Competitors in the 2015 Gravel & Grape hurtle through vineyards in the Breedekloof Valley on their way to the finish at the Goudini Spa.
Both events are hosted at the AKTV Goudini Spa and take part in the Breedekloof Wine Valley, the province’s adventure playground that includes Rawsonville, Slanghoek, Goudini and Breerivier.
This year’s inaugural three-day race left a lasting impression on participants. Women’s category winner Heléne Rabie is one who will be back on May 6 to 8 in 2016: “We were blessed with the most amazing weather on all three days, beautiful scenery, nice single tracks, good hills – a wide variety for every kind of rider’s preferences,” she said. The event is raced in teams of two and Rabie rode with Stephne van Niekerk in 2015.
Professional riders and 2015 men’s category winners Waylon Woolcock and Adriaan Louw are both hoping to come back and defend their title. “You can’t hide from the fact that Slanghoek is a rocky part of the world, but the guys behind the event put a lot of effort into this and the sense of pride and community you get when riding though the farms is amazing,” said Louw. “I understand that they plan to build a lot of new fast and smooth trails for 2016, which is exciting, but I like the untamed nature of the terrain out there. It’s something different, pure mountain biking.”
He added: “I know the locals in the area very well and supporting such a passionate group of mountain bikers is something that I feel needs to happen in our sport.”
Woolcock said: “We rode a lot of virgin trails which were rough, but I’m sure those trails will by packed down and even more enjoyable next year. This event is a good challenge for experienced rider but in no way unrideable for the average weekend warrior.”
Another top professional Renay Groustra also plans to be back in 2016 after finishing second with teamate Jurgens Uys this year: “Yes definitely. It’s a great event to sharpen up the legs after the post-Cape Epic break, and a chance to get some quality tough mountain biking under the belt.”
The race start and finish each day is hosted by the AKTV Goudini Spa, near Rawsonville, and where many of the riders base themselves.
Stage One covers 77km of the local countryside (with 1 300m of vertical ascent), Stage Two is 62km (1 100m) and Stage Three’s final loop takes riders through 68km (1 100m).
The three routes head off in different directions of the region and have contrasting characteristics: from rocky and rugged to lush and flowing.
The Gravel & Grape Lite’s Stage 1 will be about 35km (400m elevation gain) and Stage 2 nearly 25km (450m).
“We offer kilometres of sometimes challenging and sometimes sheer sublime routes through the magnificent and varied scenery of the Breedekloof Wine Valley,” said the organisers. “Although the race is aimed at all riders, each day’s route has a good variety of single track and climbs to make this race a challenge for the experienced riders as well.”
The Gravel & Grape Lite will have two categories: junior and open. Both team members in the junior category must be between the ages of 16 and 18.
“We want Gravel & Grape to be a true family experience, which is why we have based our race village at the hot water resort, ATKV Goudini Spa. By including a Gravel & Grape Lite race, we can truly cater for the whole family as this opens the race up to school children as well,” says Melody Botha, CEO of Breedekloof Wine & Tourism.
The Spa will offer a family programme of events and activities to keep everyone entertained during the weekend.
Louw points to another motive for taking part: “I get to do all the big races in South Africa, which is an amazing privilege, but what I like most about racing as a pro is the opportunity to explore new places such as Slanghoek. You get to see everything from different perspectives which gives me a genuine appreciation for our beautiful country.”
To enter or book accommodation at the AKTV Goudini Spa go to http://gravelandgrape.com
Am thinking of doing this: anybody out there do it this year and have an opinion?