Mountain-bike Grand Prix to be held in Franschhoek
2007-04-04
THE whirring of mountain bike wheels, friendly farmworker rivalry and family fun will be the order of the day on Sunday 15 April when Franschhoek plays host to the second Franschhoek Mountain-bike Grand Prix.
This year’s event will include a longer, more challenging route for hardcore mountain-bike riders and enthusiastic amateurs.
The event has also now notched up a spot in the sought-after Pedal Power Association events calendar.
Every farm in the Franschhoek Valley is invited to enter a three-person relay team of farm workers to make this an event in which as many as possible can take part. Each team will complete three circuits so each rider does the entire route.
On the practical front, the route comprises a 20 kilometre circuit running anti-clockwise out of Franschhoek, consisting of 60% tar and 40% off-road.
A mountain-bike with off-road or semi-slick tyres is essential and front suspension is strongly advised.
The course is mainly flat, with by a steep jeep track climb, a descent to a gravel road and back to the tar with a short, steep hill towards the end.
Registration takes place between 07:00 and 09:00 at La Gare shopping centre and the start is at 09:30. Entries are R20 for the 20 km route, R40 for the 40 km (2 laps) and R60 for the 60 km (3 laps) while relay teams (1 lap each) pay R75.
There is prize money for the first, second and third male and female overall in the 3 circuit 60-kilometre route, together with prizes for the top 3 males/females in the two circuit 40-kilometre and 16-kilometre route.
All participants who complete the ride will also qualify to enter the lucky draw to win bicycle accessories, wine, restaurant and guesthouse vouchers, to name a few.
The event sets out to achieve the following objectives:
Says Cape Winelands District Municipality Executive Mayor Clarence Johnson: “It is with a great sense of pride that we at the Cape Winelands District Municipality have put our weight behind the Franschhoek Mountain-bike Grand Prix in a bid to help develop tourism products and activities that allow for integration and offer visitors the opportunity to interact with locals in the healthy good-spirited fun of cycling.”
The event is supported by La Gare Shopping Centre, with the backing of the Cape Winelands District Municipality and Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourist Association.
Team and individual entries may be made now to organiser Geddan Ruddock of Manic Cycles on 021-876-4956 or 082-578-3017.
Alternatively, e-mail info@maniccycles.co.za or visit www. maniccycles.co.za.
Individual entries may be made on the day between 07:00 and 09:00.
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