The AMAZING CAPE MTB RACE is on!!!!

2009 The Wines2Whales (W2W) multi-stage (3 day) MTB event is on for 25 - 27 April 2009. Start: 25 April @ 07h00 at Lourensford Estate, Somerset West
Finish: 27 April at Hermanus High School, Hermanus (220 km in total)
Entries limited to 250 teams (pairs)

There was a lot of talk about the W2W till we got our MTBs in a row and systematically started to scout the route over an eight month period. During the hottest weekend in December 2008, fifty pioneers consisting of fast and slow riders, first and old timer cycled the W2W route to experience it and told us how to improve the route. A key objective was to create a CAPE multi-stage MTB event that blends fun and endurance.

The first stage starts at Lourensford, along the Schapensberg farms and wineries, Grabouw forest to Oak Valley, the sleep over venue in Elgin, a total distance of 70 km. Stage two starts at Oak Valley, along the Eikenhof Dam, to Lebanon forest and back to Oak Valley, covering 70 km. Stage three runs to De Rust, Houwhoek, along the Botrivier up to Karwyderskraal, down to Hemel-en-Aarde and on Rotary View Drive to Hermanus High School, measuring 80 km. What's magic about the W2W?!; The route includes five mountains, one world biosphere reserve and four conservation areas, it crosses 30 farms, 18 wineries, forests, fynbos, grasslands, never ending scenic views and plenty of awesome jeep and single tracks!

Part of the W2W vision is to promote wineries and their products. Therefore most water points are located at wineries, allowing supporters accessible and relaxing view points, along the route. Supporters can also cycle the shorter MTB routes on Oak Valley Farm during the afternoons, after completion of the race stages.

The entry fee is R2 500 per participant and includes tents, mattresses, fruit and meals. Stillwater Sport and Entertainment is the W2W event partner (involved in the XTERRA and Totalsports events). Click here for pictures of the pioneer ride. The website opens 9 February and entries at 06h00 on 16 February 2009.

Good luck with your entry en al le die berge nog so blou, get the training going and rolling!!
AdiosJohan Kriegler and the Pioneers Race Director (0832742609