25 – 27 April 2015
There are plenty of reasons to visit the picturesque Breedekloof Wine Route, just an hour’s drive from Cape Town along the N1 to Worcester. In this valley you will find some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, not to mention the friendliest people, great quality award-winning wines, a sumptuous array of delectable food, and an abundance of activities.
Surrounded by majestic mountains this beautiful valley now boasts the recently launched Gravel and Grape Mountain Bike three day stage race, offering a scenic 210 km of undiscovered routes and an epic adventure, taking cyclists through areas such as Slanghoek, Goudini, Rawsonville and Breërivier.
The race will take place from 25 to 27 April, with day one covering 75km, the second 70km and the final day a 62km stretch. The race takes place in a cloverleaf format, with each day starting and ending at Goudini Spa. There is an average of 15km single track per day, spread throughout the route. These single tracks have been built especially for the race, ensuring the ultimate mountain biking experience. Water points are situated at the wine cellars along the route, which double as spectator points each day. To make the route safe and visible, at least 20 Marshalls from the local community will be deployed each day to assist cyclists.
The race, is open to riders of all levels – from novice to advanced – allowing riders of lesser fitness to complete the event within allocated cut off times.
Land Rover, McCarthy Motors N1 City, known for their service and quality excellence, performance and growth has confirmed their participation as the official vehicle partner of Gravel and Grape MTB
Pieter du Plessis of Iqela Events and organiser of the race on behalf of the Breedekloof Wine Valley says ““The Gravel and Grape offers kilometres of sometimes challenging and sometimes sheer sublime routes through the magnificent and varied scenery of the Breedekloof Wine Valley. 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 rider as well. It is perfect for riders that enjoy cycling without stressing about very technical sections. All three days are brand new routes, those who have been at the Slanghoek MTB Classic might recognise some sections on day three though, with some sections of Day One’s route being used by this year’s Cape Epic cyclists. The Gravel and Grape will appeal to mountain bikers who are looking for a great riding weekend. It is affordable so you can bring the whole family along.”
The race village will be based at the ATKV Goudini Spa from where the daily races will start and finish. The spa is well-known for its mineral baths and many enjoyable activities. With a range of self-catering accommodation and entertainment for the whole family this is the perfect venue for families to stay that will be accompanying cyclists for the weekend.
The perfect excuse to explore this beautiful valley riders and their families can look forward to an array of other fun activities, which include:
- Wine Tasting
- Horse-back riding (weather permitted)
- Hiking
- Zip slides
- Fly fishing
“Now mom and/or dad do not have to feel guilty about leaving the family behind to enjoy a weekend of cycling – we will be catering for everyone”, says Melody Botha, CEO of Breedekloof Wine & Tourism.
For further information and costs on the race weekend, email info@gravelandgrape.com or refer to www.gravelandgrape.com
