This exciting and exhilarating “magical breakaway from reality” three-day mountain biking experience gives mountain bike enthusiasts, friends, and families the chance to explore the terrain, vast open spaces, and wildlife of De Hoop Nature Reserve, one of Cape Nature’s flagship nature reserves.
This, together with whale-watching, drives out to the beach at Koppie Alleen and swimming and relaxing at the pool, is what makes a visit to De Hoop Nature Reserve so different to that run-of-the-mill mountain bike riding weekend away.
According to Anneke Jacobs, event director of Overberg MTB Events due to Covid-19 events restrictions a decision was taken to offer the 2020 edition in a format of a ‘guided’ mountain bike ride for a limited field of riders with prizes for certain Strava segments, but without the racing and timing elements.
This relaxed ride format will have small groups of 10 riders departing every 15 minutes apart – faster riders earlier and slow riders later. Each group will be accompanied by a professional guide. They include a well-known UCI qualified coach, bike mechanical engineer and skilled mountain bike riders. “It’s basically a self-supported ride,” said Jacobs. “There are no waterpoints, so riders are responsible for their own water and supplies, but we are offering a small goody bag with nutrition supplies to each entrant.” A medical support crew will be assisting.
The Route offers challenging but rewarding riding – a combination of jeep and single tracks, limestone and protected vegetation areas is what makes it challenging.
The weekend kicks off with a 19km Sunset Scramble fun ride on Friday; Saturday presents a 55km Flat Out on The Rock ride (this includes a new track to the north of the Vlei, which goes all the way up to Buchu Bush Camp (the Flatrock single track) – here you can take in panoramic views of the entire Vlei and open flood plains that stretch as far as the eye can see towards Arniston and Struisbaai.; and a shorter option- perfect for non-technical riders – will be the 32km De Mond-Melkkamer Dash. The weekend ends on a high note with a 62km Trails to Whales ride – riders are taken into the eastern half of the reserve where whale watching opportunities reign supreme.
The Weekend Entry Fee Package of R2 650 per person includes:
- two dinners; two lunches and two breakfasts served at the Fig Tree restaurant at De Hoop Collection
- two bottles of wine sponsored by Lomond Wine
- a Goodie bag with nutrition supplies from Enduren
- one complimentary massage by EPT Recovery
- bike wash after each ride
*Excludes the Cape Nature entrance fee (payable at the gate), and a Ciovita rider jersey (optional extra)
*De Hoop Collection is extending a further discount to riders for the accommodation for the weekend
Exclusive accommodation specials at De Hoop Collection are available for this weekend – De Hoop Collection offers a range of accommodation from the affordable to the more luxurious suites, with rates starting from only R375 per person per night. Stay for a minimum of two nights in an equipped cottage that sleeps four, or at the De Hoop Village that sleeps six. Book and pay before the end of September and receive a further 10 per cent discount. Terms and conditions apply.
Bookings can only be made through email, no online bookings available please contact: nicola@dehoopcollection.co.za
For more information, race queries and entry fees regarding the 2020 De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience, please call Race Director, Anneke Viljoen on 084 228 0414 or at anneke@overbergmtbevents.co.za
Phone 021-422 4522 or email res@dehoopcollection.co.za
De Hoop social media handles:
Twitter: @DeHoopReserve
Instagram: @dehoopreserve
Facebook: @DeHoopCollection
