Into Cycling - September 2017 by Into Cycling

ISSUE #10

September 2017

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INTO N E W S PA P E R

PROPERTY PAGE 5

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SPORT SCIENCE PAGE 7

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GENERAL PAGE 10

RIDE FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF YOUR CHOICE

Photo: Francois Pienaar is looking forward to the second edition of the Varsity MTB Challenge to be held in Paarl - Photo Credit: Robert Ward

Providing an opportunity for old varsity friends to renew their rivalry, while also creating a platform for current students to compete, are the driving forces behind next month’s Varsity MTB Challenge.

tainment Media (Asem) chief executive Francois Pienaar said the race created a space for alumni to relive their varsity camaraderie in a great environment.

Nederburg Wines will host the second edition of the two-day mountain bike race which starts at the estate in Paarl from 30 September to 1 October 2017. The Varsity MTB Challenge is open to the public as the organisers strive to offer a “race for everyone.”

“Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports in the world,” said the former Springbok captain and 1995 World Cup winner. “Some may even argue it’s the new golf. There is no other mountain bike race in South Africa that speaks directly to the alumni market, while also giving current students and the public a chance to race for their university.”

Stemming from the successful Varsity Sports concept, Advent Sport and Enter-

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2017 LAND ROVER RANGE START YOUR ADVENTURE WITH LAND ROVER N1 CITY Test-drive any Land Rover vehicle and stand a chance to win an entry to the Cape Duo Challenge, worth R10 000. Scan the QR code to visit competition page. Only available from Land Rover N1 City. Visit our website for more details. Land Rover N1 City C/O of Vasco Blvd & Frans Conradie drive, N1 Motor City 021 595 7100 n1city.landrover.co.za

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NEWS

BEVERLEY ROODE HEADS UP BICYCLE ASSEMBLY FACILITY AT NEDERBURG

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GENERAL

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CYCLING EVENTS

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ANOTHER TDF TOP 10 FOR LOUIS MEINTJES The second Grand Tour of the season, Tour de France, concluded on 23 July 2017 with the South African Louis Meintjes, UAE Team Emirates rider in eight place in the overall General Classification (GC), 8min 20sec behind Sky’s Chris Froome, who won his fourth Tour de France title. Meintjes ended 2min06sec behind Orica-Scott’s Simon Yates in the fight for the Young Riders Classification - the White Jersey. Afterwards Yates had high praise for his South African rival. Commenting on the end of Le Tour, South African rider Meintjes said: “I think it was a good Tour, we came here with the goal of a solid performance in the GC and we tried our best. I don’t think eight place is a bad result, however you always want to improve. It was a good few weeks with lots of great memories. Now we will have a week of rest in order to recover and refocus for the remainder of the season.” “And thats @LeTour done…Taking a lot of good memories home…And thanks again for all the support from back home,” Meintjes Tweeted after Tour de France.

Photo: Louis Meintjes, UAE Team Emirates - Photo Credit: Bettini Photo 2017

Louis Meintjes announced himself to the cycling world in September 2013, when he earned the silver medal in the World Under 23 Road Race Championships. Louis had an impressive 2014 season where he rode his ﬁrst Grand Tour, the Vuelta a España. His best result at the Spanish race was ﬁfth place on stage 14.

Louis made South African cycling history in 2016 when he became the highest South African finisher in GC in eighth place and second highest finisher in the Young Rider’s Classification at the Tour de France. Meintjes’ next race was the Men’s Road Race at the Olympic Games where he finished seventh.

He went on to finish sixteenth overall and fifth in the White Jersey Classification at the 2016 Tour Down Under.

Other highlights this year include sixth place in the 2017 Vuelta Al País Vasco and eight overall GC in the Critérium du Dauphiné.

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“I’ve been in love with bicycles all my life. They evoke a most wonderful feeling that words cannot explain,” says master bicycle mechanic Beverley Roode, co-owner of Bicycles & Beyond (BAB). She heads up the bicycle assembly facility at Nederburg in Paarl, together with business partner Janine van Beulen Johnson, on behalf of Qhubeka, a charity that moves people forward with bicycles. Roode, who hails from Cape Town, has shown a natural inclination to work with her hands since she was young. “The first bicycle I ever owned was a silver Raleigh. I was 14, and remember how incredibly excited I was with stripping it down and building it up again. That bicycle gave me freedom and independence. It took me to school and back and has formed the centre of my world ever since.” “When I left high school, my options were quite limited. I however knew that I wanted to work with bicycles. ‘But it’s a man’s job’, so many people said. That didn’t stop me. I started by professional career as a bicycle mechanic working for Soloped Cycles in Cape Town as a shop assistant. Here I gained formal training, which eventually took me all the way to England where I completed my level 3 bicycle mechanic training with Cycle Systems Academy.” A few years later, back in Cape Town, Beverley started working for the Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN), an organisation that ‘promotes sustainable social and economic empowerment through the use of bicycles’. Her enthusiasm for helping others started manifesting, adding an additional layer to work with bicycles. Here she met business partner, Janine and started Bicycles and Beyond in February 2015 with the specific aim to empower women and youth through cycling. BAB is non-profit organisation that plays a pivotal role in the communities where it functions, providing a safe and friendly environment where women and youth can learn how to ride a bicycle, be trained in the basics of cycling safety, and in maintaining and fixing bicycles.

They also host women’s cycling events and bicycle tours, spinning classes as well as special holiday programs in communities. “We were approached by Qhubeka in late 2016 to manage their new bicycle assembly facility located at Nederburg, an opportunity we fully embraced. We immediately started with setting up shop and recruiting four previously unemployed women from the local Paarl East community to be trained in bicycle assembly, maintenance and repair, to help us build a minimum of 5 000 bicycles, as per prescribed quality levels, per year,” says Beverley. The four women supporting Roode and Johnson in their quest to change lives through bicycles are: Jennilee September (31) Tammy Letoli (24), as well as Feroska Sitter (35) and Georgina Simpson (33). They each earned a Qhubeka bicycle, and also get paid a monthly salary for the work they do at the facility. Roode is unwavering in her quest to continue imparting knowledge and skills and giving back to communities. In fact, she says that although she’s an experienced and qualified bicycle mechanic, she needs to constantly keep abreast of new developments in the cycling world and continue educating herself. The plant at Nederburg is the first of its kind in the Western Cape, geared to produce approximately 150 robust, purpose-built bicycles per week. It forms an integral part of the Paarl winery’s exclusive premium wine partnership with Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka. The squad competes in World Tour races to raise awareness and funds for Qhubeka. Nederburg’s aim with the partnership is to give back to communities as an investment in the future, in much the same way as it, in its own capacity, is upskilling talented South African wine-growers and winemakers.

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NEWS

DIMENSION DATA ANNOUNCE NEW SIGNINGS The announcement that Louis Meintjes will return to Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka in 2018 was made before the start of the Vuelta a Espana. Meintjes (25), placed eighth in the General Classification at the 2016 and 2017 Tour de France. Meintjes signing further accelerates Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka’s ambition to take African cycling to the highest level. “I am super excited to be coming back home to an African team, and to work with the Qhubeka charity once again. My choice to come home was easy, as Team Dimension Data stands out from other professional teams. They don’t only ride to win, but also for a more important cause – to mobilise people on bicycles in Africa. In the past two years I’ve gained tremendous experience from a European team, and I aim to use that experience to contribute to the success of Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka. African cycling has stepped up to a world class level over the last 5 years. I want to thank Doug Ryder and Team Dimension Data for believing in me. Together, we can take Africa’s team to the top step of the podium by 2020,” says Louis Meintjes. Nicholas Dlamini took another huge pedal stroke on his journey from a shack in the township of Cape Town to becoming the first black South African to ride in the

Photo: Steve Cummings - Photo Credit: ASO/Digital Reporters

Tour de France, when he joined Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka’s World Tour team. The dream that first took shape when he began riding just nine years ago has driven the 21-year-old raised in the Capricorn settlement in Muizenburg. Dlamini, will be a stagiaire with the World Tour team until the end of the season and will be a part of the squad for 2018. “I’ve always dreamed of being part of this team. Everything just feels unreal at the moment with all the good opportunities I’m getting. I’d like to thank the Continental team for having my best interests at heart. It’s been really an incredible three years with them. I’m ready to take on the world now,” says Nicholas Dlamini. Other Team Dimension Data news include the signing of 28-year-old Belgian, Julien Vermote, after spending 7 years with the Quickstep outfit, while double British national champion Steve Cummings has extended his stay with the African Team in 2018.

Photo: Julien Vermote - Photo Credit: ASO/Alex BROADWAY

Jay Thomson, Jaco Venter, Johann van Zyl and Jacques Janse van Rensburg have also signed new deals with Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka that will, once again, see them ride alongside fellow South African, Louis Meintjes in 2018. The quartet are long standing members of the team. “As backbone members to our African Team, we look forward to chasing success together in 2018 and flying our South African flag proudly.”

RIDE FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF YOUR CHOICE

(CONTINUE FROM PAGE 1)

The Varsity Sports concept began with rugby’s Varsity Cup and its success saw it extended to other sports. “Only a handful of people believed the inter-collegiate concept similar to the model in the US could work here. The concept is quite simple – fostering and supporting the development of talent in South Africa, supported by a structured sponsorship and investment platform at a grassroots level.” He added it created an opportunity for a more unified competition structure at university level, which acted as a trampoline for young talent to progress to national squads. Varsity MTB Challenge was not a Varsity Sports initiative, but a mountain biking event, Asem had launched to gain entry to the market. The vision was to create a mountain bike race aimed at university alumni and the general cycling community. Pienaar explained that the country’s eight top university teams competed in a separate race within the Challenge. The Varsity Sports concept had been a success because of the passion the students and alumni had for their varsities, and that Sport and cultural events unite people like little else. It also presents the opportunity to be part of a team. “We all want to belong to something and what better place to create community and healthy rivalry than on and around the sports field.” Photo: Francois Pienaar

He concluded that the Varsity MTB Challenge was unique as it was the only mountain bike race in South Africa where the public could ride for the university of their choice.

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NEWS

D4D Is Making

16-year-old Jamie Penfold

A Difference - The500

MTB fanatic on his way to the Olympics Jamie Penfold who hails from Durbanville, describes himself as a mountain biking nut. Jamie, a Grade 10 pupil at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch says he fondly remembers riding his bicycle with his father when he was just three years old. His fascination and love for MTB was sealed after watching the Tour de France and London Olympics just a few years ago. Jamie says he owes much of his success to his parents, who continue to encourage his passion for MTB and inspires him to do better. The sport also boosts his competitive spirit on the race track, which does wonders for his self-confidence.

Distance For Difference (D4D), is a registered non-profit organisation, which over the last twelve years, made a significant contribution towards the well-being of children in need. This was achieved by generating funds for distribution to various organisations involved in caring for these children. During the 12 years of their existence, they have raised and distributed close to R5 million. D4D raises funds in two ways. Firstly, through individual athletes who find sponsors for every kilometre they run, cycle or swim during a year through training or participating in specific events, e.g. Comrades Marathon, the ABSA Cape Epic, the Iron Man and the Cape Town Cycle Tour. Secondly, D4D hosts two fundraising events, namely THE500 and The Gratitude Run. THE500 is a 24-hour cycling and spinning event which takes place bi-annually. This year’s event will take place on 14 - 15 October 2017 in Somerset West. THE500 comprises of a group of twenty cyclists, required to complete 500km in 24-hours. The group has to complete ten laps of 50km each (5 x day laps and 5 x night laps). In order to achieve this, they have to maintain an average speed of 23 km/h throughout the event. The start will be at the NH Lord Charles Hotel and the route will take the riders through Stellenbosch, Kuilsriver and back. The night laps will be partly off-road at Lourensford Wine Estate. Individual riders or teams can join the group and cycle one or more laps with them. Concurrently, running on the hour, there will be spinning classes presented by Virgin Active instructors at the hotel. Corporates are invited to sponsor a bike and occupy it for 24-hours and they can also challenge other corporates to be part of this amazing endurance event. To register or sponsor this event, visit www.d4dsa.co.za or Facebook page www.facebook.com/D4DSA

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Phil. 4:13

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This teenager has some noteworthy achievements and to date his proudest moments include: winning in the sub-junior category in 2015 and in the Youth Men A category in 2016 at the Spur Schools MTB National Finals; achieving top honours at the 2017 SA Marathon Champs Youth Men category, as well as winning the 2017 Western Cape XCO champs. Jamie describes these achievements as “an honour and big highlight for this season.” He is aiming high for the rest of the season, his goals include: qualifying at the 2017 Spur Schools MTB National Finals, winning at the 2018 SA Junior XCO Champion and qualifying to race at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics. With a rigorous 5-7-day training programme, it’s no surprise that Jamie is one of our country’s most promising rising stars and is well on his way to making a name for himself. Even though Jamie is an all-round athlete, he is particularly strong at race endurance. Jamie attributes his achievements and key successes to his family for their ongoing support. He says he’s most thankful for their many sacrifices, which keeps him racing. Fred Colesky’s technical support, trainer John Wakefield and school coach Mr Ben Puddu, as well as the school team have all played an instrumental role in this development. With a role model like British road racing cyclist - Chris Froome as inspiration, Jamie has remained motivated, determined and passionate about MTB and hopes to compete in junior categories in order to achieve UCI points and world ranking. When asked what it takes to be a great mountain biker, he says: “You have to love the race, MTB is about hard work and consistently pushing yourself to achieve more, you have to believe in your abilities and train hard to achieve your goals.”

Bicycles Bring People Closer Together on Open Streets Cape Town Part of one of Cape Town’s most historic and important thoroughfares is going car free during the first Sunday of Transport Month. On 1 October, Cape Town CBD, Woodstock, Salt River and Observatory will become a platform for Open Streets, reserving a section of the M4 for people, not cars.

and

The 5km stretch will encompass one of the city’s biggest road closures outside of a major sporting or cultural event such as the Cape Town Marathon, Cape Town Cycle Tour or Cape Town Carnival. Closed to motorised vehicles, it will become an open space for pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, wheelchair users and other non-motorised transport users to move in safety.

14 - 15 October 2017 Raising funds for children in need

Connecting the southern suburbs between Cape Town and Simon’s Town, the M4 is an integral part of the lives of many Capetonians. It starts as Darling Street in the CBD and becomes Sir Lowry Road and then Victoria Road in Woodstock, before continuing as Main Road from Salt River to Simon’s Town station. From there it changes names three more times, before continuing as Main Road to its end near Smitswinkel Bay. Most Capetonians know it simply as “the main road”. For most of its length, the main road runs parallel with Metrorail’s southern line and many of its surrounding communities are walkable. However, much of the road is dangerous and congested, especially during morning and afternoon peak.

10 x 50 km laps



Spinning Marathon

To register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017THE500 Donations: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017THE500SS For more information contact Tacia Roux @ 082 415 5595

 PAGE 4

www.d4dsa.co.za

“Creating the space for people to cycle safely and freely can be a transformative opportunity for those who do not feel comfortable getting on a bicycle on the streets of our city. We would like to see Open Streets grow as a regular programme. Residents from all parts of Cape Town should feel that riding a bike is not only safe, but that a bicycle is a cost-effective means of mobility that allows them to explore their city, access opportunities, and improve their health while having fun. Bicycles bring people closer together – they connect communities, promote social integration and allow people to engage with each other on a personal level. And of course, streets are public spaces too,” says Robert Vogel, CEO of the Pedal Power Association. For more information visit www.openstreets.org.za

PROPERTY

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MTB

BMT FAIRTREE MTB ACADEMY

CAPE DUO CHALLENGE

READY FOR FEDHEALTH MTB CHALLENGE

GIVING BACK TO GROUND LEVEL PROJECTS

The BMT Fairtree Mountain Bike (MTB) Academy has set an impressive goal for all eleven riders that will be seen in action at the 3rd annual Fedhealth MTB Challenge at the picturesque Boschendal Wine Estate from 16-17 September 2017.

The beneficiary of the Cape Duo Challenge is Ground Level Projects, which provides less fortunate children in grades one to seven with education and transport.

Started in 2015, the goal of the Academy was to encourage Kayamandi residents to participate in sport, get outdoors and challenge themselves. Currently the Academy has 11 mountain bikers between the age of 17 - 30. “By being part of an Academy the mountain bikers are given an outlet to destress, while taking part in a sport that they love. We’re looking forward to the Fedhealth MTB Challenge.” “Our riders have either entered the marathon (±60km) or half marathon (±28km).” “Our goal is to make top 20 in our respective categories, while our top three riders will be gunning for a podium finish,” says Chris Norton, BMT Fairtree Academy. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg

BMT Fairtree Academy rider, Luyanda Thobigunya (23) admits that it’s the speed and technical sections that attract him to the sport of mountain biking. Currently the only female rider at the Academy, Nophiwe Hala (22) is excited to take part in the Fedhealth MTB Challenge half marathon (+-28km). Celebrating its 3rd anniversary, the Fedhealth MTB Challenge caters for MTB enthusiasts of all ages. Junior mountain bikers can take part in the Fedhealth Kids MTB Events on Saturday, while Sunday is reserved for the more senior mountain bikers who can choose between a ±15km, ±28km or ±60km route. The organisers of the Fedhealth MTB Challenge also announced that the 2017 event is sanctioned by Cycling SA.

“The project has capacity for at least another 100 children and with the money raised by the Cape Duo Challenge, this will become a reality. Entering this one of a kind event will help make a different to South Africa’s future.” Comments race ambassador Lehane Oosthuizen, “A wonderful innovative concept that takes stage racing to a whole new level.” “Interesting, challenging and at the heart of it, it gives back to the community. What more can you ask for? I can’t wait for the Cape Duo!” When the world’s first multi discipline multi-stage cycling event takes place in the Western Cape in October it will put to rest an age-old question of who is better on the bike: roadies or mountain bikers? With South Africa’s fast-growing cycling industry ripe for innovation, the Cape Duo Challenge has a refreshing approach: a four-day, multi-discipline cycling event competing both on and off-road, swapping bicycles for different stages in picturesque locations including Slanghoek Valley, Welvanpas and Bainskloof Pass. Entries are limited to 300 pairs of amateur cyclists. The multi-stage cycling event is sanctioned by the Pedal Power Association and takes place from Thursday, 5 October to Sunday, 8 October 2017 at a cost of R9 950 per team. Closing date for entries is 10 September 2017. For more information visit www.capeduo.com

For more information visit www.stillwatersports.com

LADISMITH CHEESE 7WEEKSPOORT MTB CHALLENGE

Ladismith Cheese 7Weekspoort MTB Challenge takes place on 30 September 2017 and promises to be the best yet.

The Karoo town of Ladismith relies on cheese, agriculture and tourism for its subsistence and the Ladismith Cheese 7Weekspoort MTB Challenge incorporates all three of the region’s keystones. Not only does accommodation in and around Ladismith sell out over the weekend of the race, but the event also showcases some of the region’s premier attractions such as the magnificent Seweweekspoort. For the more adventurous, hiking around the town includes routes up to the famous Towerkop and Seweweekspoort Peak. Agriculture is one of the main employers in the region and first time visitors are often surprised at how lush the vegetation in the valleys are when contrasted to the dusty Karoo shrubs and thorn trees which populate the foothills of the Klein Swartberg mountain range. The Ladismith Cheese 7Weekspoort MTB Challenge offers a distance for every mountain biker in the family, with the 82 kilometre main race taking in a challenging 1 750 metres of vertical ascent as it climbs the Seweweekspoort, loops into the rugged Great Karoo and traverses the Hoeko Valley to sneak back into Ladismith along a little used back road. The 82 kilometre and 40 kilometre routes take in the spectacular Seweweeks-poort before exploring the orchards of the Hoeko Valley.

Photo Credit: Oakpics.com | 7Weeks MTB

The 40 kilometre distance is perfect for the older children in the family or less fit riders. The shortest distance of the event is the 26km route, which heads directly from the start in Amalienstein towards Ladismith, via the Hoeko Valley. For more information visit www.7weekspoortmtb.co.za

9 Queen Street, Calitzdorp, 6660 Stay at centrally located, four-star graded The Queen of Calitzdorp guest house for the 7Weekspoort MTB Challenge 30 September 2017. www.queenofcalitzdorp.co.za

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SPORT SCIENCE

From the Lab to the Field The Beneﬁts of Sport Science

We take the guesswork out of your training program Sport Physiology Laboratory

Presented by The Sport Physiology Laboratory at Stellenbosch University

How Does It Work? STEP 2: Interpreting the ‘black box’

STEP 1: Looking “under the bonnet”

Test Data Anthropometry Testing date Age Height Weight Training phase

18/08/2017 22 183.4 78.1 Build

years cm kg

400 5.1 330 4.2 83 180

Watts Watts/kg Watts Watts/kg % Watts

184 200 92 169 92 110 42

bpm bpm % bpm % bpm bpm

5093 65 53.1 81

ml/min ml/kg/min ml/kg/min %

182 183.8 99

L/min L/min %

Heart Rate Response

Heart Ratemax Age pred. HRmax % pred HRmax Heart RateLT % Heart Ratemax Crossover Point HR Heart Rate Recovery (60s) Absolute VO2max Relative VO2max VO2LT %VO2max

VO2 Response

Watts Watts/kg Watts Watts/kg % Watts

184 200 92 169 92 110 42

bpm bpm % bpm % bpm bpm

5093 65 53.1 81

ml/min ml/kg/min ml/kg/min %

182 183.8 99

L/min L/min %

Heart Rate Response

Heart Ratemax Age pred. HRmax % pred HRmax Heart RateLT % Heart Ratemax Crossover Point HR Heart Rate Recovery (60s) Absolute VO2max Relative VO2max VO2LT %VO2max

VO2 Response

Step 4: Achieve performance goals

Ventilation Response VE Age pred. VE % used of predicted

Lactate graph 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

Ventilation Response VE Age pred. VE % used of predicted

400 5.1 330 4.2 83 180

Power Data

%PPO Crossover Point Power

Lactate (mmol/l)

%PPO Crossover Point Power

years cm kg

Peak Power Output PPO:BW Power OutputLT PO:BWLT

Power Data

Peak Power Output PPO:BW Power OutputLT PO:BWLT

18/08/2017 22 183.4 78.1 Build

Resting

150

180

University Stellenbosch

210

240

270

300

Sport Physiology Laboratory

330

END

Report 2017

Lactate graph

16 STEP 3: Putting a master plan together Lactate (mmol/l)

14 12

Why You Should Join Us?

10 8 6 4 2 0

Resting

150

180

210

240

If 270 we measure it: 300 330 END

- You can improve it and unlock the champion within you - University You can monitor your progress. Seeing results are Stellenbosch Sport Physiology Laboratory Reportmotivating 2017 - You will learn to train smarter, not harder - You will learn to recover faster and be back on your bike tomorrow - You will avoid injury, overtraining and burn-out PLUS: You get the opportunity to visit the Sport Physiology Laboratory in the best location in the whole wide world We are smart, friendly and have lots of experience: - Two completed Cape Epic research projects – we know what it takes to complete the race! - Sport science testing and monitoring of the Maties cycling team, USSA champions three times in a row - Preferred service provider for prominent cycling coaches in the Western Cape - Testing, training and monitoring of South Africa’s most decorated Para-athletes. Think: Ilse Hayes, Charl du Toit, Anruné Liebenberg and Dyan Buis - Skill assessment camps for Endurocad, supporting SA’s future endurance champions Get In Touch For more information contact Tel 021 808 2818; Email: sportphysiologylab@gmail.com or visit our website www.exerciselabatsun.co.za

PAGE 7

ACCOMMODATION

Africa’s First Bike Hotel, Trail’s End Bike Hotel Turns 1 On 1st October 2017 Africa’s first bike hotel, Trail’s End, celebrates its first anniversary. The hotel opened its doors by hosting the Apple Blossom MTB Classic and since then it has had the privilege of hosting training weekends for teams from the likes of Specialized/Songo, Spur, Trek Sella San Marco team and Topeak Ergon as well as many other pro athletes. The hotel has also benefited from being in the thick of popular world-class events like the Wine2Whales, the Cape Epic, the Cape Mile, the Xterra and the Trailseeker MTB Series. They proudly hosted the start of day one of this year’s African-X 3 Day Trail Run as well as visits from SA Triathlete champ, Bradley Weiss and the Top Billing Team.

On the 15th October there will be another celebration when Trail’s End hosts the Apple Blossom Mountain Bike Ride. All entrants staying over for this ride on the 14th October will also receive a 15% discount on their accommodation. Testimonials ‘Trail’s End offers you everything you could possibly need from coffee, cakes to service and wash facilities for your bike and accommodation if you wish to stay more days - which I would recommend!’ - Kristian Hynek winner of Cape Epic for Team Topeak Ergon ‘From the inception of this fantastic idea to open a B’n’B with a focus on athletes and outdoor enthusiasts it was destined for greatness.… Having the option to stay at such an outstanding establishment which Trail’s End now provides on the foothills of Grabouw’s iconic trail network is truly a gift.’ - Bradley Weiss, Tri-Athlete & Xterra Champ ‘For sure a little cycling heaven and I can highly recommend it.’ - Erik Kleinhans, Team Topeak Ergon

Says partner Pieter Silberbauer: “It’s be a roller-coaster ride since day one and we’ve loved every minute of it! We’ve had the most wonderful guests to stay from world champion cyclists, swimmers and triathletes to world renowned cartoonist, Zapiro. Although we’ve hosted many famous people, the most rewarding thing for me is being able to host our local community in special surroundings. It was always a dream to be able to share a new vision for Grabouw – and now it’s happening. Trail’s End is literally blazing a trail for our Grabouw town to re-invent itself!” The hotel has also become a weekend getaway for families – with healthy eating and outdoor activities the main focus. The library, thoughtfully curated by Christy Weyer of Liberty Books, has been a huge success and it’s not unusual to see a group of cyclists draped over the comfortable library couches – each peacefully reading a book - after a long ride. The hotel is perfectly positioned at the foot of the Wines2Whales A-Z trail, close to the Elgin Grabouw Country Club and the Oak Valley and Paul Cluver cycle trails. During your stay you can make use of the purpose built 20m, heated outdoor pool in the courtyard as well as a restaurant which includes healthy menu choices, fresh, local coffee and craft beer. The restaurant offers delectable menu options for those with specific dietary requirements. There is a wellness centre within the hotel offering yoga and Pilates classes as well as a physiotherapist, massage therapist and chiropractor. The inclusion of free wi-fi sponsored and conference centre at the venue has enabled Trail’s End to become a successful overnight destination for corporate conferencing and team building as well. Trail’s End is passionate about Grabouw community projects and is particularly excited about a bike empowerment project that has recently been launched in Grabouw – starting with a bike maintenance course hosted at Trail’s End in conjunction with Stillwater Sports and Cape Trail Builders. The bike project is the result of a collaboration between BEN (Bike Empowerment Network), Qhubeka and PPA and seeks to get the community of Grabouw mobile – with all the additional opportunities that this offers.

‘Trail’s End is heaven after playing in the mountain-biking Disneyland of Grabouw. At the lodge I love the space of the open living room – and especially drinking flat whites made by Chad there!’ - Cristoph Sauser world champion and winner of Cape Epic on numerous occasions ‘Team Spur held a mountain bike training camp at Trail’s End in January. We’ve chosen the hotel not just because it’s located in the beautiful Elgin Valley where you’ll find some of the best mountain bike trails South Africa has got to offer, but also because it really caters for athletes needs. Nutritious, healthy and delicious meals filled our tummies and there’s a bike wash facility as well as bike storage to keep the precious machine clean and safe.’- Ariane Lüthi, Team Spur and Cape Epic winner

Whether you go alone, with friends or as a family and whether you stay for a night or for a week, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Trail’s end will be having a double celebration to mark their anniversary: On the night of 30th September the band, Knight’s Rook, will be entertaining guests with an evening of music backed up by good food from Trail’s End and wonderful local wines. All rooms for the evening will be at a 15% discounted special. There will be cycle rides on the Saturday and on Sunday 1st October to celebrate the start of the Elgin/ Grabouw Blossom Festival Month.

Visit the website, www.trailsend.bike, call +27 21 859 5193 or email accommodation@trailsend.bike for more information Follow Trail’s End on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @trailsendza

Thank You to the Sponsors for their overwhelming support all these years in participating in the Apple Blossom MTB

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MTB EVENT

The Apple Blossom MTB - Elgin’s Original Mountain Bike Ride Though 22 years old, the Apple Blossom MTB Ride is still very much young at heart and has been witness to plenty of changes within the sport of mountain biking during its life so far. The Apple Blossom Mountain Bike Ride began its life in October 1995. It was held at the Elgin/Grabouw Country Club and was the first ever official mountain bike race to be held in the Elgin Valley. The race was arranged by my Mother and Elgin local, Norma Bridgman, to raise money for the Elgin/Grabouw Publicity Association in a bid to promote the Elgin Valley as a tourist destination instead of a drive-by location. 160 riders lined up at the start, paying a mere R15 to enjoy a 26km route through orchards festooned with scented apple blossom and the pine forests surrounding the Country club. Long before the mountain biking craze - and way before such inventions as soft tails, hard tails, disc brakes or dropper posts! - Apple Blossom was treating the mountain biking world to an extraordinary experience of majestic scenery, family enjoyment and pure, exhilarating fun.

In 1999 the event was handed over to me and I, along with the Elgin/Grabouw Round Table, continued to grow and promote not only mountain biking in the Elgin Valley but the Valley itself. As the sport of mountain biking started to develop in the Western Cape so too did the Apple Blossom. In 2002 we moved the ride to the Amphitheatre at the Paul Cluver Estate so we could extend the routes and treat riders to a new and unique experience. At that time the Estate did not have any public bike trails and cyclists were only given access once a year for the Apple Blossom Ride. In fact, the first section of single track was introduced in 2005 through a small pine forest on the Paul Cluver Estate. By 2006, the late Pieter Visser, who was part of the Elgin/Grabouw Round Table, Oak Valley’s winemaker and keen mountain biker, eventually gave in to my nagging and scraped a pathway through the cattle fields on Oak Valley so that we could extend the route out onto Oak Valley and back onto Paul Cluver. Tracks were cleared and a bridge or two put in place to further add to the riders’ experience of the Elgin Valley. It wasn’t until 2008 that the now famous Oak Valley Trails were launched and the mountain biking world was booming. At this point the Apple Blossom had 840 riders taking part. This caused logistical problems at the existing venue so we moved over to the Oak Valley Estate in order to expand our wings.

These bridges and single tracks allowed us to cycle entirely around the Eikenhof dam and link up with sections of Gerhard Huiskens superb single track - built for you by him purely because he loved the sport. So, with this new found enthusiasm starting to surround the Apple Blossom Ride again, the energy started to flow and my long term vision of Apple Blossom being ‘owned’ by the Valley stakeholders, was becoming a reality. I am very proud to say that last year we achieved an 80% ownership! Our most recent development happened when Trail’s End Bike Hotel opened its doors in Grabouw last October. It’s a fantastic addition to our community and I instantly knew it would be the perfect home for the 2016 Apple Blossom Mountain Bike Ride. The hotel coordinated its official opening to be on the same day as the Apple Blossom and this will again be our special venue for 2017. Apple Blossom is all about being home-grown and maintaining an ethos of continually spoiling and going the extra mile for our 650+ riders every year. We love the racing snakes but we really cherish those who just come to ride; who take time to stop and smell the blossom, make new friends with fellow riders, remain in the moment and finish with a smile. We look forward to seeing you on the 15th October! Article by Theresa Dicey

In 2011 Fruitways, the co-title sponsor, came on board the event allowing us the privilege of riding through some of their farms, further adding to the uniqueness of the ride and meaning that Apple Blossom was now a single day event which traversed four farms! We have many sponsors to be thankful for but in particular I must mention some ‘old faithfuls’ which include aQuelle, whose relationship with Apple Blossom extends to 16 years! They started out as the official drinks sponsor in 2001 and became co-title sponsor in 2006. VeloLife Cycling may have changed their name a few times but Malan has backed the Apple Blossom for a whopping 17 years and close on their heels is Merida/Titan with 12 faithful years. They are truly the team behind team! After many happy Apple Blossom years on Oak Valley, the loss of two very special and key guys in the wheel of the Apple Blossom family: Pieter (Vissie) Visser in 2014 and a year later Gerhard Huiskens, my level of enthusiasm for Apple Blossom was at its all time low. It was time for change. So, after a few mountain bike scouting rides with Pieter Silberbauer and my husband, Malcolm, we found and plotted some new routes. All we had to do was build a few stronger-than-London-Bridge bridges, clear and widen an old hiking trail on Eikenhof farm and persuade Corne Swart of Fruitways, an avid mountain biker himself, to build a section of single track leading us onto the Eikenhof dam wall.

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GENERAL

MEET CAREL BEZUIDENHOUD - THE MAN BEHIND RAASBEKKIE “Jou lekker ding. Easy peazy, lemon sceezy. Llllekker lekkker lekker. Truestory. Boom that just happened – are some of the favourite phrases expressed by Carel Bezuidenhoud, the man behind “Raasbekkie”. The former “Fear Factor SA Winner”, multi-sport athlete, Sport Commentator, Ambassador for the Smile Foundation is an energetic and enthusiastic freelance Master of Ceremony; he broadcasts on Bok Radio twice a week, give results and boost events in the endurance sports category such as trail-running, mountain biking, road cycling, triathlons, duathlons, obstacle course racing, training camps, fundraisers, festivals, CrossFit events and many more. What do we know about him? Carel grew up in Rundu, Oshakati and Gobabis in Namibia, and matriculated at Worcester Gymnasium. After 6 years in the SA Navy he took up employment at Momentum for a few years. He concluded a fulltime 2-year racing program as a Multisport and adventure racer, and afterwards worked in the cycling industry selling custom kit and Craft apparel. Today he follows a career in marketing a new product range for Athletes, called MiFitLife.

As a multisport athlete Carel has done his fair share of racing with numerous wins and podiums on stage races, trail-running races as Solo, Mix Team and Male Team. He ran the Two Oceans Ultra marathon last year and is currently training for the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge 2017 road race in November as an Ambassador The Smile Foundation - “Because every child deserves to Smile!” A few years back when Carel was still racing, he took the microphone at an event and invitations to perform as sport Master of Ceremony at events, just snowballed from there! “I like to MC at as many sport disciplines as I can.” “I have done almost any sport you can think of and have a broad sense of how it works, what to look out for, how to relate to the athletes, knowledge of the sport, what the athletes go through and I just absolutely love to bring a great vibe/atmosphere to any event.” “I want the athletes to remember the great experience and race they had. I can pretty much MC at any event – sport or just if you want a great vibe at your event or if you want a serious/formal MC – I can do that too,” Carel continues.

Photo: Carel Bezuidenhoud - Photo Credit: www.oakpics.com

Carel won Fearfactor SA in 2008, the last Fearfactor produced in South Africa. To him it was an amazing experience - he walked away with R300 000, and the SA Fearfactor title. “I can eat anything on four legs except chairs and tables,” Carel jokes. Carel is proud of his sport achievements set forth in the following disciplines: WP/ Boland and SA Colours in Tug-Of-War (Tou-rek 560kg), played WP Rugby league a few years, part of the SA Rhino 30-man squad for the Rugby League World Cup in Wales 2000, and Namibia colours in wrestling 30kg division. “I’m a sports Billy,” Carel exclaims.

What makes Raasbekkie different from other MC's? “I think the fact that I have a lot of energy. I bring a great atmosphere to any event, I make sure I know the athletes, I do my homework about the specific race and surroundings, and always bring the humour factor in, and make sure the middle and last athletes gets the acknowledgement that they deserve,” Carel explains. Some of Carel's 2017 MC Event include: Attalwas, Tankwa Trek/Trail, 360MTB, Glacier Storms River Traverse, Spur MTB School league, Fairtree MTB, WPXCO Series, Swartberg Gran Fondo 100 Miler, Dirtopia events, Smile Foundation events, MiWay Ultra Triathlons, Knysna Cycle Tour, Overberg 100miler and many more. “My goal is to engage as an MC in more races local and in other provinces and ultimately extend my services overseas as well!” “Don’t just think out of the box, think like there is no box,” Carel concludes. For more information contact Carel aka "Raasbekkie" on 076 951 7096

LANGEBERG LINK MTB - 3-DAY STAGE RACE IN THE OVERBERG

A new addition to the list of sanctioned MTB Stage races in the Western Cape is the 3-day Langeberg Link MTB scheduled to take place in the Swellendam area from 23 - 25 September 2017. The Langeberg Link MTB will be based at Oudewerf Farm 10Km east of Swellendam on Route 60. The route has never before been cycled on any stage race, and is situated mostly on private land, not open to public - thus ensuring the uniqueness of the event. The track, where access is limited, is purposely designed that cyclists can enjoy the overwhelming beauty of fauna and flora in the area and experience some breathtaking views of waterfalls. Stage 1: The 52km, 900m ascent takes the riders mainly on undulating gravel roads, with some off-road sections alongside the ripening wheat. Stage 2: The 28km, 520m ascent will be quite challenging with stunning scenery. It is the day of testing your legs along the side of the mountain and across more farm land with scenery that will reward your effort. Stage 3: The 52Km, 900m ascent will be the reverse of the first day with a few ‘twists’.

Riders can choose between a long route, or a short route. The event also offers Solo and Team entries in all three stages, or single days. Medals and T-shirts will be provided to all riders that finish the 3-day race, and there will be daily lucky-draws. This is an excellent opportunity to bring the family and enjoy the hospitality of the farming community and explore the foothills of the majestic Langeberg range in the countryside near Swellendam on the Garden Route, whilst also experiencing the beauty of the growing wheat lands just before the harvest. Entry fees for the three-day event is R1 050 per cyclist, and single stages sell at R350 per person per day, and for the kids, rides have been provided. Accommodation is excluded from the entry fees and can be done via www.swellendam-info. co.za. For more information call 074 457 6777 or visit www.langeberglinkmtb.com Online entries can be submitted via www.entrytime.com

Event Format - Men, Women & Solo Riders - Ride All 3 Stages - Ride Single Stages

23 - 25 September 2017 On-line Entries: www.entrytime.com T: 074 457 6777 | W: www.langeberglinkmtb.com // Based at Oudewerf, 10km from Swellendam on the R60 \\ // meals & t-shirts for all 3-day rider ﬁnishers \\ // accommodation: www.swellendam-info.co.za \\

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Stages - Stage 1, 52km - 900m ascent - Stage 2, 28km - 520m ascent - Stage 3, 52km - 900m ascent

Event Cost - 3 Day, R1050pp - Single Stage, R350pp - Kids u/10 - R 50, Free if

riding with accompanying adult.

REALTY

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APPAREL & GEAR

GET TO KNOW YOUR APPAREL WITH JOANNA & HELDERBERG CYCLE WORLD Full ﬁnger gloves - I haven’t worn short gloves in over 5 years. Full finger gloves may be a little warmer, but they provide you with incredible protection and the right glove is ventilated correctly to prove maximum protection and comfort. Trail helmets: Tail Helmets are larger, and have a visor to protect your temples and have more coverage at the rear to keep you safer from big knocks. The visor projects you from sun and rain. A ponytail port also keeps your helmet straight and super snug!

Photo: Joanna Enjoying the last section at The Delvera Enduro at top speed! Full trail apparel from head to toe! - Photo Credit: Chris Hitchcock

I’m sure you have noticed a move towards riders wearing looser fitting clothing of late. South African riders are so far behind European and American riders with this trend, but baggies, longer socks, helmets with more coverage, long sleeve riding tops and flat shoes with flat pedals are being spotted on the trails more frequently these days. I raced super light bikes and wore lycra for 16 years before ‘seeing the light’ so to speak. Yes, aero is everything! It’s been proven, that even your ponytail should be braided to shave off precious seconds if you are gunning for podium positions! Fashion is important to us girls, but clothing needs to be functional too. Racing snakes in the XC and marathon scene need to be in lycra, but that does not mean that you need to be!

Photo: Jo & Roxy in full trail gear Photo Credit: Patrick Aubert de la Ruee

Specialized Women's Grail Long Finger Gloves

Flat shoes - Flat shoes and a proper flat pedal is one of the best things that you can do to improve your riding! Being a skills coach, I encourage you to fit flat pedals and invest in a good pair of flat shoes. They will increase your confidence on the trail because you won’t be so scared of not being able to unclip! You will also improve your pedal stroke, corner like a queen and learn to bunny hop and jump with the correct technique! Just remember to drop your heels to keep proper contact with the pedal on descents. Helderberg Cycle World have amazing shoes called 2FO’s as well as numerous pedals for you to choose from. Cleated shoes give more power on the climbs and have their advantages if you are doing long distances and are competitive, but give flats shoes with Specialized 2FO Flat the right pedal a try - I reckon you will be amazed at what you experience! I spend most of the time in my cleated shoes and definitely race in them, but then Specialized Bennies Platform Pedals every so often I fit flats to improve my technique.

Why Baggies? - Yes, so you think baggies are not attractive on an average size or larger size lady, but is lycra really any better? Baggies act as a second skin, so they prevent gravel rash if you fall.

Specialized baggies have a detachable lining with super comfortable chammy as well as the SWAT integrated system. You can store spares and your credit card in the lining under your baggies, at the side of your thigh, and not in your back pocket. This is not only safer when you fall, but more comfortable. Trail tops - Long sleeves prevent sunburn and also protect you from gravel rash if you fall. They are slightly warmer, but in summer, just add short sleeves! Photo: "The ladies I trained in Switzerland,take note: no lycra and most were in ﬂat shoes!"

Long socks - You can’t go out riding these days unless you have the cute socks right? Haha, they are fun and trendy, act as protection when small rocks come up and bite you on the shin, or a thorn bush grabs you! I’m always surprised at how much my socks protect my legs - the longer the sock the better! So what about that stupid tan? We all know that we actually dig it right, lets just face it, it comes with the territory - own it!

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Then when I get back into cleats I fly and have even better technique! Spoil yourself with some ladies specific trail gear! You will not only look stylish, but feel protected and super comfy, whilst celebrating life on your bike! Be sure to check the Specialized apparel at Helderberg Cycle World,Somerset West. Specialized Women's Andorra Pro Short baggies

Article by Joanna Dobinson For more information contact 074 169 4376 or visit www.bikinginthebosch.co.za

ROAD

Rocco King Wins Yellow Jersey AT London-Paris 3-day stage RACE - a five-day stage race organized by HotChillee which took place in February in and around the Cape Winelands. In 2016 Team Bäckstedt HotChillee merged the Bäckstedt Cycling programme running in the UK with the HotChillee Development Rider Programme in SA with the aim of fostering young cycling talent in Europe and South Africa, and creating a pathway into the pro peloton. Paris-Roubaix winner Magnus Bäckstedt set up Bäckstedt Cycling in 2015 to provide an avenue for young cyclists to reach their full potential on the track and road. Photo: Rocco King - Photo Credit: Francis Cade

Rocco King from the Helderberg is one of the many South African cyclists competing on the European circuit to make a name for himself in road cycling. As a development rider for Team Bäckstedt HotChillee Rocco recently won the Bikeradar General Classification yellow jersey, and Procycling sprinters leaders jersey at the HotChillee London-Paris 2017 Road race. The HotChillee London-Paris is a 3-day stage road race from London to Paris which comprises of 160km-180km per day including climbing, sprinting and overall fastest times. On the last day of the HotChillee London-Paris race Rocco was cycling amongst 400 riders that past the Arch de Triomphe on closed roads, the day before the finish of Tour de France. Rocco was ecstatic with his performance, and the win did not come without challenges along the way. On stage one, the cable on his bike broke and he had to ride 40km on a broken bike. During stage 2 he had yet another mechanical and was forced to switch to a service bike. Changing bikes meant he fell behind and had to catch up with the bunch. At the end of the day Rocco managed to win the time trial and the sprint on a service bike that wasn’t set up for him. Rocco was one of two South African cyclists who was chosen to ride the London-Paris 2017 race after a tough selection process that started at the Cape Roleur

Rocco would like to thank Sven Thiele from HotChillee, the event

Photo: Rocco King - Photo Credit: DoubleST

organizer of the London-Paris race, his sponsors Dan Grobler Biokenitics, Velolife bike shop, and the Wannabees Cycling Club who made his trip possible. “An added bonus was getting to London and finding 6 Wannabee club members who also joined the London-Paris race. Thanks guys for all your support always,” says Rocco. The Wannabees Cycling Club (WCC) was found in the Helderberg area in 2004 by a small group of cycling friends who enjoyed regular group rides. The club has since grown to over a thousand members across all levels, ages and abilities. Although the club, when founded was primarily a road cycling club, the development of MTB trails has quickly grown into a strong group of Mountain Bikers. The club has developed and manages almost a 100km’s of MTB trails across more than 20 farms as well as a community Bike park trail in a Municipal Park in Somerset West. Southey Vines Mountain Bike Trail has hosted many Spur Schools League races. The WCC is a volunteer based multi-discipline cycling club that facilitates & promotes cycling activities for its members within the local community.

The Timbercity Cycle Tour 2017 - a road race not to be missed Break away for the weekend and experience the very best of cycling the Little Karoo has to offer. The 7th edition of the Timbercity Cycle Tour hosted by Eden Cycling Association will take place on Sunday, 1 October 2017 in Oudtshoorn, and also provides the opportunity to race the 7Weekspoort MTB Challenge in Ladismith on Saturday, 30 September 2017. With very few road races in the Western Cape this is an opportunity to race in the Klein Karoo town of Oudtshoorn, and participating in a seeding race for the Cape Town Cycle Tour to take place on 11 March 2018. The road race on Sunday will cater for every level of cyclist with a flat 30km, a slightly more challenging 57km to the Cango Caves and then the 104km that stretches into Matjiesrivier at the foot of the Swartberg Mountain range. The 104km route is challenging, but worth the effort when greeted with the natural beauty of Oudtshoorn and surroundings. This is one of the reasons why Director of Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, David Bellairs takes part in this event. The Timbercity Cycle Tour will start and finish at Brian’s Grill and Family Restaurant in Baron van Reede street, also a secondary sponsor together with the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport of the event.

Online entries are open and can be booked at www.cycleevents.co.za Late entries will be available at the start venue on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

JACKET TO GILET IN 3.5 SECONDS

The Vindex Jacket employs magnetic fasteners so the sleeves can be removed in one simple motion, effortlessly converting from a full sleeve jacket into a gilet. This gives you complete control over your body temperature allowing you to change with the conditions while in the saddle. This lightweight jacket features our proprietary Vita-Tex Fabric that is both windproof and water repellent, while Lycra insets ensure the form hugging fit, still allows full range of motion. The Vindex is available in men’s and ladies’ styles.

Scan the QR code to watch a video showing the latest features or visit https://www.ciovita.com/products/vindex to find out more. Athlete: Matthew Daneel wearing the Vindex Jacket

CVTA Into Cycling Ad FA.indd 1

INSPIRED TO RIDE

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2017/05/26 10:44 AM

COMMUNITY

Inaugural Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund ‘Ride 4 Rugby’ The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund, a charity that supports rugby players who have sustained catastrophic head, neck or spinal cord injuries announced that they will be hosting the inaugural ‘Ride 4 Rugby’ mountain bike experience in Caledon from 8-10 October 2017. This unique event will see a number of SA’s most recognisable rugby legends hitting the trails in an effort to raise funds for Rugby’s Caring Hands. This MTB experience will see all logistics managed by Chris Willemse Cycles, while Tsogo Sun is the official hospitality partner. A limited number of teams will be in action, with Players’ Fund Chairman and Founder Morné du Plessis as well as Springbok legends John Smit and Joel Stransky all confirmed to participate. The format of the two stage ride promises to build camaraderie and see teams crossing the finish line together with memorable stories to be shared. ‘Ride 4 Rugby’ is so much more than just a mountain bike ride and boasts a number of great perks, from magnificent limited-access trails, to professional mechanical services and great accommodation at Tsogo Sun’s, the Caledon Hotel and Spa.

Funds raised through the ‘Ride 4 Rugby’ experience will be used to assist seriously injured rugby players who need support as they adjust to living life with a disability. This includes mobility equipment, renovations to homes, as well as psychological and emotional support for both the players and their families. In order to keep the cause standing strong for another 37 years, funds need to be raised annually. The aim is for this to be an experience like no other, with the view to growing the event nationally over the next three years. In total, only 25 teams will be participating over the two days with four riders per team, made up of three guest riders and one former Springbok rugby player. During the 2 stages teams will cover over 100km’s of magnificent Overberg terrain opened up especially for this event. If you’re keen on two days of sharing rugby banter with legends of the game and heading to the hills in the name of a good cause, then this race is certainly for you! For more information contact 021 658 5615 or visit www.playersfund.org.za

Cape Trails Continue to Broaden Their Horizons at FNB Wines2Whales Cape Trails, the famous route builders of the FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) Events are further expanding their skill set by attending a two week bike mechanic training programme hosted by the Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN). “We are proud to support Cape Trails on their journey to becoming self-sustaining,” says Johan Kriegler, FNB W2W Director. “All four members of Cape Trails have just completed the first half of the bike mechanic training programme that was hosted at Trail’s End (Grabouw) by BEN. Friends of W2W, the owners of Trail’s End generously offered their venue and accommodation for the trainer free of charge.” “W2W’s container partner, Big Box also showed its support in a big way by donating a 12m container that will be converted into a Bike Spaza Shop. This Spaza Shop will be run from the Cape Trails property in Grabouw.” “The second half of the training programme will commence in November after the 2017 FNB W2W MTB Events,” continues Kriegler. “W2W will purchase the necessary tools, while BEN and the Pedal Power Association SA (PPA) will provide basic bicycles which will be sold and serviced by Cape Trails from the Bike Spaza Shop. Ninety-five percent of the SA bicycle market is focused on the wealthier and recreational market. The idea is to establish Cape Trails and the Bike Spaza Shop as a blueprint, catering for a basic bicycle market where bicycles are used as a means of transport by SA’s larger working class.” BEN’s goal is to create opportunities through the use of bicycles. According to Tim Mosdell, General Manager of BEN, this goal is achieved through the distribution of new and second-hand bikes to deserving individuals and communities. “BEN ensures that distributed bicycles are mechanically supported,” says Mosdell. “We do this by establishing Bicycling Empowerment Centres (BECs) which involves training and setting up entrepreneurs as community bike shops in key areas. The training programme will give Cape Trails a solid grounding in basic bicycle mechanics.”

“They will be taught basic bicycle maintenance, bicycle assembly, headset maintenance and fitting, drive-train servicing, bottom bracket replacement, brakes, hubs and wheels, gear setting etc.” According to Brendon Booysen (Pikkie) of Cape Trails, he really enjoyed the training programme. “It was a really good experience for us,” says Booysen. “We will now be able to save money by servicing our own bikes. We listened intently and picked it up really quickly. It was really nice as we were able to help each other through the process.” For Ashwell Swarts of Cape Trails being able to call himself a bike mechanic feels unreal. “We now have a new skill,” says Swarts. “We were taught to listen to our bicycles. If we hear that something is wrong, we can now fix it ourselves. We’re really looking forward to running the Bike Spaza Shop, especially because we will now be able to assist the less fortunate.” The bicycle that BEN and PPA will be providing to Cape Trails is the #bike4all. For more information visit www.bike4all.co.za

Anna Foundation Children Receive Brand New Mountain Bikes The Anna Foundation children have received 10 brand new Silverback mountain bikes through Adrenalin Bikes on 11 August 2017 and started their Simonsig Winery afterschool programme. The foundation also received 50 commuter bicycles from Qhubeka at two of their other farms Klawervlei Stud in Bonnievale and Monteith Trust in Grabouw. All of this made possible by the Cape Epic funding. The Anna Foundation runs afterschool programmes for rural children of farm workers in the Western Cape and to offer these children life-long learning in order to build positive self-worth and self-respect. Their well-known 3R’s programme represents: Reading (literacy and education), Running (Sports such as Running and Riding) and finally Righting (as in making the community Right / life skills). As part of Anna Foundation’s Sports programme riding has become more important, parallel to the growth of the biking world in the Boland. The Foundation is one of the beneficiaries of the Cape Epic and has also opened up bike tracks on their afterschool farms and provide as many kids as possible with mountain bikes for sport as well as commuter bicycles to transport to their schools and sporting programmes. The Silverback Mountain Bikes were sourced by the riding legend Willie Engelbrecht and his company Adrenalin Bikes. Willie is also committed to getting kids riding. Pierre Olivier, COO of the Anna Foundation and partner cyclist of Willie Engelbrecht at the Cape Epic 2017, was delighted to receive the bikes at the Anna Foundation and looks forward to starting the programme with one of our participating wine farms Simonsig.

Photo Credit: Pat Bromilow-Downing

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Another new initiative is to partner with Qhubeka Bikes which manufactures commuter bikes locally using locally trained staff for skills development. Qhubeka ‘moves people forward with bicycles’. People earn bicycles through their programmes, improving access to schools, clinics and jobs. Qhubeka has sponsored 50 bikes to the Anna Foundation - 14 bikes delivered to Klawervlei Stud near Bonnievale and 36 bikes to the Monteith Trust in Grabouw.

CYCLING EVENTS

Java MTB Challenge 2017

Adds New Territory To The Mix Of Family Fun The annual Van Loveren Java MTB Challenge offers some fresh challenges to adrenalin-seekers who sign up for the event taking place near Robertson on 14 October 2017. A fun-filled sporting day for the whole family, the Van Loveren Java MTB Challenge includes not only MTB, but also a trail running competition across scenic farmland and mountains as well as food stalls, music and wine tasting. The event has built up a loyal following over the years and regulars at the Java MTB Challenge use the race to train for the upcoming Wines2Whales, Cape Pioneer Trek, and To Hell and Back. The 6km route is an easy, non-technical fun ride that’s suitable for children and perfect for families to do together. The 20km is ideal for beginners and lies mostly along a Jeep track with some single track. It’s not very technical and only covers 250m in elevation. The 45km is suitable for an intermediate level of experience, taking riders over elevation variance of 800m. The 85km route however, is gruelling and should be attempted only by very experienced riders. It covers virgin territory following the commissioning of a new route last year, and custom-built single tracks. The 1600m elevation will challenge even the most seasoned riders. All riders with a Racetec chip will be timed. The Java MTB Challenge is a fundraising platform for local schools and charitable organisations that assist with organising and logistics on the day. All entrants will receive medals upon completion of their chosen activity, while there are prizes and lucky draws to the value of over R40 000 up for grabs. Photo Credit: Breede Photography

#UltimateKarooExperience Lormar Endurance Mountain Bike Tour

This unique 3-day mountain bike Tour kicks off with 100 purebred Arabian horses galloping past participants as an opening ceremony! Stage 1 offers a Night Ride into the Karoo sunset followed by a Karoo lamb “spitbraai”. Day 2 awakes riders to farm noises of chickens, turkeys and horses around the tented village at Fairview. Stage 2 takes riders on a 65km journey past the beautiful Compasberg to the quaint village Photo Credit: Capcha Photography of Nieu Bethesda where they spend the day enjoying the artistic town, it’s people and little shops. During the afternoon riders are treated to a “Brew Ride” to the local microbrewery to enjoy a free beer as part of the package. The Tour with its 250 riders and spectators will spend the night in tented accommodation. Stage 3 takes riders through a nature reserve where zebras, kudus, springboks, wildebeest and much more wild life can be spotted from the bicycles as riders make their way back to Fairview farm. Upon finishing the Tour, each participant will receive a locally made “windpomp” as finishers medal. In 2016 Lormar Endurance Mountain Bike Tour saw 250 participants not only from South Africa, but also all the way from the United States, Belgium and England. 2017 entails two back-to-back tours namely the FarmTrail 29 September - 1 October and the SheepTrail 3-5 October. For more information visit www.lormarendurance.co.za

KAROOBAIX - A Race Against The Clock

For more information visit www.javamtb.co.za

DarlingTTU 2017 The Darling ttu 24-hour Enduro that takes place from 30 September - 1 October 2017 at the !Khwa ttu game reserve near Darling - home to a large variety of bird, animal and plant species. The challenge is to endure 24 hours of riding on a fast purpose-built single track, whilst withstanding the attractions of a 24 hour braai fire, beer tent, live music and much more. The route includes 10 kilometres of beautiful, purpose-built with varied single track that follows the herds of game, pass several waterholes, bird hides and even a replica traditional San village. The thrilling route offers excellent views and amazing game encounters. Darling ttu 24-hour Enduro is for the adventurer who wants more than just riding on gravel roads and Jeep tracks. The terrain changes from striking rocky out crops and indigenous vegetation to a large plateau with spectacular views, green wheat fields and long climbs! People who ride 24-hour events do it for themselves; it can become a massive physical challenge that slams your fitness goals. It is a way to ask the body to push to new limits, but this is a race where you always finish with a smile.

KAROOBAIX is a new two-day 404km stage race for modern gravel/cyclocross style bicycles through the Karoo from 9 - 10 October 2017. The route is almost exclusively gravel, and range from super smooth hard-packed dirt to soft sand, sharp rocks and corrugations. The race will be semi-supported, and there will be two rest stops with good food, coffee and fresh water along each of the two stages. The name KAROOBAIX pays homage the Paris-Roubaix race, the murderous European Classic that earned itself the nickname Hell of the North, and the unique, spectacular and sometimes inhospitable semi-desert region of the Karoo. You can ride any bike you’d like, but no suspension of any form is allowed, you have to ride minimum 35c / 1.4” volume tyres, and drop handlebars are mandatory. KAROOBAIX is a race against the clock - the shortest time over the two stages determines victory. Whoever crosses the line first in 2017 will receive a custom-built gravel race frame by award-winning builder Matthew Sowter of Saffron Frameworks in London. For more information visit www.karoobaix.co.za

The ION Weskus Fat Bike Adventure

24-hour racing is a blast, especially as darkness falls and you can smell the braai fires against a backdrop of the spectacular West Coast sunsets. Some riders stayed out riding all night, others enjoy themselves sharing stories, but the time keepers never sleep. The Darling ttu uses a tag clipcard attached to your bike, and wide-awake time-keepers clip and record each lap. Riders can at all times check their laps. The Darling ttu provides for young and novice, as well as experienced and professional riders and encourages participation by the whole family. The on site restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch daily. Delicious homemade food, cool drinks, local craft beer and wine of the area will be on sale, as well as live entertainment and fun activities for the kids. The !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre also offers a fascinating insight into the culture, heritage, knowledge and modern-day life of the San of southern Africa. For more information visit www.darlingttu.co.za

The ION Weskus Fat Bike Adventure will take place from 13 - 15 October 2017 with the race village located at Ganzekraal. The event, supported by Titan Bikes is not a race, but an adventure. The concept for the West Coast Fat Bike Adventure stems from a desire to reintroduce a sense of fun and adventure into the mountain bike community. The 3 day adventure includes overnight camping and the Route is challenging, but not demanding with no racing and timing. ION Weskus Fat Bike Adventure is a self-supporting ride with no water points, 2 facilities with water available and streams along the route. For more information contact Chris 082 672 9351 or Craig 072 408 6351

Photo Credit: Craig Kolesky

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September 2017

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GET READY FOR 'BEYOND THE DESERT EDGE EXPEDITION'

The countdown for the ‘Beyond the Desert Edge Expedition’ begins when Adventurer Peter Van Kets undertakes a gruelling off-road mountain biking route in September 2017, pedalling all the way from Serra Cafema - near the Kunene River mouth on the Angolan border to Walvis Bay in Namibia. Peter van Kets is one of the world’s top extreme endurance adventurers, and international conference speakers. He rose to international prominence by winning the pairs division of the 5500km unsupported Woodvale Trans-Atlantic Rowing Race in 2008. In 2010, he spent 76 days alone in a 7-meter rowing boat crossing the Atlantic and was awarded the SA OutThere Adventurer of the Year 2011. Peter also formed part of a two-man South African team that made South African history becoming the first Africans to ever race to the South Pole.

Photo Top: Tour de Tuli, Photo Bottom: Children in the Wilderness - Photo Credit's: Jacques Marais

Now it is time for ‘Beyond the Desert Edge Expedition. “I am fundamentally an optimist … Part of being an optimist is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward.” - Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. “These inspirational words from one of the greatest Africans ever rings especially true as we celebrate the final go-ahead of our ‘Beyond the Desert Edge Expedition.’”

Ciovita Cycling will create and provide their technical riding tops for the 1000km ride, while a range of technical desert apparel will be supplied by Hi-Tec South Africa. Giant Bicycles South Africa is responsible for every pedal stroke along the route as bicycles will be their primary human-powered means of moving through the unforgiving terrain of the southern African sub-continent.

Peter will start off along the inhospitable edge of the Skeleton Coast National Park before crossing the dune fields into the desolate Hartmann’s Valley. From here, his ride will take him through the arid and remote Namibian hinterland - passing via Brandberg and Spitzkoppe - en route to the finish at Walvis Bay, approximately three weeks later. Along the way, Peter Van Kets will be joined by adventure photo-journalist Jacques Marais, who will ride sections of the route with him, while recording this incredible adventure. Peter Kirk and Graham Kirk will offer additional support along this epic wilderness crank, running communications, setting up camps and capturing video and drone footage of a ride that has to our knowledge never been done before. ‘Beyond the Desert Edge Expedition’ could never have materialised without the assistance of Wilderness Safaris, acclaimed as the continent’s foremost ecotourism operator, offering guests life-changing journeys in some of the most remote and pristine areas, to conserve Africa’s spectacular biodiversity and share ecotourism’s benefits with rural people. Their environmental ethos and knowledge of the region the team will be passing through, is key to the success of this adventure, and hopefully they will be able to highlight the plight of the delicate ecosystems through which they will be travelling. “Care will be taken to stick to existing tracks to ensure we tread lightly, thus minimising any damage to the fragile desert eco-system.” An expression of gratitude must go to the headline sponsors of the ‘Beyond the Desert Edge Expedition’, Dunlop Tyres SA for their financial support; My SPAR (Eastern Cape) for provisioning as they traverse the remote desert landscape; Isuzu South Africa will ensure consistent re-supply and communication with the media team.

‘Beyond the Desert Edge Expedition’ will be the first of a series of five #Beyond Expeditions Adventures planned by Peter Van Kets and Jacques Marais over the next four years, with each of their missions aimed at highlighting specific regions under environmental threat. Documenting and filming these adventures will not only focus on relevant environmental issues, but will also raise funds for their main charity beneficiary, Children in the Wilderness - a non-profit organisation supported by ecotourism company Wilderness Safaris to facilitate sustainable conservation through leadership development and education of rural children in Africa.