ride
guide everything you need to know
message from the
title sponsor We are very excited to be able to bring you the 2022 M&G Investments PE Plett Mountain Bike Race. We want you to know that, just because we’ve changed our name from Prudential to M&G Investments, doesn’t mean we’ve changed our enthusiasm for the event or the way we approach it. After all, consistency is at the heart of our company. In fact, we’ve redoubled our e orts to bring our riders an even better experience this year, with higher standards of service and new enhancements compared to previous years. During the race there will be plenty of special treatment that we hope you’ll take advantage of after another year of stressful and unusual conditions. We wish you a very successful and fulfilling journey over the coming days, no matter what your personal goals may be. As with last year, because our participants’ health is of the utmost importance to us, we have been working closely with event organisers Red Cherry Events to ensure that everyone has a safe, appropriately distanced and healthy experience. Red Cherry has consulted closely with medical experts on every aspect of the sleeping, eating, leisure-time and medical arrangements of the four days to minimise the chances of virus transmission. If you have any questions in this regard, please don’t hesitate to contact them. Also, we’d appreciate any and all feedback you have for us on your experience at marketing@mandg.co.za.
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WIN A LUXURY STAY! For those who want some extra competition (this time through a camera lens rather than on the trail), this year we are again o ering the chance for a rider to win two nights of accommodation for two people in a Luxury Suite at Simbavati Fynbos on Sea (with upgrade to a Superior Suite subject to availability). This prize also includes: • Flights from major airports and airport transfer to the hotel; • Full Board and activities for 2 people for 2 nights (all meals, scheduled daily activities, self-guided walks and mountain bike trails, use of mountain bikes) • R250 gift voucher per person per night to spend on extras at the lodge See further details on how to enter the competition in our booklet. For us, success in investing is achieved in a very similar way to that in an MTB stage race. You and your team need to train consistently, day after day, using the best techniques, equipment and knowledge you have, and then ride consistently well every day of the race. At M&G Investments, our experienced team consistently applies the same proven investment process, in the same way, day in and day out, no matter what the market conditions. Our consistent short-term gains then build to much bigger investment successes for our clients over time. As in a cycling race, where a steady cadence is vital, a patient approach is well- rewarded. This past year saw the rewards of this approach, as those who stayed patiently invested in financial markets benefited from the recovery and its exceptionally strong returns in M&G Investments’ funds. Now it remains to wish you a safe and enjoyable experience on this exceptional route. We want to thank you very much for your support, which has helped the PE PLETT grow to become one of South Africa’s premier cycling events in a very short time. Good luck and happy trails! Grayson Rainier Marketing Manager M&G Investments Southern Africa
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message from the
organizers Dear PE PLETT riders It was a magnificent day in June 2011 for flying as I navigated the Red Cherry RV7 along the coast line from PE to PLETT . The idea of a 4 day stage race was born at 1000 ft and in 2013 we staged the inaugural PE PLETT. It was Tough, the September rains cause havoc and just to finish was a massive achievement ...it was a journey and an adventure that the 400 riders will never forget A lot has changed in the last 10 years and the M&G Investments PEPLETT formula we believe is spot on. The linear journey, the cool villages, the luxury tents, the free beer and wine and most of all the route is what brings people back year after year. Our Title Sponsor namely M&G Investments have truly embraced the event and add enormous value in so many ways . Our 10 year partnership with Woodlands Dairy and Tsitsikamma Crystal is a marriage that will hopefully continue for years to come . To all the rest of our sponsors namely Heineken, KWV , Nutritech, Woodridge , Smart Security.. Thank You !! We have just over 300 riders , our biggest field since the 2013 ride and the Red Cherry Team have been working around the clock to ensure that your experience is a true " Memory Maker". Things may not always go to plan as we could have a head wind , bad weather could creep in or the occasional queue so we ask you to embrace the journey and go with the flow. Have a super ride and we are privileged to share our 10th anniversary with all you PE PLETT warriors. Enjoy! From the team at Red Cherry Events
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schedule of
events Tuesday
22 February
PRE RACE 15h00 – 18h00 Registration 18h30 Riders briefing
Wednesday
23 February
NATURES VALLEY TO TSITSIKAMMA LODGE AND SPA 05h30 Breakfast station opens 07h15 Bag drop-o closes 07h30 Line-up in start shoot 07h45 E-Bike Start 08h00 Start of main field 11h00 Lunch 18h00 Supper 19h00 Riders Briefing & Prize Giving, presented on screens
Thursday
24 February
TSITSIKAMMA LODGE AND SPA TO ASSEGAAIBOSCH COUNTRY LODGE 05h30 Breakfast station opens 07h00 Bag drop-o closes 07h05 Line-up in start shoot 07h15 E-Bike Start 07h30 Start of main field 11h00 Lunch 18h00 Supper 19h00 Riders Briefing & Prize Giving, presented on screens
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Friday
25 February
ASSEGAAIBOSCH COUNTRY LODGE TO MENTORS KRAAL 05h30 Breakfast station opens 07h00 Bag drop-o closes 07h05 Line-up in start shoot 07h15 E-Bike Start 07h30 Start of main field 11h00 Lunch 18h00 Supper 19h00 Riders Briefing & Prize Giving, presented on screens
Saturday
26 February
MENTORS KRAAL TO CROSSWAYS COUNTRY KITCHEN 05h30 Breakfast station opens 06h30 Bag drop-o closes 06h45 E-Bike Start 07h00 Start of main field 11h00 Lunch 12h00 Prize Giving
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helpful tips
en route Hydration is important sip regularly and use the well stocked waterholes
Accept the fact that all roads are “live” so ride responsibly. Single file is recommended.
Acknowledge faster riders and allow them to pass faster riders please be respectful.
Embrace the spirit of the event you could sleep in heaven courtesy of Tempur.
At all waterholes, chain lube is available use it!
Zero your odos before you start this is useful to the organisers if you do have a problem as they will be able to get to you quickly.
If a rider goes down make them comfortable DO NOT MOVE THEM wait for medics to arrive on the scene.
Please adhere to compulsory portages
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day one
route profile
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day two
route profile
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day three
route profile
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day four
route profile
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understanding the
route markings The route is marked with ORANGE dayglow stickers All areas that are No Go are marked with a GREEN sticker So if you see a Green sticker ... you are on the wrong route
How the marking system works: A Left Turn Approaching is marked with 2 ORANGE stickers on LH side of path
A Right Turn Approaching is marked with 2 ORANGE stickers on RH side of path
Single confirmation markers are always on LH side of path
If you see a single marker on RH side you are going the wrong way
Look out for these signs - they indicate the 2 routes
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