MTB Gravel Travel – XCM #6 Driven by Nissan

Online Entries http://advendurance.com/nationalmtbseries/graveltravel
Early bird entries close 5 August 2012
PRE-ENTRIES CLOSE 21 August 2012
REGISTRATION and LATE ENTRIES Sportsmans Warehouse Rondebosch Thursday 23 August 12h00 – 14h00; Sportsmans Warehouse Tygervalley Friday 24 August 12h00 – 14h00; and at race venue, Friday 24 August 16h00 – 20h00, Saturday 25 August 06h30 – 16h00 and Sunday 26 August 06h30 – 08h30

Cost: 105km (R200 early bird, R250 normal), 75km (R170 early bird, R200 normal), 40km (R140 early bird, R170 normal), 20km (R70 early bird, R80 normal), Kiddies (R50)

Elevation: 341m | Ascent: 2900m (ultra) 1850m (75km)

This event takes place on farm roads and jeep tracks heading away from Diemersfontein, through the vineyards and farms of Wellington, crossing the Bainskloof Pass road and heading towards Groenberg Mountain. The well-balanced, fast route is jam-packed with beautiful views, fynbos, historic farmsteads, stream crossings and vineyard settings, passing many of the local award-winning cellars. Expect fast flowing single track, technically within reach of everyone (check the website for video clips of single track as they are built!).

The Wellington Tourism & Wine Route of the Western Cape in South Africa is today a major tourist attraction. Nestling at the foot of the Groenberg, the historic town of Wellington lies in a picturesque valley on the banks of the Kromme River with the majestic Hawequa Mountains standing guard on its eastern border. Wellington, in the heart of the Boland and rich in cultural, religious and educational history, is an unsurpassed area to enjoy the winelands and scenery of the Western Cape in South Africa

The beauty of the area is best viewed either by foot, horse, bicycle or by car to take in the scenery of nature, fynbos, wine, olives and the historical buildings to name but a few. The pass up to Bain’s Kloof winds through pine tree plantations, to the summit where on a clear day you can see a vast area, consisting of the Swartland to the left, home of the extensive wheat fields, the Cape Flats and Cape Town to the right, and the sun glimmering on the sea.

People have described this route as being one of the most picturesque and gratifying trails you will ever do. Whilst the route is challenging, it is well worth the effort. The route will take approximately two hours and will take you through vineyards, orchards, forests, olive groves and alongside bubbling brooks

Diemersfontein is known for its beauty, informal elegance, and grace – an idyllic country destination only 45 minutes’ drive from Cape Town and is situated near the Cape’s famous Wine Routes. We warmly invite you to share with us the tranquil spirit of Diemersfontein – whether you are conferencing here, marrying here, staying for a few days of leisure (or even permanently) – or taking some of it home in a bottle!

We will also have a 5km kiddies ride in the venue so bring along your kids to the event, they will have a ball!

The Route is not suitable for beginners as there are parts that are fairly steep and technical. The 105km will finish with some tough riding in the Hawekwa Plantation on the slopes of Du Toitskloof.