The organisers of the Dr Evil Classic 3-day stage race, which takes place from 17-19 September in the Plettenberg Bay area, are encouraging entries for the e-bike category (which will have its own prize) and gravel bikes are now also allowed and will have their own category and prize. The event dovetails beautifully with the fabulous – and fabled – Lions Karoo To Coast (watch this space for news on gravel-bike eligibility, the organisers have to see the light eventually!), which takes riders from Uniondale to Knysna; a must-do double header.

Race Co-founder Leon Evans says: “There are many e-bikes being sold these days, and we feel it’s important to cater for this group of people who also want to experience stage racing. We permit any type of bike at the Dr Evil Classic, gravel bikes included. Personally I think the routes are more suited to MTB’s, but there are some folk out there who like to push their limits with gravel or single speed bikes.”

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE Have you entered the KarooBurn yet?

Ferdi Bravenboer was one of a small group of e-riders at the 2019 Dr Evil Classic and had this to say: “I bought my e-bike in 2018 because I just didn’t have enough time to train to keep up with my friends. I can’t think of any other race where an e-bike is more perfect than at the Dr Evil Classic. You are just so much more relaxed and it gives you time to actually appreciate your surroundings. The part I enjoyed the most was that all 3 days were set in totally different environments, so you never get bored or used to the views!”

“I think e-bikes open up a whole new world of possible races and events for riders not as fit as their fellow riders, just to join in the fun. And that is the whole point of mountain biking, having as much fun as possible,” Bravenboer said.

With a different start venue for each stage of the Dr Evil Classic (but all within 20kms of each other), riders experience a very different type of landscape each day. The first stage leaves from Plettenberg Game Reserve with wildlife on view from the bike, then heads out for a scenic 70km mountainous ride.

Day 2 starts at Kurland Hotel and Polo Estate and is mostly made up of indigenous and plantation forest covering a distance of around 45km. The estate continues to expand its network of singletrack and 2020 riders will reap the benefits. Day 3 is 50kms, starting at Cairnbrogie Dairy Farm with its renowned network of singletrack along a coastline which forms part of the Robberg Coastal Corridor.

Sign up for the Dr Evil Classic here or email zandile@drevilclassic.co.za for a manual entry. Enter Dr Evil at 2019 prices by the end of March and be in line to win an amazing accommodation package from Hunter’s Country House worth R 15 000, along with two entries to the Karoo to Coast.

The Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge takes place the day after the Dr Evil Classic, on 20 September, and the combination of the two events over the Heritage Day long weekend, remains a strong drawcard for those looking for a feast of mountain biking.

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