So you’ve beaten the 2Cs and you’ve overcome the treks; perhaps you’ve even tackled the Epic … Is that it? Not a chance!
Here’s something to make your mouths water and the sweat drip. The Honey Trail, a three-day stage MTB race, will run from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay from 9 to 11 September 2011, overnighting in George and Knysna. The route will take riders along the Outeniqua Mountains, from sparse Karoo vegetation through lush seaboard forests. The name of the race was inspired by the Khoi name for the mountain range that borders the area: ‘Outeniqua’ means ‘man laden with honey’.
The total distance is expected to be 260 kms: 90 km – Mossel Bay to George; 100 km – George to Knysna; and 80 km – Knysna to Plett. The route will stay south of the Outeniqua Mountains and whilst there are always be climbs, all will be rideable. Distances may appear lengthy, but will not include difficulty ratings to awaken undue apprehension in a rider’s heart. The objective is to ride from start to finish, without setting foot on the track.
The entry fee will include an average of 4star accommodation in hotels and B&B’s and lunch on all 3 days. The finish of Day One will be at Fancourt and early entries will be able to book their accommodation at this prestigious hotel. Day Two will start at Fancourt and end at Portland Manor in Knysna. Again, early entries are invited to book a night’s stay at luxurious Portland – a sweet deal. But later entries need not fear the beautiful Knysna Hollow, Phantom View River Resort and Bamboo Guesthouse are ready to welcome “bath you in honey”! The finish will be at the Crescent Country Hotel in Piesang Valley in Plettenberg Bay.
Entrants can choose the race package and still add partners/ spectators to the accommodation, There will be a number of options regarding supper which will be for the riders’ own account. This will be an exciting cycling holiday weekend.
Any surplus from the event will be applied to benefit Development and Transformation rider’s in the Southern Cape. At present, there are no events supporting this.
The Honey Trail tag line is “It’s all about the experience” and what an experience this stage race promises to be, encompassing the length of the glorious Garden Route in spring!
For race details contact Sam at 074 580 5893.
