Stage Two ‘Play Day’ of the FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) Events promises to live up to its reputation.
The only Stage to start and finish at the same location, Oak Valley Wine Estate, Stage Two features a fun 71km route with a 1350m ascent.
“This stage has changed slightly since 2016,” says Johan Kriegler, FNB W2W MTB Director. “Oak Valley has added a new section named ‘Sounds of Silence’. There is a new link over to Paul Cluver. Paul Cluver has added Rietvlei, Witklippies 1 and Oak Valley added the last 6km on the fast and flowing River Run. Iconic sections to look out for include single tracks and bridges with names such as Waterfall, Vissie’s Magic, JK’s Edge, Sounds of Silence, Rietvlei, Witklippies 1 & 2, Raka, Swing, Ark, Cobra, Mamba, Boomslang, Pofadder, Jakkels, River Run and the much loved PERI-KROMCO Play Park.”
“We have many stories to share about this stage,” continues Kriegler. “‘Sounds of Silence’ is the name of one of Oak Valley’s wine ranges. This single track section was originally built by late Oak Valley winemaker/viticulturist and W2W friend, Pieter Visser (Vissie). It hasn’t, however, been used for a decade. We’ve redirected the last part, creating a scenic and fun flowing single track via a pine forest, over a dam wall and along the dam. Paul Cluver has increased the height of the Rietvlei Dam with 9 meters, creating a new and interesting contour link with many new single track opportunities. ‘Sounds of Silence’ was built in partnership between Cape Trails and the Oak Valley team, as was Rietvlei between Cape Trails and the Paul Cluver team.”
“In order to enjoy ‘Play Day’ to its fullest, I advise riders to improve their single track skill by attending coaching classes. If however, they are afraid of heights, best they attend some hypnotherapy treatments as well,” laughs Kriegler. “Stage Two is a lot of fun. It is called ‘Play Day’ for a reason. Riders are in for a real treat.”
EVENT INFORMATION: FNB Wines2Whales MTB Events
Starting in the Winelands of Somerset West, riders will cross through (and over) 13 wineries, 26 private farms, six mountains, historic roads and mountain passes, nature conservation areas (including the Kogelberg Biosphere) before finishing within sight of the famous whales of Hermanus!
Stage Two:
Distance: 71km
Ascent: 1350m
Water Points:
- WP1 / Oak Valley Wine Estate on 18km
- WP2 / Paul Cluver Amphitheatre on 36km
- WP3 / Lebanon on 52km (water only)
- WP4 / The Hickory Shack on 60km
Event Dates:
- FNB Wines2Whales MTB Adventure: Friday, 27 October 2017 – Sunday, 29 October 2017
- FNB Wines2Whales MTB Ride: Monday, 30 October 2017 – 01 November 2017
- FNB Wines2Whales MTB Race: Friday, 03 November 2017 – Sunday, 05 November 2017
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Follow us on Twitter: @w2wmtb
For more information on the FNB Wines2Whales MTB events contact Chris on 083 760 3158, e-mail [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected] or visit www.wines2whales.co.za
About FNB Wines2Whales:
FNB Business and FNB Private Wealth are proud to be the title sponsors of the annual FNB Wines2Whales MTB Events.
The sponsorship forms part of FNB’s ongoing strategy to support local and community events that focus on a healthy lifestyle and show the potential to grow. The sponsorship affirms our dedication to providing an experience that is beyond expectation, through a sport that continues to grow in popularity as one of the key activities in the South African sporting calendar. The annual FNB Wines2Whales MTB Events are aligned to our belief that adventure is the heart of innovation and this is one of many platforms on which we seek to make a lasting connection with new and existing clients.
Contact
FNB Business – It’s more than business to you. It’s, more than banking to us. That’s why we help.
Email: [email protected]
FNB Private Wealth – Let us invest our time to manage and grow your wealth Email: [email protected]
ISSUED BY: Newsport Media
ON BEHALF OF: Wines2Whales Organisation