This year\u2019s De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience is set to take place at one of Cape Nature\u2019s prestigious nature reserves known as De Hoop Nature Reserve from November 20 to 22.<\/p>\n
The event will take the format of a three-day guided mountain bike ride, without the racing and timing element.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most wonderful thing about De Hoop is the peacefulness,\u201d said De Hoop Collection events co-ordinator Nini Stephens.<\/p>\n
\u201cGuests can roam around in nature alongside the\u00a0bontebok<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0eland<\/em>\u00a0in a beautiful nature reserve. There\u2019s also a stunning\u00a0vlei<\/em>\u00a0with flamingos and pelicans.\u201d<\/p>\n Stephens added that riders could also look forward to experiencing a ride in and out of the picturesque\u00a0fynbos<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cApart from that, they can experience cycling on the flat rock and then down to the beach \u2013 the area is so diverse.\u201d<\/p>\n Besides the spectacular scenery and routes, there are also wonderful accommodation that caters for all budgets, as well as a restaurant that serves delicious meals.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re offering a 40 per cent discount on our accommodation for the weekend and an extra 10 per cent if guests book and pay before the end of September.\u201d<\/p>\n Stephens added that there were a lot of fabulous activities available for families, who were not cycling, to get involved in.<\/p>\n \u201cThese include guided bird walks along the\u00a0vlei<\/em>\u00a0where you can learn about the birds and otters, nature drives in an open vehicle, or a trip to the endangered Cape Vultures.<\/p>\n \u201cBest of all is the guided marine walk along the rocky shores at low tide – learning about the incredible marine life and tiny creatures living down there that you normally walk past without a second thought.<\/p>\n \u201cChildren can also bring their bikes and ride around to their heart\u2019s content.\u201d<\/p>\n Stephens\u2019s husband William, who is a director of the De Hoop Collection, added that the World Heritage site offered world-class whale watching and was a paradise for bird enthusiasts with its more than 260 species.<\/p>\n \u201cDe Hoop is a nature lover\u2019s paradise of unparalleled tranquillity in what may be one of the Cape\u2019s last unspoiled gems.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s also the perfect holiday destination for families, couples, groups, honeymooners and wedding parties, family reunions, birthday weekends and an ideal stop-over en route from the Cape Winelands to Plettenberg Bay.\u201d<\/p>\n Niel Neethling, a farmer in the area and creator of the Potberg MTB Challenge trails, feels the nature reserve lends itself to hosting a mountain bike event such as this due to the size of the park.<\/p>\n \u201cYou really never have to ride the same routes again.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are easy, open roads for the more leisure type of rider and nice technical parts for those who seek it.\u201d<\/p>\n Neethling was also the developer of the famous Dennis the Menace single track climb, which goes back to Buchu Bushcamp, and is one of the most challenging, technical climbs to master.<\/p>\n \u201cThe history behind it is quite interesting.<\/p>\n \u201cThe previous owners of the farm had a caretaker that lived in the main house. His name was Dennis Swart.<\/p>\n \u201cThe trail was his path that he road with his horse to check the water level of the dam on top of the climb.\u201d<\/p>\n Overall, he felt it was great to use a race such as this to introduce the area to visitors.<\/p>\n Another farmer in the area, who is a close neighbour to De Hoop and helps with the race and preparations for it, feels that it is a great event in a stunning setting.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat can be better than to enjoy this beautiful area than on your bicycle?<\/p>\n \u201cThe big positive of De Hoop is the whales. The high sand dunes at\u00a0Koppie Alleen<\/em>\u00a0provide an unsurpassed panoramic view of the sea and whales.\u201d<\/p>\n He said his personal favourite was this entire unspoilt coastline from Infanta to\u00a0Koppie Alleen<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cThe De Hoop\u00a0vlei<\/em>\u00a0with all the birdlife is also unique.<\/p>\n \u201cThe\u00a0vlei<\/em>\u00a0is the final destination of the Salt River that has its origin in the\u00a0Rietpoel<\/em>\u00a0area near\u00a0Riviersonderend<\/em>\u00a0– without a river mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n Regarding the trails, he said although they were not easy, they were still rideable.<\/p>\n \u201cTrails can be bumpy at times, as most of the routes will cross limestone hard dunes. But, hey . . . this is mountain biking!\u201d<\/p>\n Do not miss out on this weekend that will be filled with great fun, exciting riding and spectacular views.<\/p>\n Riders are encouraged to place their order in time for the Ciovita top, which is the official De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience jersey.<\/p>\n Enter here:\u00a0https:\/\/www.entryninja.com\/events\/66682-de-hoop-vlei-mtb-experience<\/a><\/p>\n Race info:\u00a0https:\/\/overbergmtbevents.co.za\/<\/a><\/p>\n