The fourth annual Gravel & Grape weekend of MTB is taking place from 4-6 May next year. Entries for the three events are now open.
Boasting a three-day Gravel & Grape Extreme, a two-day Gravel & Grape Extreme and a 2-day Gravel & Grape Adventure, the weekend offers something for all types of mountain bike rider.
The Gravel & Grape Extreme is an event that takes mountain biking back to it’s roots. With challenging technical riding, the Extreme is best suited for riders with a sense of adventure and a well-stocked arsenal of rock-hopping, berm-bending, switchback-sizzling talent. The distances, for day 1, 2 and 3 will range from 55k to 70km.
The Gravel & Grape Extreme 2-day is the latest addition to the Gravel & Grape MTB Events. Offering the same technical terrain as the 3-day, the 2-day gives riders the option of only riding on the weekend and not requiring to take time off on Friday. For the time-pressed rider looking for a challenge, the Extreme 2-day is the ideal race. The distances, for day 1 and 2 respectively, are 68km and 50.
The Gravel & Grape Adventure covers 65km of cycling over the course of its two stages. Day 1 will cover 35km and 350m of climbing, while Day 2 is a 30km route with a 640m of climbing. The routes remain technical, but offer less distance. Because of the shorter distances, their are junior and open categories. The junior category is for both team members between the ages of 16 and 18 years, while the open category can be a son/daughter, husband/wife, daughter/father team or any two adults who would like to experience their first stage race.
Last year’s winners, Matt Beer and Erik Kleinhans highly recommend the riding, with Kleinhans calling it some of the best pure mountain biking in the country. “Overall, this is an excellent event with a great route. Last year it was all about the single track at Gravel & Grape, and it was fantastic. Some of the terrain and scenery was breathtaking. I absolutely loved the riding.”
The Gravel & Grape Mountain Bike Events are the ideal windows into the world of the Breedekloof Valley. Stunning views, bountiful wine farms, green valleys and abundant nature are the rewards for riding the Gravel & Grape. After riding, take the time to explore this stunning region.
By involving a number of wine farms into the race, each day offers something different, from the highest peaks to the lowest valley floors.
The route has been crafted to reflect the rugged nature of the Breedekloof Wine Valley, but also to show its gentler side. Stunning views, unique scenery, and three days of pure mountain biking will leave you gasping for more.
The Gravel and Grape Extreme is also a showcase of the regions hearty country food, majestic mountains, vineyards and sparkling rivers.
The race is a clover leaf, with each day starting and ending at Goudini Spa, making your overnight experience one to remember.
Enter now at: gravelandgrape.com
Cost
Gravel & Grape Extreme 3-day R5000 per team (2 riders), R5400 from 30 November
Gravel & Grape Extreme 2-day R3400 per team (2 riders), R3600 from 30 November
Gravel & Grape Adventure 2-day R2000 per team (2 riders), R2800 from 30 November. Solo category also available
Dates
Gravel & Grape Extreme 3-day 4-6 May 2018
Gravel & Grape Extreme 2-day 5-6 May 2018
Gravel & Grape Adventure 2-day 5-6 May 2018
Images credit: Chris Hitchcock
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— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 26, 2017
