The popular Greyt Escape, which was previously presented as a three-day mountain bike stage race, has packed all the action into a one-day challenge when it takes place at Middelplaas Farm, Greyton, on April 10.
“The original Greyt Escape event is now consolidated into a one-day MTB race,” said race director Anneke Jacobs.
Now dubbed as the Greyt Middelplaas Escape, riders will be introduced to reinvented MTB trail sections on private land.
She added that Overberg MTB events and Jan Viljoen, the owner of Middelplaas farm, partnered with the event and will be presenting the brand new Greyt Middelplaas Escape.
“It is a sanctioned Cycling South Africa MTB event on the racing calendar and affiliated with the Overberg Cycling Association.
“The date changed from June to April to accommodate riders in a better season of the year,” said Jacobs.
Distances on offer are 60km, 40km and 20km. Depending on which distance is selected, a moderate to experienced level of fitness and skills are required.
“It will be a punchy, tough and competitive race for the experienced or advanced MTB rider,” said Jacobs.
Riders will not be riding the Greyton trails that they are used to. The Middelplaas trails are on a private farm where access is for the event only. This is what makes the event exclusive and attractive to attend.
Terrain will include open roads, jeep track and loads of single track.
The route will feature the famous UFO climb and Middelplaas single track, which riders faced on the opening day of the Greyt Escape.
The fame is as much for the great elevation that you gain as for the stunning single track.
As with any MTB event, there will be numerous highlights as well as challenges – which makes it all the more exciting.
“Riders can look forward to the spectacular climbs to the iconic UFO, views over the Riviersonderend mountains and epic single tracks around Greyton.
“Challenges will certainly be the elevation and terrain in places,” said Jacobs, who added that a good level of MTB skills and fitness are required.
What adds to the thrilling riding and spectacular routes is the majestic location of the event.
Greyton is referred to as the “Jewel of the Overberg” and is only a 130km scenic drive eastbound from Cape Town.
Discovering its cradle of majestic mountains after passing along the rolling wheatfields of the Overberg is a memory that will not be forgotten easily.
“It also boasts a network of top-class MTB trails, as well as hiking trails with spectacular gorges and waterfalls,” said Jacobs.
If riders and their families decide to stay over, there is a variety of self-catering or bed and breakfast establishments to choose from, which can be viewed at www.greytontourism.com.
There are also numerous activities within the area, which will keep the whole family entertained during their stay.
These include bird watching, the Caledon hot baths, shopping, the Saturday morning market, visiting the animal sanctuaries or enjoying a horse cart ride. More can be seen at www.greytontourism.com/activity.
Registration will take place on the Friday night in Greyton and the Saturday morning at the venue. More details will be disclosed closer to the event.
All entries include a hamburger or boerewors roll, pancake, as well as a beer or cooldrink at the finish.
Entrants can also purchase an official Ciovita rider jersey for an extra R950.
Entry fees: 60km (R850 per rider), 40km (R450 per rider), 20km (R250 per rider)
Enter here: www.entryninja.com/events/76226-the-greyt-middelpaas
More info: www.overbergmtbevents.co.za/the-greyt-escape/
Source: Moonstone PR
