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De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience “wet” riders’ appetites for 2021 edition

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The De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience will host its third annual mountain bike event from August 20 to 22 at De Hoop Nature Reserve, and there are still some entries available.

This year, for the first time in almost six years, the De Hoop Vlei – a Ramsar wetland of international importance – is full again.

Recent heavy floods in the Overberg region resulted in approximately 300ml of rain flowing into the Vlei and restoring the drought that was caused during the past few years.

“The Agulhas region, which includes Bredasdorp, De Hoop, and Infanta, is showing off its pristine beauty, green pastures, fynbos, and untamed coastline like never before,” said race director Anneke Jacobs, of Overberg MTB Events.

She added that the good news was that riders would be able to see the Vlei in all its pride and experience kilometres of flowing water along the route.

“Changes to the route for this year, as a result of the floods, will be a slightly longer distance for stage one.”

The route will follow the same direction out of De Hoop, and still ride the Flatrock single track opposite the Vlei towards Buchu Bushcamp, but then head out to Haarwegskloof, in the direction of the Overberg Renosterveld.

“A beautiful flowing single track of 4km on Katkloof will take riders back to the farmlands, up the famous Epic climb called Dennis the Menace, and back to De Hoop Nature Reserve,” said Jacobs.

All in all, riders will be experiencing the untamed and unspoiled trails including limestone jeep tracks, custom-made single tracks, and miles of breath-taking ocean views.

According to Nini Stephens of De Hoop Collection, this two-day stage ride, taking place in one of SA’s flagship marine nature reserves, known as De Hoop Nature Reserve, is a unique getaway for riders, families, and friends.

Activities on the reserve also include amazing walking trails, tours to Potberg, Lekkerwater, and other adjacent destinations. Also, nature walks, and wildlife encounters, which raise the standard of any expectations for guests staying over.

De Hoop Collection is famous for its top-class accommodation, warm hospitality, delicious food, and friendly staff, which makes the experience one that you will always come back for.

“The staple of De Hoop’s dining scene is The Fig Tree Restaurant, which overlooks the beautiful Vlei with its spectacular birdlife; and you can enjoy an exceptional variety of wines from the Silo Wine Cellar,” said Stephens.

It is also known as one of the best land-based whale watching spots in the world. Between June and November, the coastline is transformed as southern right whales migrate here to breed and look after their young.

This is the place where wildlife roams free, and more reason to book your spot and accommodation for the weekend.

“De Hoop Collection is delighted to host the De Hoop Vlei MTB with Anneke Jacobs,” said Stephens.

De Hoop Collection offers a wide range of accommodation designed to suit all budgets. For more information email nicola@dehoopcollection.co.za.

De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience route options:

Friday, August 20 (4pm)
Sunset Scramble: Du Mond – Melkkamer Dash (optional)
Distance: 32km
Ascent: 250m

Saturday, August 21 (8.30am)
Stage 1: De Hoop – Flatrock, Haarwegskloof & Katkloof
Distance: 64km
Ascent: 1 029m

Stage 1: short route option (9am)
Distance: 32km
Ascent: 402m

Sunday, August 22 (8.30am)
Stage 2: De Hoop – Potberg/Vaalkraens
Distance: 62km
Ascent: 785m

Stage 2: short route option
Distance: 27km
Ascent: 260m

Entry fee of R3 450 includes:

2x Dinners, 2x lunches, and 2x breakfasts at the Fig Tree restaurant
1x Bottle of complimentary wine
1x Complimentary massage by EPT recovery
Water points
Bike wash
Medical assistance

Excluding:

Cape Nature Gate fee, payable at gate

More information: www.overbergmtbevents.co.za/de-hoop-vlei-mtb-experience/
Enter here: www.entryninja.com/events/76334-de-hoop-vlei-mtb-experience

The De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience will host its third annual mountain bike event from August 20 to 22 at De Hoop Nature Reserve, and there are still some entries available. Photo: Jacques Marais

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.