The “bubble” may have burst on the mountain biking scene but the Dr Evil Classic and Lions Karoo to Coast entry numbers are up and there are good reasons why this is the case.
Dr Evil Classic – 20th to the 22nd September – race villages and routes based around Plettenberg Bay.
Lions Karoo to Coast – 23rd September – start in Uniondale and Finish in Knysna.
1. The finest forest riding in the country
“Nowhere in the country can you ride indigenous forests as you can here,” says route designer for the Dr Evil – Leon Evans. This year sees two new venues included in the three-day stage race promising even more spectacular single track and forest riding. Registration and Day One are at the Plett Game Reserve. Day Two is at Kurland Hotel and Polo Estate. While Day Three remains at the ever popular Cairnbrogie Dairy Farm with its extensive trail network. The daily distances are between 50 and 70km’s.
The Lions Karoo to Coast route delights riders of all levels of fitness and skills. If you are a racing snake you can aim to beat your annual time on the fast jeep tracks and great descents. If you are in it for fun – it is not a technically demanding route and the camaraderie on the route is second to none.
2. Very Fair Entry Prices
This year the event owners have decided to keep their entry fee very similar to the 2017 cost, but to also spend MORE on their goody bag content. “Our intention is not to make a fortune from the events at the expense of their longevity. We want to be proud of what we offer the riders so that they keep coming back each year. So far – this approach is working and we are grateful for this”. Sais Zandile Meneses – who co-owns the Dr Evil and has managed the K2C for 15 years. The cost per Dr Evil rider is R3850.00 if you contact Zandile@drevilclassic.com directly for a manual form – and R4200.00 if you enter online. The Lions Karoo to Coast cost is R590 for the day and includes your dinner in Uniondale.
3. Attention to Detail and Crew
The Dr Evil Classic 3 Day Stage race – 3-course meals are prepared by professional chef – Grant Ludski – who is head chef at Knysna Hollow Country Estate. Riders have raved about the meals over the years.
The core crew for this event and the Lions Karoo to Coast have remained largely unchanged for a good few years and they love what they do and strive to pay attention to the small details that reiterate the reality that the rider is our valued guest.
4. Accommodation and Spectator Friendly
There are various accommodation options on offer in the surrounding areas for both events. Each day of the Dr Evil Classic start/finish area is located within around 20 kilometres from each other and many of the venues are offering discounted rates for riders.
At Plett Game Reserve on Day One – supporters will be able to go on game drives while waiting for the riders to return, while Kurland Hotel and Polo Estate will be hosting a major equestrian event at the same time as day two of Dr Evil, enabling supporters to watch while the riders are out on course.
5. In addition
- Buco Dr Evil Classic riders get an automatic seeding into the second start group (out of seven).
- They will receive their Buco Lions Karoo to Coast Karoo to Coast race numbers at the Dr Evil registration so they do not have to register in Uniondale.
