Goosebay

The event this year is hosted by Lomond Wines on the banks of the Kraaibosch dam, just a couple of km's off the Gansbaai-Baardskeerdersbos tar road. Beer on tap - good wines, loads of fun activities and even some fishing for the enthusiasts.

And then fun flow...

Some G-flow....

We have added a couple of km's of fun on the longer routes....

Which leads to this

The photo above leads to this

Thought I would wet your appetites for some proper mtb rides! Quite a few coming up..... Piketberg, Esel and the Funky...... The Klipspringer trail forms part of the Funky Festival, but almost half of the route are on trails only accessible on race day.

Yes it is similar, but the small changes are quite big in effect. The reasoning behind some of the changes mentioned above are: If you followed the old route from the dam at the first waterpoint you will miss some of the new single track cut for the Klipspringer. The long downhill from the dam is fun, allows us to split the routes and gives us a technical climb to the new single track. The district road has been cut out because we can no longer cross one of the farms on the return route, instead you start climbing pretty much straight away to Grootbos. The single track you will be missing out we are adding at the end, and I really think the changes are If all the track building goes according to schedule we will hopefully make the Helderfontein climb a bit easier - but if not just walk it - the rewards are worth it!

I might be a little biased - but this is one of the better all mountain rides you can do. The climbs are proper climbs, and the downs are proper downs. The views are incredible - mountains, valleys and beautiful vistas over Walker Bay. The route has had some tweaks, and it looks like this will be the route we finally settle on. Last year many said the 60km (long route) was too long, and the some said the year before 45km (then the long route) too short. So this year the distance is 47km with about 1500m of climbing. There are no real flat sections - you either go up or you go down. It is in the mountains after all. Your fitness and your skill levels will be tested. If you want to know how well you ride your bike - this is a ride yo must do. We are busy building some new single track - and we are sure it will leave a lasting impression on you as you drop to the finish at Lomond Wine Estate. We are hoping it is going to be one of those sections you want to do over and over again. So some highlights of the long route: The iconic 215 climb to the tower is still there - the views unchanged. The downhill from there is as exhilarating as ever! The dam waterpoint will be as awesome as always, but from here things change a little - a long fast downhill that will result in some technical climbing and new chicane like single track as reward. The Helderfontein climb will be brutal - but once you reach Grootbos we do not take you down again, instead you ride below the ridgeline enjoying the views over Walker Bay and Hermanus. The drop down to Flowervalley and it's single track is still as exciting as ever, but now you have to climb a little ridge again to reach Lomond and our little surprise! To be enjoyed!

Posted this in the tread that Mamil started. It is similar to the Funky - but the long route is a little more fun and the venue allows for some wine tasting etc afterwards. The rains have made the tracks run beautifully and it is a little bit more 'rustic' with the bit of vegetation growth we have had. A couple of reasons why you should do this ride (If you haven't done the funky) 1 - the views are outstanding - mountains, valleys, sea. Birds and even a buck or two 2 - the climbs are proper climbs - long and ongoing, short and steep, but always worth it. 3 - the downs are proper downs - not overly technical, but some of the enduro guys we have here like them. You do not have to do any of the jumps on the one track - just roll them. Some of the descents have loose rocks and some ruts - but that just adds to the fun if you ride at speed. 4 - The sandy climb has been taken out, and the bits that might be left will be firm after Wednesdays rains - perfect! 5 - The venue is new - at Lomond Wine Estate next to the dam - should be very nice, and those that like wine tasting will enjoy it even more. 6 - Prizes are cool! 7 - And early bird registrations get a pair of mohair socks - those that have a pair will tell of their awesomeness. 8 - Did I say the views are something the climb for? 9 - And the downs too! 10 - And loads to do in the area - there are campsites and accommodations available in the area quite close to the venue.

Had a few little interactions with Barry - esp around the Aaron Gwin debate - he will be missed!. Rest in Peace Strength to those family and friends left behind - I pray that time may be kind to you, but as he has left a such massive hole - may it be filled with all the good memories he has left behind. Shalom

Panorama restaurant is closed - ride to b'bos along the tar and down to pearly beach - you can stop in b'bos for breakfast or Die Rooi Bier in Pearly - if you time it for low tide (neap tide on the weekend) you can ride along the beach to Franskraal. If you do not want to cross the river then follow it to the road. The Harvest Festival is on at Lomond wines (food and wine tasting), main events on the 18th, including the Klipspringer MTB trail. The Gansbaai black route (Flower valley) is riding nice and loose atm, full of surprises. Join the Klipspringer when you see their signs and follow them back to Flower valley If you do the lighthouse ride include the Klipfontein Fisherman Trail section - can be ridden both ways but more technical from the Franskraal side. Everything has bits of loose sand at the moment. Enjoy

Wonder why they are holding it on the same night as the night harvest?

Phil Keaggy

Bees can be a hazard, esp this time of the year. Often hives split and the scout bees are a little more aggressive. Often drier too and they will go for moisture, sweat is wet. Anyway - people have differing opinions re bees, but we move hives that are close to a route where we cannot circumnavigate them. When we ride the routes here in ones or twos we generally don't have problems, but if there is an extended time of people flowing past we will avoid the hives. If you ride in fynbos this time of the year and you see a clump of hives - take note of the bee activity and rather keep some distance. If you sweat a lot don't dawdle Edit spelling

Spoke to our route marker - suggestions noted thank you. And that was quite a steep up and down. Thanks again

http://www.esctiming.com/eventresults/fynbos Not sure whether prov or final

Checked the last downhill for the 45km last night - the trail faeries did a magnificent job with the sand - you now have hard pack single track till you hit the downhill. :-) For the adrenalin junkies - the rain humps are awesome jumps. One to wake you up, quite small and early on. Then a bit of a gap and then 3 in a row. The last two are quite close together. After you land the 3rd the road makes a left turn - use the rand hand bank as a wall ride to help you rail the corner - then watch for surprises all the way down. If you're not that way inclined - enjoy the view and roll them You can still enter on the day - there might be some late entry fee.

last few hours to enter! goodie bag and cash prizes for positions 1 and 2 for 45km, 30 and 20. grootbos weekend for 65km 1st and cash for 2nd weather is perfect - good rain last night and looks like there might be cloud cover for saturday

These videos have been posted earlier in the thread - so if you have watched them no need to do so again First climb and downhill of the 65km route https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-2iF85I9xA&feature=youtu.be The avoca downhill section - this is part of the 45 and 65km routes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imaUNhOu4ns&feature=youtu.be The second loop of the 65km. the first bit up to the witfoetskloof waterpoint is also done by the 45km riders https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq8sTiGPCwc&feature=youtu.be They are just to give a little taste of the ride :-)

Entry point for all the MTB routes https://www.entrytime.com/event-details/?EventId=4695 Entry point for all the RUN routes https://www.entrytime.com/event-details/?EventId=4696

http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jcl/2016/june%2016%20002.jpg Last weekend to enter! Weather is looking very good - rain now and mid next week - perfect for this area.