Mountain biking experience at De Hoop Intimate groups of 10 on guided rides through the De Hoop reserve ... a not-to-be-missed opportunity for experienced or more relaxed mountain bikers, and their families Compiled by: KYM ARGO Photo: JACQUES MARAIS 40 Get It Magazine <strong>Nov</strong>ember 20
f you’re a keen mountain biker, have we found a treat for you! This year, the De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience will take the format of a guided mountain bike ride, and with no racing and timing elements, the event will be your chance to take advantage of enjoying the exceptional scenery and routes at one of Cape Nature’s flagship nature reserves, De Hoop. All vast open spaces, whale watching, drives out to the beach at Koppie Alleen, this area, teaming with wildlife, is an exceptional spot to explore, making it much more attractive than the usual mountain bike riding weekend away. It’s a weekend for not only bikers, but their husbands and wives, children and friends ... a serious treat after our months of lockdown. The decision to change the experience to a more relaxed, guided ride format is due to the Covid-19 restrictions, which also means there’ll be a limited field of 50 riders. Small groups of 10 riders, each with a professional guide, will depart every quarter of an hour, fastest going first, so there’ll be no crowding. The event will involve challenging but rewarding riding, along a combination of jeep and single tracks, with limestone and protected vegetation areas that add to the challenge. The weekend starts with a 19km Sunset Scramble fun ride on the Friday, which will loosen the legs and shake off any cobwebs ahead of the first stage, with the second day seeing a 55km Flat Out on The Rock ride. This route includes a new track which goes all the way up to Buchu Bush Camp, and is known as the Flatrock single track. Riders can take in panoramic views of the entire Vlei, unparalleled and unspoilt sunrises over the Potberg area and open flood plains that stretch as far as the eye can see towards Arniston and Struisbaai. Then, after riding through local farm land, following some interesting cattle tracks and trails, riders will climb back over Denice The Menace, which is the most technical and steep climb of the day. Sounds too hectic? There’s a shorter option on day two for the more relaxed, non-technical riders - a 32km De Mond-Melkkamer Dash. The highlight of the weekend is the 62km Trails to Whales ride. Starting at De Hoop, riders will be heading out to the Potberg side, and climbing back to De Hoop with the iconic Vaalkraens. This is the signature and main Strava climb for the day, and takes you to the Eastern half of the reserve, where whale watching opportunities reign supreme. The weekend entry fee package is R2650 a person, which includes two dinners, lunches and breakfasts at the Fig Tree restaurant at De Hoop Collection, a bottle of Lomond wine, a goodie bag with nutrition supplies from Enduren and snacks, a complimentary massage by EPT recovery, and a bike wash after each ride. It excludes the Cape Nature entrance fee (payable at the gate) and a Ciovita rider jersey (optional extra). There are also special accommodation rates at the De Hoop Collection for this weekend, starting at R375 a person a night, with options of fully equipped cottages that sleep four or six. Details: Race entries on dehoopvleimtb.co.za; reservations can only be made through email at nicola@dehoopcollection.co.za. For more info visit dehoopvleimtb.co.za and dehoopcollection.com <strong>Nov</strong>ember 20 Get It Magazine 41