Next month’s Garden Route 300 will be focused on delivering a quality, yet challenging, mountain biking experience in the Knysna forest from April 28 to 30.
Besides occupying a new slot on the calendar, the two events have been shortened, with the feature race now covering a total of 200km and the Lite version 170km.
Race director Patric Mosterd, of Garden Route Events, said they had decided to discard portions of the previous route that did not necessarily enhance the stages to try to create a “purer mountain biking experience”.
Mosterd said the GR300, as it is known these days, would still remain a serious challenge for the riders.
The Garden Route 300 will offer a purer mountain biking experience when the three-day event takes place in Knysna from April 28 to 30. Photo: Julie Ann Photography
“Basically it is a case of fewer kilos but more quality and there will be many riders pleased to see the finish line each day.”
He said they also wanted to make sure the Garden Route event was an attractive option for prospective participants to try it out for the first time.
With the event initially in mid-summer, Mosterd said they felt the original distances were just too far for the new slot, especially given the mountainous conditions.
“We think the event is now doable for a broader spectrum of riders and want many more to enjoy this gem of an experience.”
The distances for the feature event will cover 75km, 50km and 75km, while the Lite version has also been revamped.
“The first and third stages of the Lite have been shortened by approximately 15km each as we want to give riders with less mountain biking expertise a chance to catch the vibe and spirit of the occasion,” said Mosterd.
“We live in a tourist town, which is a holiday destination for many families. We want to create a situation that appeals to everyone.”
The distances for the Lite will be 60km, 50km and 60km with entries being open until the week of the event.
“However, there is a cut-off (April 10) for the registration item, which is an outer garment from apparel company Capestorm.”
