Riders will experience some thrilling descents, mixed with several testing climbs, when they take on stage two of the Garden Route 300 mountain bike race next month.
Race director Patric Mosterd said participants would be exposed to some memorable single-track trails, but would still have to work hard on the shortest stage of the 200km, three-day event that gets under way at the Knysna Yacht Club on April 28.
Riders will face some interesting features on the Garden Route Trail Park’s single-track trails on day two of the Garden Route 300 mountain bike race. Photo: Julie Ann Photography
With the start on the Dormehl dairy farm some 40km outside Knysna on the Sedgefield road, he said much of the 50km course would be on the well-maintained trails of the trail park.
“The purpose-built tracks in the trail park are up to international standards, always in good condition and adding an element of speed to the stage,” he said.
“In addition, there are many berms that allow for constant pace on the descents.”
While the routes into the valley provide a thrill with their zig-zagging nature, Mosterd said there were enough short, sharp climbs to test the competitors.
“It’s not that mountainous, but the route is taxing because it is busy and there is never a dull moment.”
He said riders could take on the course at their own pace, which would make it comfortable for everyone to complete.
“But the course is designed for speed, so obviously there is more at stake, the faster you go.”
Mosterd said there were some open stretches at the start which would help to spread the field.
“There is also an early climb to further open the field and this is important because there is a lot of single-track.”
The 170km Lite version of the GR300, which has shorter distances on days one and three, will cover the same distance as the feature race on stage two.
With the start at the trail park’s offices, Mosterd said there would be sufficient facilities to cater for the riders’ needs.
“It’s about a 25-minute drive from Knysna and there is a very nice coffee shop at the start, as well as ablution and shower facilities.”
