1st Moon to Noon cycle race
Adventurous mountain bikers of the Southern Cape can prepare themselves to experience a night ride under the stars in Knysna.
The first of its kind, the Moon to Noon endurance race, will challenge mountain bike riders in this inaugural midnight race on Friday, October 26.
According to Patric Mosterd, Garden Route Events and organisers of this event, in contrast to other long-distance events, which starts in the day and finishes at night, the inaugural 170km race will set out under the stars and roll on into the early hours of Saturday morning.
“It’s all about seeing that there is a different way to ride these events. It really levels the playing fields for pros and back-markers alike, because from 00:00 to 05:00 they have all got to deal with the darkness,” explained Mosterd. Mosterd is also the mastermind behind the Rocky Mountain Garden Route 300 and RE:CM Knysna 200 three-day stage races held annually in Knysna.
He explained that night-racing offered some special challenges to riders. “You are essentially riding in a bubble and you have to learn to trust yourself and your partner.”
Mosterd added that due to safety concerns, the field is limited to 300 and no solo riders would be allowed. He further said that the event also presented a range of logistical challenges for organisers.
“The race is divided between dark and light, with the compulsory half-way stop at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains,” said Mosterd.
“We go over at first light and no vehicles or lead bikes can follow. So, our whole safety and support infrastructure is split in two on either side.”
Mosterd further said that at 1100 metres above sea level, riders would summit on a section of a hiking trail belonging to Garden Route National Park. “On the other side there is a 10km downhill, so we want everyone to be fresh and make sure that their brakes are working,” explained Mosterd.
The route is set to start in Rheenendal just outside Knysna. “It goes through indigenous forest and then there is a nice open road for about 10km, so everybody will have a chance to find their positions,” added Mosterd.
Mosterd expects the racing to commence in earnest on the descent into the well-known Hydro, which is part of the original Absa Cape Epic route, before riders made their way up to Buffelsnek through more forest.
He further said, “There is a full moon that night, which turns the mountains into silhouettes and it is incredibly beautiful,” adding that front and back lights as well as a cellphone would be compulsory kit items.
“When you hit the Uniondale Road, you ride onto De Vlugt and then turn and go along a riverbed at the start of the Keurbooms River, before passing through the Kykoe and Noll settlements. Once over the mountain, riders would descend into typical Garden Route vegetation, with beautiful sea views and a number of river crossings,” explained Mosterd. He further said, “The Seven Passes farm road takes participants all the way back to the race village. The local community and farmers have all been very supportive. Tottie’s Eatery (race venue), would be transformed into a “country-style cycling village”.
“Riders and families are welcome to pitch their tents for a nominal fee and all proceeds will go to our beneficiary, the Knysna Sports School.”
To enter this race, go to www.gardenrouteevents.co.za.
Source: Knysna-Plett Herald