B2B to become annual MTB event
With 220 entrants, the first Brewery to Brewery MTB race, from Greyton to Hermanus, is set to become an annual event on the sports calendar.
Jointly hosted by Old Potter’s Inn & Brew House in Greyton and The Brewery in Hermanus on Sunday 6 October, as part of a collaborative effort to showcase microbrewing in the Overberg, the 85 km race challenged mountain bike riders of all levels on a route that ascended up to 1 550 metres at the 47 km mark before descending down towards the ocean.
Cape Town resident Sarita Louw was the women’s winner while Murray Craib won the men’s division. Murray, a Hermanus resident, not only got up at 04:00 to the first cycle to Greyton but then went on to win the race – all the way back to Hermanus!
“What can I say? Our inaugural event was a great success! We share the excitement of the riders, who said the MTB trail was tough but rewarding. What we have learnt though, is that we can make the route slightly easier next year and move the start to the school in Greyton to cater for the large numbers. The collaboration with Old Potters and MTB Adventures, the event organisers, has been the biggest winner and we have already committed to hosting the race again next year,” said Marc de Maudave Bestel, co-owner of The Brewery.
”Why did I join forces with Marc? Two beautiful breweries with perhaps the most beautiful landscape in between. It was an easy decision,” said Trevor Gerntholtz, the owner of Old Potter’s Inn & Brewhouse.
In keeping with the German tradition, the event had an ‘Oktoberfest’ theme. On Saturday, apart from a trail run and a short 30 km Greyton Club ride, participants were treated to traditional Oompah music by Die Norddeutschen Holzhocker from Germany. On Sunday, the entire serving team at The Brewery dressed up to welcome the riders.
Although Hermanus resident, Catherine Kinleyside, along with friends James Ludick and Brian Brown, also the co-owner of The Brewery, did not complete the entire race, the event was rewarding.
“In adversity, there is an opportunity,” said Catherine. “After seven weeks of training, we were able to complete 57 km. Next year, it will be 85 km! Thank you for the challenge. It has been life-changing.”
Riders get ready in Greyton for the first Brewery to Brewery MTB 85 km race from Old Potter’s Inn & Brewhouse to The Brewery in Hermanus. PHOTO: Gillian Coetzee
In keeping with the Oktoberfest theme, The Brewery team dressed up in true German style. Back from left are Jodi McKirdy, Shamiso Sibanda and Winnie Baleni, (front) Kellings Banda, Carlton Gwanzura and Jaco Boucher. PHOTO: Marc de Maudave Bestel
Hermanus residents (from left) James Ludick, Catherine Kinleyside and Brian Brown, the co-owner of The Brewery, trained for the race but only managed 57 km with a promise that they will finish the race next year. PHOTO: Suzie Hüsselman