Seeff Tour de Plett 2019 offers once a year exploration of unchartered tracks
Saturday, October 12 sees the ninth edition of the Tour de Plett. After a few years under the custodianship of Kwano Cycling Academy founder Colin Shave and his team, Muddy Foot Adventures has now picked up the reins.
According to new race organiser James Stewart, the opportunity of taking over this race was too good to turn down despite the challenges of not having a major sponsor. A good combination of Stewart’s passion for this particular event and his involvement with Kwano Academy sealed the leap-of-faith deal.
With title sponsor, Seeflf Plettenberg Bay throwing the race a lifeline, planning got underway to take what was already a great race and then enhance the overall experience for riders and their families. Stewart says it’s been a case of “keep what has worked and look for improvements in other areas”.
“The biggest challenge for me has been to attract both local and out of town riders to come and tackle any one of the three races on offer – 16km, 45km, or 70km. We live in a veritable mountain biking heaven with large tracts of land available for riders to obtain permits and explore.
“We have worked hard with 19 very special landowners to put together a series of routes that can only be ridden on race day once a year. In doing so, we have uncovered some gems that will be revealed on Saturday,” says Stewart.
Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park is playing host to the start and finish, with loads of eats and drinks for participants and spectators. Riders will be able to enjoy a hot shower or a dip in the lagoon, and the venue’s relaxed atmosphere is sure to create a memorable all-round experience.
Registration takes place on Friday, October 11 from 4-8 pm at Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park. On Saturday the 12th. late entries and registration will be accepted from 7-8 am only (extra R50 per entry on long rides). The 70km ride starts at 8:30 am, 45km at 9 am, and 16km at 9:15 am, while the 3.5km kids fun ride will start at 10 am.
Visit www.tourdeplett.co.za to enter online.