“The race, which celebrates its 29th year in 2016, has grown enormously since its inception and now comprises four very popular events – MTB events, road races, the SPUR Children’s Tour and the Forest Family Dam Ride. These take place on 2 and 3 July over the first weekend of the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival (1-10 July 2016).”
The MTB event is one of the biggest in southern Africa and includes outstanding cycling routes through the Knysna forest. The 50 km and 80 km MTB races are official premier seeding events of the 2017 Cape Town Cycle Tour.
There are four different MTB races in total for varying technical abilities – 80 km, 50 km, 30 km and 15 km, and routes include access to privately owned sections of property that are usually closed to the public.
Says Thompson: “The routes are set up and managed by Leon Evans, known as Dr Evil and, while cyclists will be riding through one of the most scenic areas in the Garden Route, they will also have their skills tested to the maximum.
“The 109 km road race follows a new route introduced in 2014 which was designed for enthusiastic, competitive roadies and will keep you working all the way to the finish line.”
The route takes cyclists from Knysna to Sedgefield to Kleinkranz and back to Knysna. The 50 km route is from Knysna to Sedgefield and back along the N2.
The SPUR Rotary Knysna Children’s Cycle Tour is a safe, scenic race for children from 2 to 10 years of age and consists of three events which start and finish at the Knysna Oyster Festival Grounds, for 2-4 year olds, 5-7 year olds and 8-10 year olds.
The successful 25 km Forest Family Dam Ride on Sunday, 3 July, is a relaxed MTB ride. It is open to a limited number of riders, 12 years and over with some experience, and takes riders past Knysna’s three dams and through scenic forest areas.
The Knysna Cycle Tour is a one of the biggest and most popular events on the cycling calendar and a highlight of the Knysna Oyster Festival.
Says Thompson: “There is an incredible vibe in Knysna over this weekend as families from all over South Africa pour into Knysna for a weekend of cycling for mom, dad and the kids. Before and after events there’s lots to do at the Festival Grounds and in the Knysna area. We are looking forward to a great event this year.”
To enter the race online go to www.knysnacycle.co.za. All the information about entry fees is available here as well as travel packages for cyclists and their families travelling from Johannesburg for the Knysna Cycle Tour.
This year, for the second time, cyclists can Pedal with Purpose and raise funds while doing the Knysna Cycle Tour with a special charity entry. Cyclists purchasing a Hospice Charity Entry will receive:
• Preferential seeding
• A Hospice ‘goodie bag’ filled with fantastic cycling goodies including an awesome cycle shirt
• VIP registration at the Hospice stall
Follow the Knysna Cycle Tour on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates about all the events.
