The third annual G2C (Grahamstown to Sea) mountain bike race takes place on Sunday (12 July), coinciding with the final day of Festival.
The third annual G2C (Grahamstown to Sea) mountain bike race takes place on Sunday (12 July), coinciding with the final day of Festival.
Online entries close 5pm tomorrow (Wednesday) 8 July and cost R160 per person.
Entry fee excludes Cycling SA licence fee.
If you are not a licensed CSA member you may purchase a temporary license for an additional R35 during the entry process.
Late entries will be accepted between 2pm – 5pm on Saturday 11 July during the registration period (see below for details).
Organisers say that the number of late entries is limited with no guarantees.
"To ensure you have a place on the start line, please make use of the online entry process!"
Online entries are are being handled by Race Organisers Admin Group (ROAG).
You can find all you need to know here:
http://www.roag.co.za/eventinfo.aspx?EventID=1617 If you've entered (or for late entries on Saturday), then registration times are:
Date: 11/07/2015
Time: 2pm- 5pm
Venue: Pennypinchers Warehouse, Rautenbach Rd, Grahamstown
Date: 12/07/2015
Time: 07h00 – 08h00
Venue: Pennypinchers Warehouse, Rautenbach Rd, Grahamstown
Last year’s winning times in the men’s and women’s categories were quicker than those of the inaugural race in 2013, and represent the current course records.
Jason Meaton was timed at 1 hour 38 minutes 41 seconds in 2014, and Jenny Opperman 2 hrs 05 mins 27 secs.
With the course plummeting from 643 metres above sea level at its highest point to just 69 metres at the finish, first-time entrants may think it’s downhill and plain-sailing all the way.
That is definitely not the case.
From the start in the industrial area outside Grahamstown, riders cruise along almost two kilometres of tarred road before tackling the tough and unrelenting Mountain Drive, comprising gravel road, single track and a tricky downhill section through bush.
For those not intending to race all-out to the coast, the scenery is breathtaking at the top of Mountain Drive, and on a clear day one can see the Indian Ocean.
Once riders are off the ‘mountain’ they will pick up speed down the tarred ‘corkscrew’ Woesthill Pass, changing gears for the uphill section before reaching the gravel road and a coastal-bound ride through diverse farming districts.
This undulating road takes the field up a couple of tough passes and some stiff hills, all in a test of riders’ stamina.
As the riders sniff the ocean air and begin to hear the drone of traffic on the busy R72, they will veer off to the left and head for Rosehill Mall through a private farm which has been specially prepared for the event.
This single track is tricky but fun! The finish outside Rosehill SuperSpar will take on a festive atmosphere with plenty of music, lively commentary, colourful banners and flags, and cheering spectators.
While online entries have closed, late entries (at R200) will still be accepted before the start on Sunday.
Entry fee excludes return transport to Grahamstown, G2C T-shirt and CSA licence.
For more G2C information visit website www.grahamstown2sea.co.za
