Kwelera2Kei fun ride quite a family affair

POPULAR mountain biking action is on the cards as the annual Kwelera2Kei fun mountain-bike outride is just over a week away.

It will be the fifth hosting of the relaxed 70km East London to Kei ride that is held by local mountain bike club Funtrax, and will see mountain bikers from across the Border region taking part.

The event is more fun and family centred than anything else, but a number of riders will be eager to try and beat their times or beat their friends to the finish, which will add an element of excitement.

However, for the most part, riders will be enjoying the incredible scenery and enjoyable route as they cycle towards the finish.

“This event is unique because it is not a race, but a relaxed social outride to be enjoyed by the racing snakes as well as the not-so-fit weekend warriors,” said chairman of Funtrax, Rob Hartzenberg.

“Word has spread countrywide about this unique event and cyclists from Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and many other parts of the country will be joining in the ride and festivities.”

The Kwelera2Kei ride was first started in 2012 with just over 100 cyclists taking part, and four basic water points along the route.

It has since grown to well over 500 cyclists and 16 water points along the way.

The 16 fun water points are all set up by local businesses who offer everything from meatballs to muffins, to samoosas and sosaties, biltong, boerewors and much more, and are positioned almost every 4km along the route.

“This is where riders stop to chat and relax,” said Hartzenberg.

The scenic 70km route meanders along district gravel roads and private farm roads, while the cyclists will also be passing through a traditional Xhosa Village, where they will be entertained by the local traditional children’s choir.

The ride starts next week Saturday at 6am at Crossways Village and ends at 2pm at the Kei Mouth Country Club, followed by a lucky draw prize-giving.

The festivities carry on into the Saturday evening, with many of the cyclists and their families staying over in Kei Mouth for the night.

The after-party starts at the Country Club at 6pm, with braaifires, camping facilities, and live music by local muso Calan Watts.

Entries for the event close tomorrow and can be found at Cycle HQ, EL Cycles or on email.

For more information contact Mark on 082-440-8840 or email