Talk of the Town

On track for scenic G2C race

300-400 bikers expected for milestone edition

- MARK CARRELS

The G2C mountain bike race takes on a special meaning this year, with the 10th edition of the event setting off on Sunday October 8 over 58km and 70km distances.

Following a ‘dry run’ in 2022, the first formally organised G2C kicked off in 2013 on a tight budget.

In those days, it was organised by the Saints & Sinners Cycling Club, before Cathy Braams PR and then the Makana Residents Associatio­n took on the planning role.

This year, Mountain Events have been appointed the event manager for the popular mountain bike race.

Having built up experience with registrati­on and timekeepin­g processes since 2014, they have a sound understand­ing of the event’s form and structure.

Despite the change of reins, the event was able to maintain its profile as a result of Pennypinch­ers, then BUCO coming on board as the primary sponsors from the outset.

Tanya Jackson, of Mountain Events, said everything was on track for the spectacula­r race from Makhanda to Port Alfred.

“Farmers are ready, our water points and marshalls are organised and everyone, including our local communitie­s and mountain bikers are excited about the race.

“We are expecting 300-400 cyclists to register for this exciting race, with most of them coming from cities and towns such as Kenton, Gqeberha, East London, Port Alfred, and other areas.”

The 58km and 70km routes offer a unique challenge to the mountain bikers, who have created a vibrant atmosphere around the race over the past 10 years. “The climb up Mountain Drive in the initial 10km is a neutral zone and the race only starts once cyclists reach the gravel road.

“The rocky single track down

from Toposcope can be a bit hair-raising, while the descent down the valley on Southwell Road is steep, but fortunatel­y tarred.

“Cyclists will do well to keep left and to a slow pace on the blind corners.

“The rest of the route is on a country gravel road with some uphills, and some smooth downhills,” said Jackson.

The 70km race consists of a 17km stretch on a jeep track.

The single track at Albany Trails winds its way past Sibuya Game Reserve where mountain bikers could well spot the Big Five. The 58km and 70km events both finish with a steep downhill through the Riverview Waterfront Estate, ending at the Port Alfred Country Club.

The exhilarati­ng single track towards the finish offers a mix of

high-speed excitement and thrilling duels. For spectators – there is only one entrance (Atherstone Road) to the Port Alfred Country Club for parking.

The event also showcases the various local off-road biking opportunit­ies available.

The milestone 10th anniversar­y of the G2C is attributed to the unwavering dedication of sponsors, organisers and participan­ts.

Among them are BUCO, Coca-Cola, Hi-Tec Security, HQ, Powerade, Relay Emergency Medical Services, Squirt cycling products, Star Bakeries and VX Logic. Talk of the Town is the media sponsor.

Online entries close at midnight on Wednesday October 4. Late entries are available at registrati­on. A late entry fee of R60 applies.

 ?? Picture: SID PENNEY ?? EXHILIRATI­NG: Juane van Zyl (#53) and ZibeleBhoy­i (#194) make their way down the short section of singletrac­k on Mountain Drive in the early stages of the BUCOG2C (Grahamstow­n to Sea) mountain bike race in 2022. Juane went on to win the 58km event.
Picture: SID PENNEY EXHILIRATI­NG: Juane van Zyl (#53) and ZibeleBhoy­i (#194) make their way down the short section of singletrac­k on Mountain Drive in the early stages of the BUCOG2C (Grahamstow­n to Sea) mountain bike race in 2022. Juane went on to win the 58km event.
 ?? Picture: SUPPLIED ?? PEDAL POWER: Mountainbi­kers enjoy a smooth, flat gravel stretch in the G2C mountain bike event from Makhanda to Port Alfred. About 400 cyclists are expected to participat­e in this year’s edition that sets off on Sunday October 8.
Picture: SUPPLIED PEDAL POWER: Mountainbi­kers enjoy a smooth, flat gravel stretch in the G2C mountain bike event from Makhanda to Port Alfred. About 400 cyclists are expected to participat­e in this year’s edition that sets off on Sunday October 8.

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