The G2C mountain bike race takes on a special meaning this year, with the 10th official edition of the race 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 Makana Residents Association took on the planning role. This year, 2023, 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 sponsor 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 and 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,” said Jackson. “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 to keep cyclists honest and some smooth downhills.”
The 70km race includes 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 5. Both 58km and 70km events wind down with a steep downhill through the Riverview Waterfront Estate and finish at Port Alfred Country Club. The exhilarating single track towards the finish offers a mix of high-speed excitement and thrilling duels. For spectators – please note there is only one entrance to the Port Alfred Country Club for parking purposes. Please enter through Atherstone Road.
Another interesting aspect of the event is that it showcases the various local off-road biking opportunities available to cyclists.
The 10th anniversary of G2C is a milestone 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 2023.
Late entries are available at registration. A late entry fee of R60 applies.
RACE ENTRY FEE:
- 58km Race – R350
- 70km Race – R400
- CSA Day License – R50
- Event T-shirt – R280
- 58km Scholars entry fee – R150 (for scholars 15-18 years old)
REGISTRATION & NUMBER COLLECTION:
- Friday registration 4-5pm – Buco Walker Drive Gqeberha (C/O Walker Drive &, Kabega Rd, Glenroy Park)
- Saturday registration 1-2pm – Buco Port Alfred (Corner Main &, Masonic St, Port Alfred)
- Sunday registration 6-7am – Buco Warehouse Grahamstown (9 Strowan Road, Grahamstown)
