It’s all systems go for the 10th edition of the BUCO G2C mountain bike race that kicks off early on Sunday October 8 over 58km and 70km distances – from Makhanda to Port Alfred.
Online entries may have closed on Wednesday October 4, but G2C officials are preparing themselves for a late rush to accept last-minute entries as late as up to 7am on the morning of the race in Makhanda. The late entries will be accepted at the following points: Friday October 6 between 4 and 5pm at BUCO Walker Drive, Gqeberha, Saturday October 7 between 1 and 2pm at BUCO Port Alfred and on Sunday October 8 between 6am and 7am at BUCO Warehouse in Makhanda’s Industrial Area.
Tanya Jackson, event manager of Mountain Bike Events, who is organising the popular off-road mountain bike challenge said excitement was building among farmers, marshalls, local communities and mountain bikers ahead of Sunday’s start.
“We are expecting 400 cyclists to have registered for the race, with most of them coming from towns and cities such as Kenton, Gqeberha, East London, Port Alfred and other areas.”
“The 70km race adds a 17km stretch through a single jeep track in Albany Trail past the Sibuya Game Reserve and there is a chance of seeing any of the big 5. The climb up Mountain Drive in the initial 10km is a neutral zone and the race only starts once cyclists reach the gravel road.”
“Both 58km and 70km events finish with a steep descent through The Riverview Waterfront Estate and ends at Port Alfred Country Club, French Street (NB: not the PA Golf Club),” said Jackson.
“Prize money will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female in each distance (70km and 58km). E-bikers who come in 1st 2nd and 3rd on the podium will also receive prizes, while all participants will be added into a lucky draw. The first three male and female riders in the 70km race will win prize money as follows R1,000 (1st), R600 (2nd) and R300 (3rd). The 1st home in the 58km race receives R500, second gets R300 and third-place R200.”
Ryan Owsley, 45, who is doing the 70km distance for the first time, says he is aiming to finish in the top 10 in his age group.
“I’ve done six G2C races and I have had a lot of fun with colleagues and friends along the way. It’s a very social race … I am doing the 70km distance because I have been spending a little more time on the bicycle and feel a little more fit now.
“The new route that ends with a 1km ride up the gravel hill at River Estate is very strenuous … but it can be a game-changer if you’re fit enough, so you can pass those pushing their bikes up the hill.
“It could be windy come Sunday …but we train for all types of weather anyway.”
Race Rules:
- The cut-off time is 12h30;
- No helmet, no ride;
- Roads are open to traffic. Road rules apply. So please keep left.
- Age restrictions per distance:
- 58km – Participants need to be at least 15 years of age
- 70km – Participants needs to be at least 19 years of age
- E-bikes – Participants needs to be at least 19 years of age
- A riders’ age is determined by the age they will be on 31 Dec of this year.
- E-bikes may only participate in the 58km race.
Spectator tip:
Spectators please note there is only one entrance to the Port Alfred
Country Club for parking, please enter through Atherstone Road.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RACE: https://g2c.co.za/
