Words & Photo: Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival
Improved Routes offer Stunning Views for Cyclists at the Momentum Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour Race, part of the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, 4 to 13 July 2014
The Momentum Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour is a well-known attraction for those attending the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, and this year the MTB and Road events – to be held on 5 & 6 July respectively – will offer riders a scenic view of Knysna with newly improved routes.
Andrew Finn, a founding member of the Momentum Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour, explains “Mountain bikers will be glad to know that the 50km & 80km Mountain Bike Events are still official Premier Seeding Events for the 2015 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Momentum Cycle Tour. All three MTB races will be held on 5 July – 80, 50 and 30km – with similar routes to last year but with few improvements. We’ve increased the difficulty of a few of the technical sections while improving the flow of competitors.”
“For the 100km Road Race on 6 July we have planned a new and exciting ride with a modified route that is tougher, more attractive and slightly longer than the previous route. We wanted to deliver a route that stays off the N2 for as long as possible, and that offers a more natural, Knysna-feel with stunning scenery in the mountains through the forest and past rolling farmlands.”
Finn continues, “Only 46km’s of this year’s 100km Road Route overlap with the old route. While it will be a more beautiful ride, it won’t be easy. We’ve added two new climbs which will challenge legends like Kevin Evans, who usually competes, as well as many of the top cycling teams. With 1577 metres climbing overall during the ~105km race distance, this is a route that will keep you working until the very end.”
Finn concludes, “Whether you’re looking forward to the road or the MTB routes, the best advice I can offer is to keep training on your bike until July so you’re well prepared for a challenging ride in the middle of winter.”
Online entries to the Momentum Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour are open; prices range depending on the age group and distance selected. To enter, or to see a complete summary of the routes including maps and training trips, visit www.knysnacycle.co.za.
Cyclists travelling to Knysna can also take advantage of the transportation service being provided by Night Trans, who have over 14 years experience transporting mountain bikes, road bikes and tandem bikes for cycle events around the world. For more information on this service, visit www.nighttrans.co.za or phone 082 684 5053.
Travel packages to the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival – including affordable accommodation options – are available via the online booking system at www.pnptravel.co.za. Registration costs and ticket prices vary for each event, and many events are free. For more information, including the Festival Programme, visit www.pnpoysterfestival.co.za or contact Knysna Tourism at 044 382 5510.
