Besides being a premier mountain bike stage race, the FNB Wines2Whales has also built a multi-layered legacy that has ensured a sustainable world-class mountain bike trails network, improved socio-economic conditions for residents on the route and incredible experiences that keep mountain bikers coming back year after year. We asked some riders that have done 11 or 12 editions why they keep returning. Here’s what they said.
Paid partnership with FNB Wines2Whales
Since time is ultimately the most valuable of any commodity, experience increases one’s value not only as a mountain biker, but as a human. Wine too gains value over time and to recognise the commitment of those that have completed 10 or more editions of the FNB Wines2Whales, the organisers created the Reserve Collection, a small, but valued ‘club’ that have invested in the event for at least a decade and have clearly enjoyed the rewards.
Prior to the 2022 edition of the FNB Wines2Whales there are just 96 members of the Reserve Collection – 49 of whom have completed 10 editions, 37 that have done 11 and 10 that have participated in all 12. Nobody ever really sets out to achieve this kind of loyalty accolade, but there’s no doubt that if the event wasn’t compelling and rewarding, they wouldn’t keep returning every single year.
Nine riders that have competed in 11 or 12 editions answered a set of questions we put to them:
PATRICK GRAHAM
What do you think is the main reason you have returned to complete the FNB Wines2Whales every year?
Incredible riding on my doorstep with very little admin needed.
How many different partners have you completed the FNB Wines2Whales with?
I’ve had three partners.
Which are your favourite parts of the route and why?
Mostly Day 2 singletracks – Paul Cluver’s famed trails.
How much longer do you intend coming back to enjoy the FNB Wines2Whales?
For as long as I am fit and able to.
What is your most special memory from all your FNB Wines2Whales participations?
Over the years, between the 40-degree heat over the wagon trail portage, torrential rains and 50kph winds and fires. I have to say that every year is a special memory for me. I get to ride a mountain bike in one of the most beautiful areas in the world with group of lifelong mates, drink beer and talk shit… what could be better?
HANLIE BOOYENS
What do you think is the main reason you have returned to complete the FNB Wines2Whales every year?
The route, the friends, the race village, the food, the fact that it is logistically easy for us from the area and having a sponsor that supports us time and time again!
How many different partners have you completed the FNB Wines2Whales with?
Six if I count correctly – five with Fienie Barnard and four with Michelle Lombardi. Twice mixed in the early days but much prefer ladies and strongly believe ladies should race ladies.
Which are your favourite parts of the route and why?
I have always done best on Day 1 – not sure why. I think I feel freshest and I actually really like the added challenge of the Gantou Pass portage. It is also the longest day and that suits me better. The A-Z section near Grabouw is fantastic.
How much longer do you intend coming back to enjoy the FNB Wines2Whales?
As long as I am fit and healthy, enjoy training for it, have a willing partner and a keen sponsor!
What is your most special memory from all your FNB Wines2Whales participations?
That is not a fair question! Every year has been special. Otherwise I would not come back. If I have to choose – my partners make the race special. The best memories are suffering and having an awesome time with friends. Every time!
ANDRIES SCHAAP
What do you think is the main reason you have returned to complete the FNB Wines2Whales every year?
The stunning location first but it has also changed enough every year to keep it fresh. Now that I have done all of them, not missing any edition has become an aim in itself.
How many different partners have you completed the FNB Wines2Whales with?
Four.
Which are your favourite parts of the route and why?
Definitely the singletracks of the second day.
How much longer do you intend coming back to enjoy the FNB Wines2Whales?
As long I can physically manage it as an over-60-year-old.
What is your most special memory from all your FNB Wines2Whales participations?
There have been several special memories, including riding it with two of my best friends, but topping it all was partnering with my son in 2021.
GUSTAV HEFER
What do you think is the main reason you have returned to complete the FNB Wines2Whales every year?
It is a fantastic goal to have for the season in a pristine setting on really good cross-country trails.
How many different partners have you completed the FNB Wines2Whales with?
One, except one year when he was injured and I had to call in a late replacement.
Which are your favourite parts of the route and why?
Day 2 – it’s more technical and playful – less hard grinding.
How much longer do you intend coming back to enjoy the FNB Wines2Whales?
I’ll keep entering until my body gives up…
What is your most special memory from all your FNB Wines2Whales participations?
Every year to line up in the starting cube is special.
LEON TOBIAS
What do you think is the main reason you have returned to complete the FNB Wines2Whales every year?
I love racing and having a goal to train for. The race gets better each year and the organisers keep us excited and in suspense.
How many different partners have you completed the FNB Wines2Whales with?
I am not quite sure if it’s me or perhaps just nice to ride with different people. From the 11 races I have done, I have had six different partners.
Which are your favourite parts of the route and why?
For me Day 1 is always a great tough day with the portage up the pass. The last day is also not a breeze and the wheat-field section is challenging.
How much longer do you intend coming back to enjoy the FNB Wines2Whales?
We ride and race because we can. We are all blessed to be able to participate and I don’t believe I will be stopping any time soon as I am loving my riding and racing.
What is your most special memory from all your FNB Wines2Whales participations?
My most special memories from all the races are very different and each race has a special memory for me. I remember back many years ago when the Rugby Tri-Nations was on the same time as the race and we would all watch the race in the meal tents together and the atmosphere was electric – win or lose.
I also enjoy the water point at the Botie school and the vibe from the brass band. Everything about this race fits into the motto of Gees and that is a true story that is very hard to recreate. Also, I love my bike and the privilege of being able to ride it.
DANIE CRONJE
What do you think is the main reason you have returned to complete the FNB Wines2Whales every year?
There are two reasons: the first is the excellent route, which improves every year. The second is the wonderful atmosphere – both on the trails and in the race village.
How many different partners have you completed the FNB Wines2Whales with?
I have ridden with five partners in the 12 events to date. In 2022 I’ll be riding with No. 6.
Which are your favourite parts of the route and why?
It is difficult to say since I like the variety offered by different parts of the route. I can say that I do not like the Houw Hoek switchbacks and I have therefore never ridden these.
How much longer do you intend coming back to enjoy the FNB Wines2Whales?
As long as I can ride I will keep coming back.
What is your most special memory from all your FNB Wines2Whales participations?
One year my partner was Carinus Lemmer – who was a pro cyclist in the 1990’s. He rode with a fully rigid bike with a 29-inch wheel in front and a 26-inch wheel at the back. On Day 3 he rode with a jean short! The looks on the faces of other riders when they saw Carinus were priceless.
BEN PAINE
What do you think is the main reason you have returned to complete the FNB Wines2Whales every year?
Wines2Whales is the first multi-stage race I ever did, so from that point of view, it is special. It also incorporates all my favourite areas to ride in, Lourensford is right next door to where I live and is where I ride every week; Elgin is where I grew up and Oak Valley was one of the first farms to build singletracks in the Western Cape. Hermanus and Onrus are such beautiful coastal towns with incredible trails, which make it the perfect place to end.
How many different partners have you completed the FNB Wines2Whales with?
I am on to my fourth partner now.
Which are your favourite parts of the route and why?
It is difficult to pick just one part of the route as a favourite as over the years. The whole route has developed into an incredible and varied trail with new sections added every year. I think Day 1 is starting to rival Day 2 as the fun day. If I have to pick one section though, it would be Vissie’s Magic on Oak Valley, which has been there from the beginning. It is fast and smooth but also quite tight through the trees with the river to your right. You are on your own and it is difficult not to give a little whoop in delight as you go through. The bridges on Paul Cluver are of course another highlight.
How much longer do you intend coming back to enjoy the FNB Wines2Whales?
I have completed all of the years so far and I have not lost interest yet so I will be back for as long as I am fit enough to ride and someone is prepared to do it with me.
What is your most special memory from all your FNB Wines2Whales participations?
It is often the adverse conditions or situations that tend to stand out. The extreme heat on
Day 1 one year with too many caffeine gels in my system that spiked my heart rate going up Gantouw Pass. The rain, wind and freezing conditions on Day 3 another year. This was the only time that a thought briefly crossed my mind to call it quits. Fortunately a half cup of hot coffee from a spectator at the last water point saved me. I eventually saw the funny side of a crank that kep00t detaching from the BB another year. There is nothing better though than the last couple of kilometres, on the wooden pallets over the Onrus beach, up the scaffold bridge over the river, the sprint along the tar and the high five to your partner as you cross the finish line.
GAVIN WOOD
What do you think is the main reason you have returned to complete the FNB Wines2Whales every year?
I love riding on those incredible trails in a competitive environment and I really enjoy the relaxed social time off the bike with hundreds of positive, happy fellow riders.
How many different partners have you completed the FNB Wines2Whales with?
I think it’s three.
Which are your favourite parts of the route and why?
The Paul Cluver section after the amphitheatre – the beautiful trees and natural gorge makes for an incredible setting for the well-structured trails. Also, the final singletracks down to just above Onrus on the final day – you can smell the finish line, so its super-fast and flowing and you find an extra blast of power in the legs and give it everything you’ve got left.
How much longer do you intend coming back to enjoy the FNB Wines2Whales?
As long as I keep riding. It’s conveniently near Cape Town where I live, has such great trails and attracts a really fun crowd.
What is your most special memory from all your FNB Wines2Whales participations?
Coming in second place ahead of some pro teams on Day 1 of the first event. Simon and I were very surprised to do so well (as part-time amateurs) and were not recognised in the distance by the announcers as we approached. We eventually finished second overall that year.
RIAAN SENEKAL
What do you think is the main reason you have returned to complete the FNB Wines2Whales every year? If you have more than one, let me have more than one.
Everything about the event: The Gees, the food and the route. This makes it one of the best MTB events on the calendar. The three days is more than just riding your bike, it is a journey. From the start in Lourensford going over the Gantouw Pass and ending three days later in Onrus, just magical. Behind the scenes, not mentioned often, is the fact that W2W has always supported the surrounding communities as well as numerous worthy causes!
How many different partners have you completed the FNB Wines2Whales with?
Four different partners.
Which are your favourite parts of the route and why?
Stage 2 – Oak Valley’s fast, flowing sublime singletrack with short and steep climbs that really gives the legs a good burn. This makes it an action-packed and fun day but also puts you in the ‘painbox’ when you are gooi(ing) mielies… I just love the route!
How much longer do you intend coming back to enjoy the FNB Wines2Whales?
Until I can’t ride a bike anymore. Hopefully for many years…
What is your most special memory from all your FNB Wines2Whales participations?
Every year is different and special; however the Gees is always the same. I have fond memories of all the events, from my first participation and meeting the late Burry Stander, to my 10th W2W participation which was a wonderful feeling. I have also experienced all the different weather conditions the Cape has to offer during the event, from torrential downpours and wind gusts to extreme heat, making it all memorable.
See the full list of loyal legends here.
If you haven’t yet experienced a FNB Wines2Whales, you sure have something to look forward to! Entries for the 2022 edition close at midnight on Friday, 16 September 2022!
Although the Chardonnay event has sold out, there are still some entries available in the Pinotage and Shiraz events. To avoid disappointment, head over here and get your entry secured so that you too can begin to build – or add to – your own personal relationship with the FNB Wines2@Whales.
There are many standout features of the event that’s become not only the Western Cape’s favourite stage race, but also the African leg of the prestigious Epic Series. If you need some prompting, check out GREAT REASONS TO RIDE THE 2022 FNB WINES2WHALES.
Paid partnership with FNB Wines2Whales
