The 2016 Glacier by Sanlam Storms River Traverse mountain bike stage race has been given a route upgrade to incorporate even more of the beautiful Garden Route coastline and include more singletrack.
The route of the annual event, which will take place from 6-8 August 2016, is designed to offer a unique cycling experience in the Tsitsikamma region and geared to accommodate newcomers to mountain bike stage racing and families.
“The stages aren’t too long, but there’s quite a bit of gradient in the area and some really beautiful forests, both plantation and indigenous, which we have always incorporated into the route. It’s a stunning part of the country and there are no other cycle races in this area, so the Storms River Traverse is quite unique in that regard,” said Henco Rademeyer of Dryland Event Management, the company that organises the Storms River Traverse.
Photo: www.oakpics.com
“Last year we had requests from participants for longer sections along the coast as well as more singletrack. We listened and have now added both for 2016. It required us establishing a relationship with local farmers who have kindly given us access to their land purely for the event. In the process we also discovered old ox wagon trails and are clearing these for riders to sample some of the historic significance of the region,” added Rademeyer.
“I’m very pleased that Glacier is involved in the sponsorship of the Storms River Traverse again. This is an event without equal when it comes to sheer family enjoyment and good company, and I’m especially looking forward to exploring the new route,” said Jean Lombard, head of business integration and research at Glacier.
The three-day event will once again be based at the Tsitsikamma Village Inn, a family-orientated country hotel that’s built around a ‘village square’, one of the most comfortable race villages of any mountain bike stage race. This encourages a warm, friendly race atmosphere and a many a new friendship and/or business contact has been made here over the past few years.
Photo: www.oakpics.com
The race will start on Saturday 6 August and finish on Monday 8 August. Tuesday 9 August is the annual Women’s Day public holiday, making it easier for those travelling from far to enjoy the event and travel home with no pressure.
The event has an entry limit of 250 participants and has categories for two-rider teams and solo entrants. The limited size allows the Storms River Traverse to have a personal atmosphere and the single-location makes it logistically kind as well as ideal for riders to bring their families.
“This year we’ve also added the limited luxury tented accommodation packages, which will be available from 21 March on the online entry system.The increased interest in the 2016 event has forced us to expand the accommodation options. It’s a good problem to have. Fortunately our luxury tented package is a great solution. It allows for participants to stay at the race village venue in a comfortable environment, which includes sleeping on real beds,” smiled Rademeyer.
Glacier by Sanlam is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sanlam, and services intermediaries and clients in the affluent market. The company offers a wide range of financial solutions, designed to assist clients to create and preserve their wealth throughout their lifetime. These solutions include local and international investments, shares and fixed interest instruments, as well as comprehensive short-term insurance and risk cover for both personal and business assurance.
To enter or for more information, visit www.stormsrivertraverse.co.za
Source: Inside Line
