Two incredible mountain bike races, a Big 5 game reserve and an exciting equestrian event with outdoor market – these are just a few of the adventures that are in store on the Garden Route for the Heritage Day long weekend. It’s not too late to make your plans as the event is still a few weeks away. The Buco Dr Evil Classic 3 Day Stage Race starts on Thursday September 20 from a new venue in the Plett Game Reserve, with flowing trails through indigenous forest.
Day two then traverses the 700ha private estate Kurland Hotel and Polo Estate, with day three starting at Cairnbrogie Dairy Farm with its renowned network of single tracks and along a coastline with spectacular views, which forms part of the Robberg Coastal Corridor. Whether you are riding the Dr Evil Classic or coming up to the Plettenberg Bay and Knysna area for a relaxing getaway, here is a list of things to do on the Garden Route over the Heritage Day weekend:
Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve Guided safaris at R490 per person will take you on a two-hour game drive on the 2,200ha reserve at the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Their knowledgeable game rangers will track the Big 5 for you, and you could encounter antelope, giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile. The reserve’s historical country house, the Baroness Safari Lodge, has beautiful views over the gorge and Tsitsikamma Mountains – a fine option for an indulgent stay. Equestrian and outdoor market funKurland is among the country’s premier venues for equestrian events and the SA 2018 Adult Eventing Champs is from September 21 to 23.
The event is made up of dressage, show-jumping and cross-country and will be great fun for spectators, with an outdoor market with lamb on the spit, Thai food and a jumping castle for family fun. You can stay at the hotel or at Kurland Villa, or visit the estate on one of the days to see the show. Rest at the riverStay at a room on the Bitou river at the Plett River Lodge and enjoy dinner at the on-site restaurant, Down to Earth. They will have a special on the Saturday night of the Heritage Day weekend which will include a meal for two and a bottle of red or white wine for R250, and the restaurant is open to the public.
Cairnbrogie Mountain Pump Tracks and CafeWhether you are supporting riders who start their third day of the Dr Evil Classic on the Saturday or you bring the bikes and family to enjoy the pump tracks and cafe on Cairnbrogie Dairy Farm, this will be a great place for an active outing.The bike park has become extremely popular with riders of all kindsilks, and the vibe of the race village on the Saturday will make for a fun day out. And ... another mountain bike race Though this year’s event is sold out, the Buco Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge is worth putting in your calendar for next year.
The popular 100km one day race from Uniondale to Knysna via the Prince Alfred’s Pass is on Sunday September 23 this year, and if you are a really fit rider keen for a busy weekend, the organisers have reserved a few entries for those who have yet to sign up for the remaining few Dr Evil Classic entries.
The combination of the Dr Evil Classic and the Karoo to Coast offers four days of mountain-biking bliss for the seriously adventurous. The Knysna and Plett area is ideal for long weekend visits. With forest walks, lagoon cruises and scenic beaches, a tranquil spot or one of the buzzing events, the Heritage Day weekend is sure to be a memorable one.For more on the Buco Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge and the Buco Dr Evil Classic 3 Day Stage Race, visit drevilclassic.co.za and www.karootocoast.com.