Keen response to new MTB race in Swellendam
Category News
Entries are still streaming in for the newest MTB event on the SA cycling calendar – the Chas Everitt Around the Pot race to be held in Swellendam on 29 July - which promises to become known as one of the country’s most scenic challenges.
According to Rohan Germishuys, one of the organisers from Petrichor Adventures, almost 150 competitors have registered already, and the number is now expected to reach 250 to 300 by race-day.(See https://www.petrichoradventures.co.za/atp for race details.)
“This is remarkable for a new event but it just goes to show how the popularity of mountain-biking is increasing. At the same time there is growing interest in Swellendam and the surrounding countryside, which is one of the most scenic parts of the Western Cape. And we are very grateful to all our sponsors, who have also helped us spread the word through their business networks.”
The 160km (100 mile) race route will take riders from the Swellendam showgrounds out into the country and along gravel roads through rolling hills and blooming fields of canola, towards Potberg and on to the main waterpoint/ neutral zone at Malgas. During a 45-minute refreshment break, riders will also cross the Breede River on the only remaining hand-driven ferry in SA, and then complete the last 60km to finish at the beautiful Drostdy Museum back in Swellendam.
The challenge involves about 2100m of climbing over the 160km route within a maximum of 11 hours, so it will be a real test of endurance, and the not-so-fit might want to try the 90km (56-mile) “short-cut” the first-time round, says Germishuys.
The Chas Everitt International property group is the main sponsor of the race, and Charles de Kock, owner of the Chas Everitt Southern Cape franchise, says the event is expected to attract hundreds of riders and supporters from all over the country, which will be excellent exposure for Swellendam.
“The town is one of the oldest in SA so boasts dozens of historical sites and tourist attractions. It is already a favourite among Cape Town property buyers seeking to escape the city, but we would like it to become just as popular among buyers from other regions - and from overseas.” (See https://www.visitswellendam.co.za.)
Swellendam has excellent primary and high schools, several shopping centres including the SwellenMark regional mall and good medical facilities, so it is an easy move for families, he says, but at the same time offers a much healthier lifestyle than the city, with plenty of opportunities to hike, bike or ride a horse right on the doorstep.
“The town is surrounded by canola, berry and dairy farms, nature reserves and forests, and many of the homes here also offer spectacular views of the Langeberg. It is also on the popular Route 62 tourist route, so there are many business opportunities in the hospitality and adventure/ eco-tourism fields.”
Another big attraction, De Kock says, is the good value to be found in the Swellendam property market - “and the race will be a good opportunity for visitors to see what’s on offer, including the show-houses we have open on race weekend. They can also check out our listings in the area on www.chaseveritt.co.za and call us ahead of time on 028 514 2202 if they want to make an appointment to view one of these properties while they are in town for the race.”
CAPTIONS
Chasatp1
This beautiful double storey home in Swellendam is for sale through Chas Everitt International for R1,6m. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two reception rooms, a patio with mountain views and a double garage.
Chasatp2
This renovated Victorian home in Swellendam is for sale through Chas Everitt International for R2,25m. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two reception rooms, a fitted study, a pool with wooden deck and a double garage, and is well-located in a prime area. Luxury features include marble counter-tops, a Jetmaster fireplace, underfloor heating, Italian bathroom tiles and a fitted separate laundry.
Chasatp3
This spacious family home near the high school in Swellendam is for sale through Chas Everitt International for R2,37m. It has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two reception rooms, a study, a spacious entertainment area and a very large garden with a pool and magnificent mountain views.
Issued by
Chas Everitt International
For more information call
Charles de Kock on
082 920 9341
Or visit www.chaseveritt.co.za
Author: Meg Wilson