De Hoop Nature Reserve, and one of CapeNature’s flagship nature reserves – positioned between the Potberg Mountains in the north and the Indian Ocean in the south, and a scenically beautiful three-hour’s drive from Cape Town – boasts incredible land and marine wildlife, birds and flora – all protected by the reserves’ World Heritage site status, with affordable, luxury accommodation.
De Hoop Collection is delighted to announce that the 2024 De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience will take place from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 May 2024. On announcing the dates William Stephens, owner of the De Hoop Collection – a member of Cape Country Routes, said that this boutique experience gives riders, their families and friends a wonderful opportunity to explore the terrain, vast open spaces and the wildlife of De Hoop Nature Reserve.
“We had so much positive feedback after last year’s event”, he said. “Riders were very complimentary about the routes and we extend a big thanks to Anneke Jacobs the organiser for her time, effort and most of her passion.”
Anneke Jacobs, once again organising this year’s MTB, suggests that it’s “time for riders to take a break from their familiar routes and races and to embrace something completely different.” The De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience is exactly that.
Riders will enjoy three days of stimulating, untamed and challenging riding in one of the country’s most diverse coastal nature reserves – it is the ultimate spoil for those who love the outdoors.
The De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience is a three-day race or ride (your choice) designed to be physically challenging, but not exhausting, that takes you through parts of the reserve you wouldn’t easily reach on foot or by vehicle and guarantees you the chance to reset and appreciate the incredible natural diversity, meet like-minded people, enjoy tasty food, sample fine wines and enjoy comfortable accommodation offered by the De Hoop Collection.
The De Hoop Collection offers a range of superior accommodation to suit all budgets, from cottages, suites and lodges to homesteads, a camp site and rondawels for those seeking something simpler. A perfect weekend experience for not only riders, but their family and friends too. De Hoop Collection is offering a special MTB rate for a two and a half nights’ stay at a 40% discount – guests may either checkout late on Sunday or get an extra night’s accommodation at half price. Accommodation and meals (two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners) from R2 400 per person. Ts & Cs apply.
The De Hoop Vlei MTB 2024 entry fee of R2 800 per person includes a weekend of pure mountain bike adventure riding in untamed territory, plus a few surprising special additions.
Friday 17 May kicks off with a short Sunset Scramble warm-up ride of 12km at 4pm – ride off into a spectacular sunset where Bontebok perfect the picture of pristine white dunes in the background, cycle past the stunning new De Mond Lodge situated on the edge of the Vlei and return in a clockwise direction to De Hoop Opstal. On Saturday 18 May it’s the 50km with 850m ascent and on Sunday 19 May, the 62km with 800m ascent. The routes are a combination of gravel road, jeep track and singletrack. Each day’s route takes you to a different part of the reserve where you can appreciate the rocky coastlines, large sand dunes, beautiful blue ocean- whale-spotting is a highlight, lowland fynbos and thriving wetlands. Game you’re likely to encounter include Eland, Cape Mountain Zebra, Grey Rhebok and Bontebok. Caracal and Leopard maybe spotted by a lucky few!
For friends and families ‘’along for the ride’ there’s plenty to do – there are easier routes for the less experienced cyclists, kids can bring along their bikes and join in a Nature Quest, while activities at affordable rates include old school Live Music, a Boma braai around an open fire with sunset views, sundowners on the deck, wine tasting and fabulous food and hospitality from De Hoop Collection.
The De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience 2024 from 17-19 May is organised by Overberg MTB Events – https://overbergmtbevents.co.za
For more info or to enter (numbers are limited) https://overbergmtbevents.co.za/events/de-hoop-mtb-experience/
For accommodation at De Hoop Collection book online with Nicola – [email protected]
