13 Apr 2011 Newsletter 12 April
This week in the news:
- New PPA website overview
- Forthcoming events
- What’s happening on the PPA calendar this weekend?
- Opening of Schapenberg MTB Trail
NEW PPA WEBSITE
Our new website is up and running, and while there’s still much to do, the new site and specifically the new events section is already getting a big thumbs up from our members. Please help us by reporting any broken links or pages so that we can fix those immediately. To date, some 500 members have registered for the MyPPA web section (go on – upload a pic so that we can see what you look like). By registering, it means – amongst others – that you can see your personal results and seeding as soon as you log on, you can view your details online; and you can chat and email other members with web profiles. We will soon be adding discussion forums and more social media to the site, so do register and enjoy the browsing.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS: APRIL & MAY
Sat 16 April: Fine Breede MTB
Sun 17 April: Opening of new Schapenberg MTB trails �
Sat 7 May: Tru-Cape MTB
Sat 14 May: Willow Creek / Computer Mania MTB Challenge
Sat 21 May: Keeromberg MTB Challenge
Sat 28 May: Hex Valley Autumn Splendour MTB
What’s next on the PPA funride calendar?
FINE BREEDE MTB CHALLENGE
Saturday 16 April 2011
DISTANCES: 55 km; 32 km; 16 km; 4 km
START TIMES: 55 km (08h30); 32 km (08h50); 16 km (09h10); Kiddies 4 km (09h15)
VENUE: Laerskool Breërivier
ENQUIRIES: Edelgard or Coenie Lategan
PHONE: (023) 355-1838 or 083 556 4947
EMAIL: coenie@cwnet.co.za
LUCKY DRAW / CUT-OFF: 12h30
PRE-ENTRIES CLOSE: 14 April 2011
ONLINE ENTRIES: Click Here
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Check out the new events section on our website for a route map. Both the 55 km and 32 km routes follow scenic jeep tracks and farm roads through vineyards and into the mountains. The 55 km route is aimed at experienced cyclists and includes some taxing climbs with accumulated elevation of some 990m and steep down hills – do not attempt this route if you are unfit!
The 32 km follows most of the long routes with all the spectacular views, but avoids one or two tough hills. In general, these routes will test your cycling skills with gravel, shale, rocky and sandy surfaces, tough climbs and fast downhills.
The 16 km route is ideal for beginners and children and follows mainly good gravel roads through the vineyards. The 16 km and 4 km will be untimed.
DIRECTIONS TO VENUE
Take the N1 from Cape Town. Just before Worcester, turn left on the R43 towards Ceres. Continue for 26 km and turn right towards Breërivier. Follow the signs to the event. Please note it could take up to 2 hours to drive to the venue from Cape Town. Check out the events section on the website for an interactive map with directions to the venue.
NOTES
A friendly event offering good non-technical riding (no single track). Each finisher receives a water bottle and the first 50 finishers of the different categories (except 4 km) receive a T-shirt. Winners of the 55 km and 32 km receive THEIR WEIGHT IN WINE! Bring the family for potjiekos and live music afterwards. Cash bar, wine sales and food stalls also available.
The 55 km formed part of one of the Cape Epic stages last year. Experience it for yourself. Late entries on race day: 06h00 – 08h15.
Lucky draw includes a laptop computer and printer as well as a bicycle.
Please note that standard PPA fees do not apply for this event. For accommodation information, visit www.breede.co.za/mtb Easy Entry tickets accepted. Children u/10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Remember to bring and wear your PPA funride number.
VENUE GPS CO-ORDINATES: 33°31’11.36’’S 19°13’0.71’’E
PREDICTED WEATHER FOR SATURDAY: Min temp: 16°C; Max temp: 29°C; Sunny and hot, so don’t forget your sunscreen. 19km/h south westerly wind.
OPENING OF SCHAPENBERG MTB TRAIL
This Sunday, 17 April, sees the opening of the new Schapenberg MTB trails, built with funding from the PPA. The trails start and finish at Ongegund Conference Centre in Sir Lowry’s Village (Somerset West) and offer four routes; Black (27km), Red (23km), Yellow (15km) and Green (4km). On opening day there will be a Farmer’s Market with various vendors. Please note this is not a race – just come and check out the new routes and enjoy riding your MTB in a beautiful new setting. Read more in the news section on the website.
The Trails will be open from 08h00. Day fee/permit for PPA Members is R20.00 and R40.00 for Non-Members. Everyone welcome.
DIRECTIONS TO VENUE
Take the N2 towards Somerset West. Travel for approximately 30 minutes. Take the R44 Somerset West (Broadway Boulevard) turn-off on the left hand side. At the set of traffic lights on the bridge, turn left towards Somerset West Main Road. At the first set of traffic lights, turn right into Somerset West Main Road. Continue down the main road and through town, past several traffic lights. Remain in the left hand lane and pass the Vergelegen Medi Clinic on your left. Follow the signs for the Sir Lowry’s Pass Village road. Continue for approximately 3 km up Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Road. Waterkloof entrance gate is on your left hand side – Ongegund is about 500m from Waterkloof.
Yours in cycling
The PPA Team