Media Release. Mossel Bay Tourism. 6 September 2010

Mossel Bay MTB Race Attracts Top Names

Two of South Africa’s top mountain bikers will ride in this year’s Eight Bells Enduro, which gets under way at Ruiterbos, in the Outeniqua Mountains 20 km from Mossel Bay, on Saturday.

Johannes Bisschoff, one of the Gromos Mountain Bike Club’s race organisers, today confirmed that South Africa’s current men’s champion, Kevin Evans, and Ischen Stopforth – who won this year’s Trans-Baviaans with team mate Lise Olivier – will take part in the event, which is now in its third year.

The Eight Bells Enduro is registered with Cycling South Africa, and forms the fourth leg of the South Cape Enduro Series – which riders must complete in order to earn South Western District (SWD) colours, and qualify for the SA Championships.

Mr. Bischoff said that the race is becoming popular because of its picturesque route, which follows a course via Friemersheim, Pine Grove, and ‘The Big Dipper.’

But, he stressed, the event has been designed for every class of cyclist – and not just for the super-fit. “It includes a 15 km race through the surrounding farms, and, for serious riders, the 35- and 65 km routes offer more than enough adventure,” he said.

Cash prizes will be awarded to podium finishers, while the first 200 riders home will receive special stainless steel mountain bike medals. Many other prizes will also be awarded, and lucky draws have been arranged.

“The Eight Bells Enduro will take place at the 4-star Eight Bells Mountain Inn – and in many ways, the combination of the two represents what Mossel Bay is all about,” said Mossel Bay Tourism’s director for marketing, Anthony Doherty.

“Eight Bells is one of the oldest and most popular accommodation establishments in the Southern Cape, it’s situated in magnificent scenery, and it offers a number of attractions and adventures – including six different hiking trails, bowls, tennis, and even donkey cart rides for the kids.

“It’s going to be a really exciting event for the whole family – and I’m certainly looking forward to the adventure, and to testing my level of fitness,” he said.

Mr. Bischoff said that Mossel Bay is a very important cycling destination: “You just have to look at how many out-of-town cars that come here have bikes on the back. Up-country people especially know that you can enjoy plenty of carefree on- or off-road riding in this area.”

The Eight Bells Enduro will start at 08h00 on Saturday, 11 September, at Eight Bells Mountain Inn, Ruiterbos. Registration opens at 06h30, and closes at 07h30. Online entries are available at http://onlines.co.za/8bells/.

The Hotel is offering a 25% discount for participants and their families who want to stay for the weekend – and its restaurant and shower facilities will be available to riders on the day.

More information:
Eight Bells Enduro – Johannes Bisschoff: 082 416 5069;
Eight Bells Mountain Inn – 044 631 0000 or www.eightbells.co.za;
Mossel Bay – www.visitmosselbay.co.za

ENDS

Tags: 8 bells, eight bells, enduro, Gromos Mountain Bike Club, Ischen Stopforth, kevin evans, mossel bay, mountain bike, mtb, trail