KNYSNA NEWS - The willingness from local businesses within the greater Knysna area to assist with transition points of the 544km international adventure race, Expedition Africa 2016, was lauded by organisers and spectators alike.
"The local businesses were magnificent," said race coordinator Heidi Muller.
"Blackwaters River Lodge & Mashie Course was the best transition in the world, ever!" she exclaimed.
The teams left on their gruelling 544km race route at 08:00 from Knysna's Cruise Cafe after walking from the Knysna Waterfront displaying their country's flag. Under starters orders teams could be seen jostling for position on the first kayaking leg of the race across the Knysna estuary.
From here the they traversed Featherbed to Brenton-on-Sea. Along the beach to Buffalo Bay, then by see across Walker Bay into the calmer Goukamma River, where they alighted from the river onto their bicycles heading towards Beervlei and towards the next transition point, Gouna.
"When I first heard about an adventure race I had no idea what it entailed, until I was able to experience the (54) teams arrive across land at the Brenton Haven Hotel and start running along the beach towards Buffalo Bay.
When I was told that these teams were to race for 544km for up to a week, I was hooked," said one spectator, who prefers to remain unnamed.
"We finished up our breakfast and dashed along to Blackwaters River Club in time to see the first team get off the (Goukamma) river before setting off on their bicycles."
Paul Theron, Blackwaters co-owner, said their establishment was approached shortly after it was announced in August 2015 that Expedition Africa would be taking place in the area.
"We were used as a transition point where the teams would change from canoeing to cycling on the first day. As such, Blackwaters was required to provide a facility to store the bicycles on Saturday night, host the media and store the canoes for collection later on Sunday (May 15)."
The athletes had everything ready and waiting for them to set off on their next leg of the race. Blackwaters River Lodge's restaurant, Earth & Fire, also provided them with an opportunity to enjoy a warm meal before setting off on their next 170km section, where no sustenance would be available from the outside world.
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
