Dr Evil highlights Plett's MTB trails

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The town's reputation as a top-notch mountain-biking haven was bolstered last week as the 10th Dr Evil Classic left riders swooning.

Contrary to the name, the Dr Evil Classic is not only aimed at hardcore athletes, but also caters for those in it for the fun of riding.

The three-day stage race was designed in such a way that each day saw riders tackle distances under 70km. Race organisers and route designer Leon Evans created routes that were interesting, scenic and tested those who set out with the intention of racing the event.

The first stage started at the Wittedrift High School on Thursday 22 September and took riders on a scenic mountain route with the first 20km testing their uphill riding skills. It also included a short technical section towards the end of the route.

The second stage took riders to the Cairnbrogie Mountain Bike Park and Pump Track. This stage showcased sections of the existing pristine Harkerville Forest routes with some single track and indigenous forest treats for riders.

The last day of the Dr Evil Classic was described as the "ultimate mountain biking experience". Riders started by circumnavigating the Cairnbrogie dairy farm, hugging the protected corridor of fynbos and sea views.

They then head onto MTO Trails where they started with beautiful views on a feature known as the "Cliffhanger" and then headed up the "Crawler". Thereafter, the trails through the beautiful pine forest had their "ups and downs".

"This is 40km of the best single track and views you can ever imagine, " said Erik Klootwyk, who has assisted the MTO Trails team on some of the build.

After a day of scenic gravel grinding in the MTO Forestry plantations around Wittedrift, and a day of persistent drizzle resulting in muddy trails in the indigenous forest of SANParks' Harkerville reserve, the final stage on 24 September was described as "perfect".

Mixed team winners Clinton Mackintosh and Brigitte Joubert echoed the sentiment, saying they had been highly impressed with the riding in Plettenberg Bay. "That singletrack was probably some of the best I've ridden in South Africa," Mackintosh enthused. "The trail builders have done an amazing job."

The men's team winners were Kevin Evans and Neill Clark of The Bike Shop who finished in 6:27:05. The women's team Honey Custom Apparel with Cherise Willeit and Nicky Giliomee got to the finish line first in their category almost an hour before their nearest rivals with a time of 07:47:32. Mixed team First Ascent Cyanosis with Mackintosh and Joubert finished first with a time of 07:19:59.

The solo men's category was won by Johan Boonzaier with a time of 06:53:16 and the women's solo category by Monica Glover with a time of 07:34:43 - more than an hour ahead of her nearest rival.

Kevin Evans (front) and Neill Clark leading the pack. Photo: Oakpics.com