The race started in Willomore's main street (± 700m above sea level) and then followed a farm road through Poortjies to link up with the Baviaanskloof turn-off, about 4km out of town. Of the 22 Knysna cyclists Neill Ungerer was the fastest, crossing the line in a time of 9 hours and 20 minutes. Ungerer rode in a mixed team with Yolande de Villiers and Johan Labushagne who are both from Oudtshoorn.
The route was challenging and followed steep and narrow roads before the last stretch of farm roads into Jeffreys Bay where it finished at the Fountains Mall, 230km from Willowmore. The total accumulated climb for this route was 2 540m. The route was not marked and orienteering played an important role in this event.
This mountain-bike marathon created the perfect combination of extremely challenging cycling amongst spectacular scenery through exquisite mountain ranges, right into the heart of the magnificent Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, all in a team format. Since its start in 2004 it has been growing annually, deserving its place on many mountain-bikers’ wish list.
The event was initiated on a family holiday in the Baviaanskloof by a family of mountain-bikers, more than seven years ago. They decided a mountain-bike race was the ideal way to share the Baviaanskloof experience. It took them seven years to finalise the concept and logistics of such an event – one that captures not only the essence of the Baviaanskloof, but also offers a true test of endurance and a unique challenge.
This event held the status as the longest single-stage team MTB event in the world for six years. The event's focus lay in whether the route was rideable, unique, enjoyable and, most of all, achievable. Because it is a team event with two, three or four cyclists per team, the concept is very different to that of an ordinary MTB race.
The event is also unique in that the entire route is unmarked and tests the orientation skills of each rider. This ensures team work amongst everyone and brings out camaraderie, making it an unforgettable experience. Teams have to check in and out at the checkpoints strategically placed on route so their whereabouts can be traced. The late start (10:00) forces all the riders (even the front-runners) to use lights for night-time riding, for some this will be a much larger portion of their ride than for others – truly a test of character and endurance.
With a great race comes great rewards! Due to the night-time finish the first 10 teams home were greeted with the firing of a rocket. Every team that finished received a commemorative medal, a piece of a puzzle that will fit into a shield after the completion of five events – motivating riders to complete the Trans-Baviaans at least five times. The distance must be completed in 24 hours to qualify for a medal.
These Knysna cyclists participated in the recent Trans-Baviaans MTB. They are (back, from left) Andre Schempers, Craig Smith, Pieter Jordaan, Gordon Schutte, John Jarris, Kenny Scheeperes, Phillo Beukes, Willie Hanekom, Anton Terblanche, Hein Giliomee and Tyron van Rooyen. In front are Greig Oppenheimer, Desmond O’Connell, Chris Nel, Johan Olivier, Nick Thorne, Dylan Joseph, Rudi de Wet and Paul Micklewood.
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