KNYSNA NEWS - The third annual 7 Passes mountain bike race took place on 9 September in perfect riding weather along the scenic old farm road between George and Knysna.
The engineering marvel of Thomas Bain put the cyclists to the test as the eight stream crossings totaled 1 300m of ascent along the 80km route, which started on the outskirts of George at Glenwood High School.
The historic 7 Passes meandering route between George and Knysna goes through heavy, lush indigenous forest and used to be the Garden Route’s main highway connecting George with Knysna.
The race took riders past seven gorges cut deep by rivers flowing to the sea, offering some of the best nontechnical mountain biking in the country.
Vicus Boshoff from George riding a gravel bike did his best to break his 2016 record but fell short by 15 minutes, to complete the route in 2:44:57.
Vicus had his work cut out for him as he was chased the entire way by two young talented riders from Plettenberg Bay, namely Aidan Connelly and Rogan Smith, who crossed the line a mere 02:41 after him.
Marisa du Plessis crossed the finish line in 3:20:16 winning her the women's title. Two local women Marie Ayton and Adele Conyers finished only minutes later.
The shorter Leeuwenbosch Dairy 40km event from Karatara to Knysna was won by Gary Pretorius in a time of 1:39:25.
Melissa de Vos set the quickest time for the women, finishing in a very respectable time of 1:48:40.
A very big thank you to the title sponsors, Knysna Toyota and Leeuwenbosch Dairy, for making this event possible and also to Knysna Rib Adventures and Featherbed Co for generously contributing the many lucky draws handed out at the final prize-giving. – Supplied
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