Runners and cyclists gear up for Elim Wine Festival 2015
Saturday, 10 October, wine tasting from 10h00 to 17h00, Strandveld Vineyards, Elim
Cycle & Trail Run registration starts at 07h00. Races start from 08h00 – 09h00
Put your best foot forward at the 4th Elim Wine Festival with trail runs and mountain bike routes that offer the perfect start to a day of signature cool climate wines and outdoor activities on Saturday, 10 October.
Visitors with a love for adventure can experience the freedom of an exclusive trail run (15 km) and mountain bike rides (34 and 60 km), or opt for a more relaxed 8 km fun walk, ride or run through vineyards and nature routes that are otherwise inaccessible to the public. An additional option of a 4 ½ km walk has been added to the program.
These beautiful scenic routes are opened specially for participants coming to the festival, as they feature tracks on private property and secluded vineyards.
For the 15 km trail run, visitors will kick off at Strandveld, venture through vineyards, take on a jeep track onto the Sandberg and enjoy breath-taking views of fynbos and pine forests, with a couple of water points on the way. The route is not too challenging but winemaker Conrad Vlok of Strandveld Vineyards recommends sunblock and insect repellent as essentials to take along.
Cyclists looking for the ultimate challenge can opt for the longer 60 km mountain bike ride or the shorter 34 km route. The longer route starting at Strandveld Vineyards, offers amazing views of grazing pastures, the vineyards of Black Oystercatcher, Ghost Corner and The Berrio, followed by a jeep track through wheat fields to meet the gravel road between Elim and Wolvengat. After heading up to Buffelsjag Mountain, a long downhill track heads to Dirk Uys Kraal. From here it joins the shorter 34 km route following a jeep track along the escarpment .After the last 14 km stretch, a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc awaits at the finishing line.
“Cyclists choosing the longer route must be cautious when making their way downhill, as there are some sandy patches that might prove difficult,” adds Vlok, pointing out that the 60 km route has a total ascent of 763 m, compared with about 450 m for the shorter 34 km route.
The 60 km mountain bike ride start at 08h00, while the 34 km MTB ride starts at 08h30 (entrance fee including festival tickets R150 and R180 respectively for adults; R75 and R105 respectively for under 18’s), 15 km trail run starts at 08h45 (entrance fee R100 for adults and R50 for under 18’s). The 4 ½ and 8km fun walk, ride or run costs R25 per person and starts at 09h00. Registration starts at 07h00 and participants are encouraged pre-enter via webtickets.co.za.
Save the date
The entrance fee for the Elim Wine Festival on Saturday, 10 October is R75 per person, including a branded wine glass and wine tastings. Entrance for under 18’s is free. Tickets are available at www.webtickets.co.za and will be available at the event. Pre-bookings for all tutored tastings need to be done in advance by calling Tel: 028 482 1902 or email info@elimwines.co.za. For more information on the event, schedule and pricing of the Winemaker one-on-one sessions and accommodation options in the area, visit www.elimwines.co.za. Follow ‘Elim WineGrowers’ on Facebook and be part of the conversation on Twitter @ElimWines.
For more go here: http://elimwines.co.za/cycling/
