My first W2W: Wines2Whales
This morning when I collected my gravel bike from Mason after a well-deserved service and some TLC after the inaugural NEDBANK Gravel Burn the week prior, we discussed the FNB Wines2Whales. He has done 9 of them already, going for number 10 next year. and this was my very first W2W. And I absolutely loved it! This is why. Below are the 5 reasons why I think the Wines2Whales is the perfect 3 day MTB stage race in South Africa. Right here in the Western Cape Winelands.
Perfect trails and Close to home
When you stay in Stellenbosch the Wines2Whales switchback route is pure bliss. Just hop over the mountain to start from Benguela cover and then you are riding home. The route is pristine and the singletrack in top condition. You simply cannot ask for or expect any better. At no point do you feel out of depth yet there is enough of a challenge to keep it interesting. Thanks so much to the route planners and trailbuilders. And you can see Hendrico Burger and JK Johan Kriegler with pride at the Wines2Whales dinner table. As it should be.
Short days & Lots of recovery
Because the stages are all around 65kms in length, it goes by quickly. Even though you have almost the whole day in which to complete it. So, the event caters for everyone. Spend 2-3hrs in the morning riding hard and having the rest of the day to yourself. Or choose for the sightseeing option and have a laugh at every lookout point and savor all from the 3 wonderful water points on each of the 3 days of racing (or riding). Then look forward to the FNB Wines2Whales recovery zones for the afternoon.
Loads of gees
Devil’s peak is my new favourite beer. Nothing cools you down like their cold draughts after getting off the bike after a perfect morning on the trails during the Wines2Whales. Whether you are lounging around in the recovery tent afterwards or clinching deals with fellow riders or having the perfect year end function on a bicycle, the W2W is hip and happening. Kick a rugby ball over the start chute with the pros or down a beer with Pat Lambie. And check out the witty videos from Karl Platt and Jan Braai.
Great time of the year
Oktober is die mooiste maand. But you never know exactly what to expect. There can be 4 seasons in one day, let alone in one 3-day stage race. From a very dusty start one some days – enough to warrant using a buff. To a bit of drizzle or overnight rains (zip up your tent window!) – which helps with the trails and sandy bits. And yes there will be some wind, and sun and fun. Remember to wear sunscreen as December is around the corner, not long after the FNB Wines2Whales.
Clever organization
Whether you go the normal route or the switchback route, W2W is easy to organize from a 3 day perspective. You either start in Lourensford on the normal route and make your way up Gantouw pass to Houw Hoek and stay in Grabouw for two nights before finishing in Benguela Cove. Or do the switchback and start from Hermanus’ side and work your way back to finish in Lourensford like this year. and every other year. Either way, the race village and tented camps are in the middle. Where you stay for two days. So only the start and finish direction changes. Brilliant.
I loved the FNB W2W. And I would love to do it again.
