The Vines & Views 80km route has received a major revamp for the 2024 edition.  In the following two newsletters we'll do an overview of what you can expect.  Part 1 - First 40km (80km trail):  A wild ride! 

The first 10km remains unchanged from last year.  Fast gravel roads.  The climb to waterpoint 1 will take a slight detour this year with the addition of the Bergland Gorge – a 3km drop into a secluded ravine (and home to our resident aardwolf pair) which will test your technical prowess.  If you’re still in a slumber from Friday’s festivities, this adrenaline filled loop is guaranteed to wake you up.  After waterpoint 1 (at 16km), riders will traverse the ridge of the Bergkraal plateau for the next 10km.  Although the route profile shows a significant climb, this section is almost a false flat with an average 3% incline over 8km.  You will climb 220 meters almost without noticing!  The pace will be frantic at the front of the pack (being the WC Championship after all), but have a look at your surroundings on this section. 

Astonishing scenery awaits in an area rich in wildlife.  The landscapes on the escarpment is truly unique to this region.  After a quirky singletrack, a fast, technical downhill awaits at about 27km into the race.  A bit of a punch at Rietrylaagte is followed by another descent - arguably the fastest descent on the mountain biking circuit – 2 km straight gravel road leading to waterpoint 2.  While you may be tempted to appreciate the beautiful Gifberg in front, you’ll be well advised to hold on tight while doing a 70km/h descent.  Luckily though we do waterpoints completely different at V&V.  The good folks of Klawer Wine Cellars await at their Trawal cellar (37km) with a scintillating refreshment station, including necessary remedies to calm the nerves.

Entries and more info:  www.vinesandviews.co.za