Tru-Cape donates R50 000 to Grabouw High School during family-friendly Weekend Warrior event
The scenic trails of Grabouw came alive as families, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts gathered for the Weekend Warrior: Grabouw, grown by Tru-Cape event — a two-day celebration of mountain biking, trail running, and community spirit. With 397 entries and a vibrant atmosphere, the event proved once again that sport can unite, inspire, and uplift.
More than just a race, Weekend Warrior is a family-focused stage race designed to promote a love for cycling and the great outdoors. Participants of all skill levels — from tiny tots to seasoned pros — were welcomed into a professional race village complete with tents, hot showers, a food court, and the ever-popular Chill Zone filled with beanbags, music, and laughter.
Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, the event’s headline sponsor, used the opportunity to give back to the community by donating R50 000 to Grabouw High School, reaffirming its commitment to supporting education and development in the region.
“Two-A-Day, our packhouse in Grabouw, is one of the biggest employers in the area,” said Conrad Fick, Marketing Director at Tru-Cape. “The Weekend Warrior MTB race is our way of giving back to the local community and helping to create opportunities for schoolchildren in the valley. It also boosts local tourism, with the event drawing hundreds of visitors to Grabouw.”
This year’s event raised much-needed funds for the high school, where the donation will be used to transform an old laboratory into a design classroom. In 2022, funds were used to renovate the school’s dance studio.
“We are one of the few schools — and the only one in Grabouw — that offers art as a focus area,” said Heroldt Bezuidenhout, headmaster at Grabouw High School. “It takes a village to raise a child, but that village needs support. Our partnership with Tru-Cape plays a vital role in helping us create real opportunities for our learners.”
Despite light rain over the weekend, spirits remained high. Teachers joined in the fun as marshals, and families created lasting memories, particularly during the popular 10 km fun ride, where children and parents crossed the finish line together.
“For me, the most heartwarming part is always seeing the little ones finishing the 10 km ride with their parents,” Bezuidenhout added. “It’s the best part — watching families make memories together.”
True to its inclusive mission, the Weekend Warrior route catered to all abilities. Riders could choose from the bronze, silver, or gold routes, each offering its own blend of vineyard paths, apple orchards, and scenic stretches around the Eikenhof Dam.
“It’s affordable to enter, and the whole family can participate. It’s also a fun way to expose kids to a professionally timed stage race,” said Fick.
Although the distances are shorter than some other stage races, there’s no shortage of challenge on the single tracks or with the climbs, added Shaun Glover from Red Cherry Events, the event organiser.
“It’s ideal for beginner to intermediate riders looking for their first stage race experience.”
With a strong history of supporting mountain biking in the Grabouw area for more than three decades, Tru-Cape remains committed to nurturing sport, health, and education in the communities it serves.
As the dust settles on another successful edition of Weekend Warrior: Grabouw, it’s clear that this event is about more than just racing — it’s about building community, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and growing futures.
For more information, please contact Lucille Botha at lucilleb@tru-cape.co.za or visit www.tru-cape.com. Follow Tru-Cape on X (@TruCapeFruit), Facebook (@Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing), TikTok (@trucape), and Instagram (@trucapefruit).
