Tru-Cape’s National Sales Manager rides in Karoo 2 Coast 2022

The Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike challenge, supported by Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, is +/- 100km off-road race from Uniondale in the Karoo apple growing region of the Langkloof to Knysna. Tru-Cape growers in the area have been involved in this event from the get-go. This race is the major fundraiser for the Lions Clubs in the area.

The route is scenic but also incredibly challenging. Tru-Cape’s National Sales Manager, Johan Brink explains. “Registration took place at the Uniondale show grounds on Saturday 24th September and the race started off at Uniondale on the Sunday 25th September. The overcast weather was perfect for mountain biking. The total ascent is 1560m with a decent of 1815m.”

Brink says that riding over mountains through the Karoo, over the Prince Alfred’s Pass and passing some of Tru-Cape apple farms was wonderful to see as the blossoms of the apple trees emerged. “It was a very enjoyable event made more so riding with my wife Aldré. Throughout the race we met new people. Some of our farmers from the Langkloof also rode. The children from the local community were cheering us on with songs like “Hou bene Hou, die pad is nog lank”, which brought smiles to all riders,” he says.

According to Brink, the decent was fast and had to be taken cautiously. “Those sharp switch-back turns can end up with you in hospital. There were marshals everywhere to slow the riders down at the danger zones,” he says.

Brink says that the event was very well organised with nine water-points over the 100km. “The water-points were well stocked with food and there was friendly service from the community and some Tru-Cape growers were managing the water points too,” he says.

Brink says that the last 30km of the race were quite tough: “My wife, Aldré, had to wait for me a couple of times with strong headwinds from the front but it was also very scenic as we rode through the Knysna forest. The last climb towards Simola Golf Estate was tough but once we got to the top the last 5km were downhill with the lovely Knysna lagoon lying in front of us.”

Brink says that the race ended at the Knysna Sports Grounds with big crowds cheering riders on and “welcoming us to Knysna. We will definitely be back next year to improve our time,” he ends.