The conservancy is a non-profit organisation that aims to support its members with conservation and also provides services to the surrounding communities.

Jurie and Mandi Davel from Route 42 Cycling Club participated in the challenging 55km and 40km events respectively. Both routes included a deep and flowing single track with serious inclines and descends. The couple’s hard work over the past few months paid off as they easily conquered the exhausting mountain climbing. The 55km route consisted of a monstrous climb over 1250 metres, while the 40km route tested cyclists with an 830 metres ascend. The temperatures were unforgiving and soared to the mid-thirties by mid-morning, making the already tough climbing almost impossible.

According to Jurie, the route could be compared to the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Heidelberg, except for the fact that it consisted of a dirt road.

“A tough day’s racing in the majestic cape mountains with spectacular views of the Simonsberg conservancy and Le Bonheur wine estate made for an absolutely awesome day out with the mountain bike. All routes were exceptionally well marked, marshalled and well supported by the local Stellenbosch community,” Jurie said afterwards.

He managed a 260th GC position in the 55km race, while Mandi scored an overall 273rd GC position in the 40km race.

For the couple, the race was a perfect warm up for the Cape Town Cycle Tour (formerly known as the Cape Argus) that took place the following Sunday on March 6. They both participated for a charity cause known as the Organ Donor Organisation of SA.