The KAP sani2c Adventure and ‘OG’ - two versions of the 21st edition of the KAP sani2c - took place last week, with about 1 000 riders per event riding 270 kms over three days.
A competitor gestures while riding through a sunflower field. Over the three days, riders are also taken throug indigenous forest, farmlands, tribal lands and nature reserve.
The race takes place from Glencairn farm near Underberg down to Scottburgh on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
Pictures by Devin Paisley and Anthony Grote
Heading out on stage one from near the base of the Sani Pass, the ‘OG’ KAP sani2c sees the UCI ‘pro’ riders following a Ford vehicle through a neutral zone before the racing begins.Crossing the PG Bison Floating Bridge across the Mossbank Dam near Pevensey.From Pevensey the route winds through the Donnybrook area to Mackenzie Club in Creighton, near Ixopo, where ‘Farmer Glen’ Haw, the founder of the event, greets riders – along with the Lynford School learners who hand out chocolate milks and other refreshments. Lynford School was the original beneficiary that the race was started to fund, and over 20 years later there are over 23 beneficiary schools and community organisations.Most riders behind them are out to enjoy a challenging ride and not race through the beautiful scenery, passing through midlands dairy farms and forestry plantations.Riders are encouraged along the way by many community members, especially excited children.The iconic cabbage tree seen during the famous descent into the Umkomaas Valley known as the ‘Umko Drop’. This descent and its spectacular views, are two of the big reasons KAP sani2c is on most mountain bikers’ bucket lists.Much of the route is singletrack.Stoked! At the start of stage 2, ahead of the ‘Umko Drop’.After the ‘Umko Drop’ riders face the Unitrans Iconic Climb, using a water station and refuel stop before the challenge.Nature’s bounty greets at every turn through a mountain biking singletrack heaven.Lifeguards on duty at Scottburgh beach greet tired riders, who, after crossing the Hansgrohe floating bridge across the lagoon onto the beach, have just a kilometre or two to go to the Scottburgh Golf Club finish line.That finish line feeling. After a final push up the fairway, a rider reacts enjoying the sea views, ready for a chocolate milk and a burger.
