One, three? As many as five… experts cannot agree over how many elephants still roam the Knysna forests, but recent camera trap evidence and specialised genetic testing suggest at least five. Will you ever get to cross paths with these ghosts of the forest? Probably not, and that’s a good thing – as the most southerly free roaming jumbos in the world, they deserve to be left in peace. But, you could ride where they roam on the Pennypichers Dr Evil Classic.
Day two especially – which features more of what every mountain biker wants, singletrack – traverses some of their known haunts on the slopes of the Outeniqua Mountains. The new 75-kilometre day two route, will start at Cairnbrogie dairy farm near the Plettenberg Bay airport which has an extensive network of singletrack. This stage will also take in much of the famous Garden of Eden trails.
The ghosts of a 1,000 ellies not enough reason to enter? Here are two more:
1. It will get you an entry into Pennypinchers Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge
Entries for the Pennypinchers Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge are sold out. BUT, there are still a few reserved for Dr Evil Classic riders. Also, riders who enter the Dr Evil Classic will receive a preferential start in the Pennypinchers Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge. The final stage of Dr Evil classic is also shorter (about about 50km) so there is time for all transfers and the like on the Saturday before Karoo to Coast Sunday.
2. New craft beer partner
Knysna’s favourite craft beer brewery, Red Bridge Brewing Co. has come on board as official ‘refreshment partner’. Riders couldn’t ask for better recovery drinks… Red Bridge launched their flagship No.17 Golden Ale in December 2013 and that, and their two latest hand-brewed offerings will be there to fuel the race village.
Enter now!
The event prides itself on the fact that nowhere in the country can you ride indigenous forests as you can here on the Garden Route. The 2015 route maps, profiles and detailed information are available at drevilclassic.com. The base for the event be Wittedrift just outside of Plettenberg Bay and the final day will be on Saturday 19th September.
To enter go to drevilclassic.com or email zandile@drevilclassic.com.
