Swellendam: Come for the race, stay for the lifestyle

It’s all systems go for the Chas Everitt Around the Pot MTB race taking place in Swellendam this weekend (29 July) and there are some great prizes on offer for the winning riders.

These include prizes of R1700 for each of the three winning teams in the 160km race and R950 each for the winners of the men’s and women’s solo races. In the 90km race, the team prizes are R1100 each and the individual prizes R650.

“And thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, the second and third place winners in every category will also not go away empty-handed,” says race organiser Rohan Germishuys, “while supporters and spectators will have a chance to win one of six lucky-draw accommodation packages donated by our local guesthouses.”

The Chas Everitt International property group is the main sponsor of the race, and Charles de Kock, owner of the local Chas Everitt franchise, says the fact that the event has attracted riders and supporters from all over the country will generate excellent exposure for Swellendam’s laid back lifestyle and well-priced real estate.

“We are encouraging everyone who is coming for the race to also make sure they have enough time to explore and enjoy the town, which is one of the oldest in SA and home to dozens of historical sites and tourist attractions. (See https://www.visitswellendam.co.za.)

“Swellendam also has excellent schools, shops and medical facilities, and many of the homes here boast spectacular views of the Langeberg or the surrounding forests, nature reserves and canola, berry and dairy farms.

“It offers a great combination of city convenience and country pleasures, with plenty of opportunities to hike, bike or ride a horse right on the doorstep. And it is situated on the increasingly popular Route 62 tourist route, so there are many new business opportunities here in the hospitality and adventure/ eco-tourism fields.”

In addition, he says, property in Swellendam generally offers very good value for money, “and this weekend will be a good opportunity for visitors to see what’s available for sale, including the show-houses we have open on race weekend. They can also check out our listings in the area on www.chaseveritt.co.za and call us ahead of time on 028 514 2202 if they want to make an appointment to view one of these properties while they are in town for the race.

The ATP is the newest MTB event on the SA cycling calendar but Germishuys says there was strong interest in the race from the start and that more than 270 entries have been received to date.

The 160km (100 mile) race route will take riders from the Swellendam showgrounds out into the country and along gravel roads through rolling hills and blooming fields of canola, towards Potberg and on to the main waterpoint/ neutral zone at Malgas. During a 45-minute refreshment break, riders will also cross the Breede River on the only remaining hand-driven ferry in SA, and then race the last 60km to finish at the beautiful Drostdy Museum back in Swellendam.

The challenge involves about 2100m of climbing over the 160km route within a maximum of 11 hours, so it will be a real test of endurance, and there is a 90km (56-mile) short-course available for those who are not so sure of their fitness or stamina.

Issued by

Chas Everitt International

For more information call

Charles de Kock on

082 920 9341

Or visit www.chaseveritt.co.za