More than 500 mountain bikers took part in the 8th edition of the Gravel & Grape Lite 2-Day MTB Challenge, one of Wellington’s most famous (or infamous) races.
With a very wet and muddy track record, and a difficult route history to boot, Pieter van Wyk, Gravel Travel owner and route director, decided to make a few tweaks to the routes in 2016. This proved to be a winning decision, many participants arriving at the finish with huge smiles on their faces. It may also be the flowing new single track which took riders to the finish.
The race was moved to Doolhof Wine Estate at the last minute. Many riders expected the routes to include lots of the Welvanpas/Bains Black and White Routes, but some lesser known parts were included to afford riders the chance to enjoy trails and land not regularly traversed.
The start/finish area looked like a green and red festival of colours, sporting the branding of the main sponsors, Rhodes and Olympic. The funky (old and new) music of the MC added to the fun. A number of professional and semi-professional riders participated, with hot competition especially in the men’s categories. Overall winners on the day in the 50-km race were Stephan Senekal (male) and Hanlie Booyens (female).
