PE Plett: a feast of trail

The M&G Investments PE Plett dishes up good vibes and even better trails as it tests fitness, endurance and technical skills along the Eastern Cape coast. David Palmer reports back on the highlights of the 2023 event.

PE Plett boasts so much diversity on its linear route along the Eastern Cape coast. It traverses mountainscapes, protea farms, timber plantations, dairy pastures and so much more. The 2023 edition started at Crossways Farm Village, just outside Gqeberha, and took us on a rich 265km journey to Nature's Valley near Plett over four stages. After a morning on the trails, there was respite to be found in the amazing race villages of Mentorskraal, Assegaaibosch and Tsitsikamma Lodge, where riders were treated to first-class hospitality.

Since it's inception in 2013, the race has evolved and shaped itself as a bucket-lister for both the racing snakes and the more relaxed weekend warriors. Entries are limited to just 250, and riders can enter as part of two-person team or solo, plus there's also a newly-introduced e-bike category.

GOOD VIBES

From registration to the finish line, cyclists are treated to goody bags, refreshment cooler bags, and loads of smiles and encouragement from the top-notch volunteers.

There is absolute delight, with a hint of ceremony, when reaching the two to three waterholes spread out across each stage. Here you'll find a selection of sweet and savoury snacks to set the mind into a spin: so many choices! Once chains are lubricated and

bottles filled by the smiling volunteers, there is most definitely a skip on the pedals and a refreshed feel to the spirit.

Near the end of each day, riders are treated to iced coffee at the Boost Bar, which is situated about 10km before the finish line - and it is most certainly a boost provider of note! You can sense the added zest in riders as they head for finish-line glory - and the massage treatments, yoga and stretch classes that lie in wait at the race village.

Refuelling is always vital after long days in the saddle. And Red Cherry Events lay it on, with fresh fruit, vegetables, droëwors, cheese and savoury snacks up for grabs. There's nothing to it but to eat, and relax on beanbags in the shade of Bedouin tents with complimentary beers, wine, gin or brandy, to the sounds of live music playing in the background. This sets the tone for the entertaining evening prize-giving that covers the highlights of the day's colourful and soul-charging moments.

Retiring each evening to luxury tents is incredible. There is nothing better than camping under the stars, the quiet chatter about the day's adventure filling the night air, and then relaxing into deep slumber, in comfort. M&G, title sponsors, provide invaluable pillow-drop gifts of power banks, lights, and delicious chocolates. Then there's the luxury of the BOBO camper van, awarded each night to the duo who win the Spirit of the Day award. Everyone waits with baited breath for that to be announced!

GOOD TRAILS

At the heart and core of it all, though, are good mountain- biking rails. The route intensity has softened over the years, but the event is still an incredible test of fitness. Trails are well marked with bunting and the distances and ascents given are an accurate reflection of what's in store over the four days that see riders cross the properties of 57 different landowners, including SANParks and MTO Forestry. Distances range between 60km- 83km a day, with average ascent per day at around 1200m.

Day one highlights included the Black Porcupine Route on the brilliant 3Rivers Trails, the old Gamtoos Railway Bridge, and the singletrack climb through the Kabeljous Nature Reserve. On day two we tackled the Helgat singletrack across the Zwartenbosch Golf Course and the brand-new Churchill Dam Route near Kareedouw. Day 3 welcomed a beautiful ride across the Regyne Protea Farm, through MTO forests, and along the Robbehoek Cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean. Day 4 led us to Nature's Valley through the indigenous forests of the Tsitsikamma and over the Grootrivier Pass.

The PE Plett, and everything in between, is quite simply spectacular in every respect. It's a feast of an event.