If there is one thing Swellendam is perfect for, it’s cycling on dirt. Whether it’s mountain biking or gravel racing, the terrain on the farms, reserves, and parks are tailor-made for getting dirty on two wheels. The Hops Gravel Grind, happening on 14 and 15 May 2022, takes full advantage of this.

It has two disciplines, over two days that promise lots of dirt, high octane action, and beer at the end of each race. It also saves the best, and longest, for last with a test of your gravel endurance.

The Gravel Grind MTB Race

The Gravel Grind promises a mixture of the best of both MTB and gravel racing. This includes technical trails like singletrack and the gravel farm roads common in the town.

This 40km race starts at the Swellendam Showgrounds and ends at Swellendam Primary School, and reaches an elevation of 1024 meters. The best action in the race happens in Marloth Nature Reserve, where the highest point is.

Your reward for a race well-ridden is an ice-cold Swellenbrew Lager to cool you down.

The Saturday Gravel Race at Gravel Grind

Offering less elevation, but more endurance testing gravel, the gravel race on Saturday offers riders breathtaking views to take in from their saddle. It also tests patience and fitness but is just a taste of what’s to come the following day.

Unlike the mountain bike event, this one leaves the Marloth Nature Reserve behind. Instead, it heads all along the Swellendam road, before going on a loop through farmland and returning via Swellendam road again.

There is still some uphill riding, with a peak elevation of 581 meters. It also starts and ends at the same places the MTB race does, offering the same Swellenbrew reward at the end.

The 118km Sunday Grind

Like a Sunday drive, the Sunday gravel event can be done slow and long. Alternatively, speed is an option, although you may miss out on the awesome vistas showing off on the route.

There are two options for this 118km event: On one hand, there is the regular race, on the other, there is a relay race, where riders can enter as a team.

The route actually takes riders out of Swellendam, leaving the Swellendam Showgrounds and finishing at the Saggy Stone Brewery in Robertson. This finish is also the highest point of the route, reaching an elevation of 1849 meters.

 WATCH: A Quick Taster Of What To Expect At The Gravel Grind

Turning It Into 100 Miles of Fun

Make a weekend of it. There is also an option for a two-day gravel event, racing the Saturday and Sunday routes. Nothing about the routes changes, although your recovery plan will need to consist of more than beer.

This is especially for Saturday post-ride when you need to fuel up to be on it for Sunday’s big 118km ride. Don’t worry though, that’s sorted, just read on. 

There’s Prize Money Too

Adding even more spice to the races, the Hops Gravel Grind also includes prize money for the winner of each category. The 40km races on Saturday each offer R2,000 prize money for the winners.

Those who enter the Sunday 118km race stand a chance of winning R3,000. For the team relay, the prize is R5,000 and for the two-day event, the prize money is R4,000.

Breakfasts, Dinners, And After Parties… All Included In The Entry 

There are two entry packages to choose from for each event: The ride only and the weekend packages.

The ride-only option gives access to basic cycling safety and preparation services as well as your post-race beer.

The weekend packages include access to an afterparty on Saturday evening if you’re doing one of the 40km options or the 100 miler. This includes dinner from the Republic of Swellendam and live entertainment to keep you entertained. 

For those doing the 118km, the weekend package includes breakfast before the race and lunch at the Saggy Stone Breweries after.

All weekend packages include the beer and other perks like a goodie bag and accommodation at the private race village/fan zone, among other things.

Online entries for the Hops Gravel Grind are open. You can enter at the entry page on The Brew Series website. Entry prices and details can be found on the site as well.

You can also get a 20% discount on your entry when you enter via this Gravel Grind discount link.

Contact: The Brew Series
Tel: 082 075 7477
Email: bianca@coastlineevents.co.za
Website

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