Lowveld Quest Stage Race
The Lowveld Quest is a four day stage race which traverses
parts of the beautiful Lowveld. The event is also the region’s first mountain
bike point 2 point stage race which makes the Lowveld Quest a real pioneering
initiative.
Our bizhub team consists of 4 girls, so normally I would
partner with one of my teammates for a stag
e race. This time things were a bit
different and when the opportunity arose to ride with a good friend and local
legend Francois Lourens, there was no way that I could let it slip.
Stage 1 - 80km &
1700m ascent
The first stage started in Lydenburg and finished 80km later
at the renowned Mankele bike park. The clement conditions made for a great day
of racing as one could appreciate the magnificent views along the way. Francois
and I combined well as a team and it showed when we won the stage and took the
lead in the mixed category by stage’s end.
Stage 2 – 70km
& 1600m ascent
Fine rain fell throughout the stage which went from Mankele
to Sabie making race conditions very tough.
The rain was quite unfortunate as this was another scenic stage and the
low cloud meant visibility was quite limited, especially at the aptly named
Misty Mountain lodge which lies at 2000m above sea level. Fortunately Francois
and I coped with the muddy course and hilly terrain, making it safely to our
camp ground at Merry Pebbles in Sabie for another stage win.
Stage 3 – 63km
& 1600m ascent
From Sabie to Graskop we encountered some more big climbs
rewarded with glimpses of big waterfalls through heavy mist. For once the restricted
visibility was a good thing as one couldn’t see how long the climbs actually
were - ignorance truly is bliss! I enjoyed the stage as there was quite a lot
of single track criss-crossing the huge pine forests which made for some good
fun riding. We finished at the environmental centre tugged away just outside of
Graskop. Despite Francois disappearing under water in a mud “puddle” close to
the finish, we still managed to win the stage and finish with smiles all
around.
Stage 4 – 55km
& 650m ascent
The last stage took us from Graskop to the finish at Induna
Adventures just outside of Hazyview. Everything seemed to play along for the
finale - the sun was out, a primarily downhill stage, plenty of single track
and a hearty meal waiting at the finish – what more could you want?
Along the way there was an underwater forest which sadly I
could only steal a glimpse of, a ride through the Lowveld Hedges (rock
formations) and over the ‘drie klein varkies’(three little pigs ). This all
added to the unique experience of the final stage. Team bizhub –Lion Sands ended
the week on a high by winning the final stage and locking up the overall title
as well.
A few things that stood out for me was the effort the
organisers put into designing a spectacular race route building trails to link
the route were necessary, delicious food and the sparkling atmosphere surrounding
the event. Thanks to everyone involved in making the Lowveld Quest a unique
experience! This is definitely an event you don’t want to miss out on.
Final results
1st Francois
Lourens & Yolandi du Toit
2nd Garry
McNaughton & Samantha Oosthuysen
3rd Gerhard
Bersohn & Christine Jansen van Rensburg