Rooibos2Muisbos 2021
The annual 1-day mountain biking Rooibos2Muisbos event sponsored by Carmién shed its baby shoes this year by becoming a seeded event drawing some top cyclists. The beautiful scenic route that passes through various local farms were slightly shortened and once again, due to lockdown, the event was moved from its winter date to a sunny summers day on 20 November.
There were two distances, a 100 km ride and a 35 km ride and once again Bergendal Rooibos school children opened the race by riding out ahead of the first start, this time much more comfortable and skilled at riding the 8 bikes donated by BEN bikes in 2020. Despite conflicting cycle events on the same day 880 riders entered the race. Great camaraderie and team spirit characterised this year’s race and contributed to yet another highly successful event.
De Tol – which hosts the farmstall and deli, a Carmién Tea Shop and a wine tasting studio for Piekenierskloof Wines – once again provided the venue for registration on Thursday and Friday afternoon with riders relaxing on the lush lawns with sprawling old oak trees providing ample shade for those who arrived early. The ever popular Carmién G & Tea, Cederberg Craft Beer and Piekenierskloof Wines ensured people lingered and the hungry were satiated by De Tol’s famous roosterkoek and sosaties straight off the braai. A Carmién pop up active wear shop with floral cycle shirts, event t-shirts and socks was very well frequented and purchases easily spotted along the road on race day.
Saturday morning broke bright and clear and the two winners from last year, Marzahn Theart and David Garrett stood out in their Squirt winners’ cycle shirts in pink and yellow with a touch of the now familiar Carmién floral design. Well known riders and the Paceline women’s pro-team entering for the first time added new excitement to the race. Marzanne took the women’s crown again ( 03.39.06), with Catherine Pellow-Jarman and Martha Koekemoer in 2nd and 3rd place. Theuns Van Der Bank (03.12.07) won the men’s race with David Garrett (03.15.25) in 2nd place followed by Andreas Studer in 3rd.
The finish was a spectacular homecoming with a sea view on the right as riders entered the long Carmién shoot at the caravan park. They were welcomed by a team of energetic local kids ready to hand them their well-deserved medals and remove their timing boards. Refreshing, ice cold Coke was provided by Peninsula Beverages who supplied invaluable assistance, product and event branding.
Many riders ended up partying right there while others made their way to the Malkoppan market. Evening entertainment was a choice between a delicious steak dinner back at De Tol or the well-known seafood buffet at the Muisbosskerm restaurant.
Relive this year’s memories on the Rooibos2Muisbos Facebook page where all the official photo albums from the rides have been uploaded. More images available in our events gallery.