The historical Zuurberg Mountain Village will provide a haven for weary mountain bikers who take part in The Herald VW Cycle Tour at Addo near Port Elizabeth on Saturday, January 31.
Situated at the top of Zuurberg Pass, the four-star establishment has come on board with special bed-and-breakfast rates for participants in the 2015 edition of the tour.
According to owner Henri Alant it will be the Village’s fourth year of involvement with the event after a bushfire destroyed several sections of the hotel in 2008, forcing extensive renovations.
Alant said the establishment, which overlooks the northern section of the Addo Elephant National Park, was usually bustling over the cycle tour weekend.
“As one of the oldest and most established accommodation providers in the Addo area, it’s important for us to be involved in this growing community event.”
He said maintaining and building the mountain bike routes in the area created much-needed employment in Addo’s agriculture-based local economy.
Some route changes for the 80km Extreme Challenge will see riders climb higher into the Zuurberg Mountains than in previous years and pass close to the grounds of the hotel.
Situated just over 25km from the start line at the Addo Polo Club, Alant said staying overnight would allow riders a more relaxed start on the morning of the race.
“Instead of rushing in from PE, they can stay overnight on Friday, get their bikes and gear in order, and enjoy the peace and quiet.”
He said a special early breakfast buffet would be served on the Saturday morning, giving riders plenty of time to fuel up and get to the start.
The mountain bike events start with the Extreme Challenge at 6am, followed by the 60km Adventure and Powerade-sponsored family events – the 30km Leisure Challenge, 5km Kiddies’ Challenge and 500m Toddlers’ Dash.
Alant said Zuurberg guests could refresh themselves in the hotel swimming pool or take a leisurely game drive after the event before heading back to PE to support the road feature races on the Sunday.
Visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za to enter and view accommodation specials.
Issued by:
Coetzee Gouws
082 575 7991
041 368 4992
coetzee@fullstopcom.com
www.fullstop.co.za
Media enquiries:
Anica van Wyk
pr@fullstopcom.com
079 875 4299
On behalf of:
The Herald VW Cycle Tour