2013 Newsletters
Newsletter 1: 14 January 2013
Hi HH Tourers,
Entries open tomorrow, 15 January 2013 at 09h00 for the 2013 HH Tour which is presented on 4 & 5 May at the Houw Hoek Inn, Elgin. The routes will be similar to last year, although we'll add new interesting and scenic sections. The start will be staggered, based on the entry categories (A-I) to ensure minimum bottlenecks and an easier option will be added, to the technical section above the Inn, at the end of Stage 1.
Due to continuous demand we are now also offering MTB events for companies and their key customers. Our 1st Corporate event was hosted for Internet Solutions at Journey's End Winery on the PPA-W2W Schapenberg Route. See http://youtu.be/vUWk4yKPP8c and contact us for more detail.
Good luck with your 2013 entry and we look forward to meet again in May and to host another memorable MTB Tour.
Safe cycling, keep fit and have fun.
Adios JK
Newsletter 2: 16 March 2013
Hi HH Tourers,
Thanks for supporting the 2013 Houw Hoek MTB Tour. Also a great thanks to PSG Consult, Coke, SAB, DHL and Fair Cape for sponsoring the very popular HH Tour. Soon the knobbies will again roll the gravel and single tracks of the Elgin and Hemel-en-Aarde valleys, to the delight of 900 riders. A few things to remember: • Book on the mtb web, a Rotary car or bus transfer (if required) well in advance, as NO LATE bookings will be accepted; • If not staying at the Houw Hoek Inn, book a Saturday buffet dinner @ R 165 per person (028 284 9646) and be part of the party; • If not yet fit, do at least two vigorous gym spinning sessions @ week and cycle at least 40 km over a weekend; and • Improve your technical skills by riding the Oak Valley and Thandi-Paul Cluver Trails.
Cape Trails, our enthusiastic trail builders should complete the Cape Cobra (a fun 2km single track, snaking the Paul Cluver cliffs) by mid April. The Cobra is an extension of the Game trail, which runs in the Amphitheatre area. The Barrel Run; a bridge build with slates of 20 x Oak Barrels has been completed by Dr. Cluver, also in the Amphitheatre. You'll be the 1st ones to enjoy these master pieces and test drive it for Wines2Whales in November.
The 6 day Cape Country MTB Tour (23 - 29 June, 7th stage Knysna MTB Oyster Festival), from Houw Hoek to Knysna, is open for entries. It's designed for the average rider; the focus being easier gravel and jeep tracks, scenic, adventurous and fun (see www.mtb-adventures.co.za ).
Safe cycling, stay fit, have fun and we'll chat again in April. Adios JK
Newsletter 3: 19 April 2013
Hi HH Tourers,
Two weeks before the start of the 2013 HH Tour and we're sure everyone is fit and ready to go! PSG Consult, Coke, SAB, DHL, Fair Cape, Squirt and Newton Johnson Wines will ensure a best ever MTB experience.
PLEASE BOOK THE FOLLOWING - :
Bus transfer; Ludwig - 079 7707230;
Massage; Lesleythompson@kingsley.co.za;
Saturday buffet dinner @ R 165 per person at the Inn (028 284 9646 ) and be part of the party, slideshow & prize giving;
A service for your bike at your local cycle shop, to ensure an enjoyable ride (make sure you have a spare quicklink and tube).
Check the Tour's 2013 Route profiles on the mtb web. Check the 6 day Cape Country MTB Tour (23 - 29 June, 7th stage Knysna MTB Oyster Festival), from Houw Hoek to Knysna. An MTB Adventure to discover the gems of the Southern Cape, via back- and farm roads, whilst having a good time. Various options and budgets available. See www.elginwine.co.za for info on the Elgin Wine show, an option for the Saturday afternoon.
Safe cycling, stay fit, have fun and we'll soon meet at the oldest Inn!
Adios JK
Newsletter 4: 3 May 2013
Hi HH Tourers,
We're close to the Start of the 2013 HH MTB Tour and the weather looks great with only a few drops on Friday to elimante irritating dust. The single tracks have been manicured and are ready for a smooth ride.
Registration is 16h00 - 20h00 on Friday and 06h00 - 7h30 on Saturday morning at the HH Inn.
Starting times: Category A (Racing) starts at 08h00 with a 5 min interval between categories. The bigger categories B (Fast), C (Medium fast) & D (Medium) are divided into smaller groups. These groups will also start 5 min apart (A - 08H00, B1- 08H05, B2- 08H10, C1-08H15, C2-08H20, C3-08H30, D1-08H35, D2-08H40, D3-08H45, E-08H50, F -08H55.
If you are not staying in the Inn make sure you book a Saturday dinner and stand a chance to win a boutique hotel weekend, sponsored by www.villageandlife.com They are also offering a special rate for HH Tourers at the Harbour House in Hermanus. No late dinner bookings will be accepted on Saturday. If you are still looking for accommodation near the Inn, Back2Basics, still have campsites / tents available.
Join Suzie on twitter@houwhoekMTBtour (activated on mtb web) and get amped.
Seeya soon
Adios JK
Newsletter 5: 10 May 2013
Hi HH Tourers,
Thanks again for participating and enjoying the recent weekend with us.
The rider photos are available at http://www.actionphoto.net ; can't remember your rider no? ask houwhoek@mtb-adventures.co.za to assist. The 2014 HH Tour will be staged on 3 & 4 May; always the first weekend of May and entries will open again on 15 January 2014.
Our next event is the 6 day Cape Country MTB Tour to Knysna and we might see some of you again. We've also added the FNB Wines2Whales Ride (4 - 6 Nov) to enable more riders to participate and entries open 13 May 2013.
Safe cycling, stay fit and have fun.
Adios JK | 
