Anyone who has been even remotely connected to mountain biking in this country will know that stage racing is a huge part of the industry that has seen huge growth with no end seemingly in sight. Whilst a lot of this growth can be indirectly attributed to that massive week-long race sponsored by that red bank and presented by that sports brand with three stripes, there really is something for everyone. The business models vary from ‘all included’ events to those that allow you to just race and go back to your preferred accommodation each evening(not everyone can handle a tent in a field of snoring mbters it seems).

I’ll be lining up on the startline of a new event this week-end, the CA2C. Now sceptics who know the similarly named Sani2C (and now Joburg2C) or Karoo2Coast would say that this is going to be a short race. However, quite a lot of race track has been put into the relatively short distance from Durbanville to Yzerfontein on the weskus. There is an overnight stop in the village of Darling, well known as Evita Bezuidenhout’s cultural hoekie (yip, there’s a classical music festival on there this week-end). While the finish is only 20kays away, we’ll hit an Argus length distance getting there with a few detours for sightseeing thrown in.

The organisers, Renosterveld Events, launched their inaugural race last September (Ride the Rhino) and decided that once a year was not enough fun. Some (myself included) baulked at the entry fee being a bit on the steep side (R2400pp), but there is quite a lot thrown in. The feedback from the Rhino race was some of the most positive I have ever seen. There appears to be a huge amount of passion going in from organisation and all partners to make it much more than just a race.

Here’s the video from that race.

Now since I sold my soul to crank.co.za I pretty much have to do my best to bring back the essence of the swartland to your pc screen. There’s some on the radar hotshots on the startline no doubt getting some solid distance training in for that massive week-long race sponsored by that red bank and presented by that sports brand with three stripes. Renay Goustra, Oliver Munnik and quite a few others will be chasing a portion of R50 000 prize money. The ladies field is not as big, but it’s got some quality in it for sure – my money is on Hanlie Booyens, but I know for one that recent Argus winner Jennie Stenerhag has been spending some quality time on her mtb.

But to be honest I will only really see these mtbers at the start and finish, and am going to throw a singlespeed at the event to mix it up a bit. 105km with about 2400m of climbing (and lots of soft sandy sections here and there) sound a little crazy? pfft, let’s hope the headcam stays on the helmet and I can bring all the action and more to you.