“The De Hoop Collection is always delighted to host the De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience and we’re very happy to report that the 2023 De Hoop Vlei MTB weekend held at the end of May was a huge success,” said William Stephens, owner of the De Hoop Collection and chairman of Cape Country Routes, of which the De Hoop Collection is a member.
“We received a lot of favourable comments; riders were supportive of the routes, managers Hendrik and Dalfrenzo received high praise for their amazing crew, and visitors praised the mouthwatering food that chef Marcia and her team had prepared. Our sincere gratitude is extended to Anneke, the event coordinator, for all of her time, energy, and labour in making this event happen.
The event’s organiser, Anneke Jacobs of Overberg MTB Events, reported that she had also had a lot of complimentary feedback from riders. “Anneke, words can’t express my gratitude and appreciation for the most wonderful three days last weekend,” rider Trish Bolleurs wrote. Your paths were extraordinary; they were so thrilling and varied in such a magnificent area. Like being in heaven on earth! I was made to feel very welcome at De Hoop the moment I stepped foot there. I came as a stranger and left feeling like family. My lodging at De Hoop Collection was excellent, as were the service, logistics, and catering.
Because cyclists may enjoy the fauna and beauty of the Western Cape’s premier Marine Nature Reserve while riding, Jacobs called the yearly event iconic. “Riding in the reserve, with the fauna en route and the vast distant stretches of fynbos, dunes, and wilderness, is a genuinely unique experience, even though the riding may be difficult and definitely not to be underestimated…”At our closing ceremony in The Fig Tree Restaurant on Sunday after the event, we had some riders sharing their experiences of the event, and it was heartening to see the participants showing the camaraderie that had developed during the weekend,” said a rider. “De Hoop’s’remoteness’ and the sense of wilderness that one experiences are what create a vulnerability that is a catalyst for the camaraderie that develops amongst participants.”
The 2024 De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience will take place from May 17–19, so start making plans today.
The “ride” is a weekend activity that the family and friends will love, therefore riders are invited to invite them along. There will be plenty of things to do for kids, including bringing their bikes and participating in a Nature Quest. For those looking for affordable lodging, there will be special MTB rates offered for a two and a half night stay at a 40% discount, allowing guests to either have a late checkout or get an extra night’s accommodation at half price.
Up to the end of July 2023, there is an Early Bird Special of R2 000 per person; after that, the entry cost is R2 800 per person (accommodation and meal packages are excluded). Contact Nicola at nicola@dehoopcollection.co.za to make reservations for De Hoop Collection accommodations.
Entry Link for the De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience: https://www.entryninja.com/events/79242-de-hoop
De Hoop Collection
Phone 021-422 4522 or email res@dehoopcollection.co.za
www.dehoopcollection.com
Facebook: @DeHoopCollection
Instagram: @dehoopreserve
Twitter: @DeHoopReserve
De Hoop Collection is a member of Cape Country Routes.
