Mid-winter may seem a lifetime away, as we rapidly approach the summer solstice, but before the festive chaos takes hold now is the time to plan for June 2019. Trail runners and mountain bikers alike can book for a weekend in the mountains during the Greyt Escape, on the 15th to the 17th of June.

Trail runners will be able to join in the weekend’s fun in the Riviersonderend Mountains by entering the Greyt Escape trail run on Saturday 15 June. Photo by Morné Alberts.

For mountain bikers the Greyt Escape remains a must-do three day stage race, exploring Greyton’s vast network of tracks and trails. While for the trail runners the Greyt Escape offers 6 and 12 kilometre trail runs on the event’s opening day – Saturday 15 June 2019. The eagle eyed readers will have noticed that Youth Day falls on Sunday next year, which of course means that Monday the 17th is a public holiday too. Outdoor-lovers can thus book for a long weekend in the mountains without having to apply for leave.

On the bike the Greyt Escape boasts a total of 171 kilometres of riding, with the stages measuring 62, 64 and 45 kilometres in distance. The routes will remain similar to those of the 2018 Greyt Escape, with the region’s famous singletrack utilised to its full potential. Trail runners meanwhile will explore the nature reserve and wilderness areas bordering on the quaint village of Greyton. The 6 kilometre route is ideal for a family fun run, while the longer course provides a few more challenges but is still conquerable for keen but not frequent trail runners.

The stages are relatively short but pack a significant number of challenges and thrills into the distances. Photo by Oakpics.com.

The real allure of the event, as returning participants will attest is the excuse to spend a long weekend in the Riviersonderend Mountains. The village of Greyton is the perfect place for a winter getaway, complete with old world charm, restaurants and country pubs. It provides exactly the type of mid-year break one needs to recharge the batteries after a busy first half of the year.

Entries to the Greyt Escape MTB Stage Race and Trail Run are now open. Would-be competitors can visit www.thegreytescape.co.za for more information and online entries. Mountain bikers can enter the stage race as solo competitors or in teams of two, at the cost of R3 300 and R6 450 respectively (Inclusive of lunches and dinners. Lunch only options are available on the event website). Trail runners meanwhile can enter the 6 kilometre for R120 or the 12 kilometre race for R250. Race entrants are reminded that accommodation is not included in the Greyt Escape events, but that a range of accommodation options are available in and around Greyton. To book accommodation please visit www.greytontourism.com.

The Greyton mountain bike trails are famous as some of the country’s best. Photo by Oakpics.com.

Fast Facts: 2019 Greyt Escape

MTB Dates: 15 – 17 June 2019
Trail Run Date: 15 June 2019
Venue: Greyton, Western Cape
MTB Stage 1: 62km with  1 150m of climbing
MTB Stage 2: 64km with 1 250m of climbing
MTB Stage 3: 45km with 1 000m of climbing
MTB Entries: Solo: R3 300 | Team: R6 450
Trail Run Entries: 6km R120 | 12km R250
Website: www.thegreytescape.co.za
Facebook: The Greyt Escape
Twitter: @greyt_escape
Accommodation: www.greytontourism.com

Breath-taking views over the Overberg abound in the Greyt Escape. Photo by Oakpics.com.