It is not just the end of the event name which sees a change for the 2019 edition of the Chas Everitt Around The Pot – Overberg 100Miler – Presented by SEESA. The final five kilometres of the route has been updated too. The changes will bring the arduous but rewarding ride to a more fitting finale when the race takes place on the 20th of July.

Starting and finishing in the historic Overberg town of Swellendam; the full distance route takes in many of the region’s most spectacular sights. The rolling gravel roads cut through the emerald green wheat fields and canary yellow Canola blooms. At the 100 kilometre mark the race crosses the Breede River on the country’s only remaining hand-drawn ferry. Before embarking on the Malgas Ferry riders will be able to refuel, enjoying a 45 minute neutral zone, on delicious roosterbrood – hot from the fire. The final 60 kilometres return to rolling hills; which the locals know as die Rûens, for the hills’ appearance like a series of backs stretching off towards the Langeberg Mountains.

The route traverses the rolling wheat and Canola covered hills of die Rûens. Photo by Oakpics.com.

At the foot of the mountains the finish line awaits. As one approaches it the vegetation becomes greener, lusher, better nourished by the rain clouds which bank up against the high peaks above Swellendam. In previous years the final few kilometres have failed to live up to the splendour of the rest of the route. Not so in 2019, thanks to Swellendam Municipality.

“We are thrilled that Swellendam Municipality have agreed to road closures in town, which allows us to provide a fitting end to the Chas Everitt Around The Pot – Overberg 100Miler – Presented by SEESA,” Rudolf Botha of Petrichor Adventures enthused. “The final five kilometres now take riders through town, showcasing some of the historic Cape Dutch architecture of Swellendam and providing an easier run into the finish at the Swellendam Showgrounds.”

The 100 Mile distance crosses the Breede River on the hand-drawn Malgas Ferry 100 kilometres into the 160 kilometre route. Photo by Oakpics.com.

“While the modified final kilometres are certainly going to please the riders the Petrichor Adventures team is ecstatic at the growth the event has shown since its inception in 2017” Botha continued. “In 2019, which is just the third edition, we expect 1 500 riders over the three distances. The 100 Miler, 65 Miler and 25 Miler route options provide a gravel racing experience for virtually all levels of cyclists and we are honoured by the cycling community’s show of faith in the event to support us by entering. We will definitely keep working with our local partners and sponsors to ensure the Chas Everitt Around The Pot – Overberg 100Miler – Presented by SEESA exceeds rider expectations year-on-year.”

“To that end we are delighted to announce SEESA as the event’s new presenting sponsor” Botha said. “As the employer’s company, SEESA, offer a range of business solutions and comprehensive legal services to any South African business owner or employer” Ewert Kleynhans, the Marketing Manager of SEESA explained. “By partnering with the Chas Everitt Around The Pot – Overberg 100Miler – Presented by SEESA we hope to reach passionate South African business owners whose ventures we can aid by providing world class legal, labour, employee management, training, BEE and Consumer Protection advice.”

Roosterbrood straight off the fire provides a fittingly local way to refuel for the final 60 kilometres back to Swellendam. Photo by Oakpics.com.

With a little over a month to go before the 2019 race the only advice South African cyclists should heed now is to enter the Chas Everitt Around The Pot – Overberg 100Miler – Presented by SEESA. Online entries close on the 17th of July at midnight, and registration for the races on Friday 19 July from 15h00 to 21h00 or on Saturday morning between 05h00 and 06h30. The racing action starts at 07h00 with all the festivities taking place at the Swellendam Showgrounds. For more information and online entries visit www.aroundthepot.co.za; alternatively like the event’s Facebook page, Around the Pot or follow on Instagram at @around_the_pot.

Experience gravel road riding at its scenic best on 20 July 2019. Photo by Oakpics.com.