Greyt Escape MTB Event 16 – 18 June 2017

Nadia Visser flies past the Post House on the way to victory.

Nadia Visser flying into the finish on the third day with an impressive time of 02h14m24s.

For the first time this year the event was held over three days with the finish in the main road of Greyton just opposite 1854. On Sunday at 12h00 a prize giving and lunch was held in the large open marquee with family and guests. The weather this year was different on every day and so was the terrain.

The next event will be on the 2 & 3^rd of September which is set to be another amazing weekend of fun and action.

Gert Elhers of The Oaks approaches the finish line at a civilized pace.

The big storm in Greyton, results in minor damage only.

Not seen for a while, snow in Greyton!

 

What had been named as the mother of all storms rolled in with much huffing and puffing. Predictably the power supply was an early casualty of the very high winds. It seems the main line had failed once again to Caledon. During the night it was quite hairy but good preparations seem to have limited the damage and Wednesday passed with much less excitement than expected. Cold wet weather with moderate winds was the order of the rest of the day.

Initial assessment indicated that the power would be out till Thursday however Gideon Malherbe was able to organise a reduced alternative supply last night. Repairs to the main line will proceed in due course.

Good rain fell in the area which will make the farmers pleased and there is some snow on the mountain this morning which is good for Greyton’s long term water situation. Unfortunately much less rain fell in the Western Cape farmlands than was predicted and while this front brought some relief it does little to solve our long term water crisis.

Heavy winds bend the trees next the Moravian Church on Wednesday in the storm.

Greyton Genadendal Classics for All Festival 2017

There may not have been any rain of note yet but this weekend is guaranteed to liven up the area. Maybe it will even bring the rain. Top local artists are set to perform in and around town in the 13^th Greyton Genadendal Classics for All Festival this weekend. Many of your favourites will be back from last year and also a few new ones. There will also be a few additions, so don’t be surprised if you see a flash mob pop up at the market! This is the ideal opportunity to tune in, kick back and let some sweet classical sounds restore your natural rhythm. Please click below to down load the program.

Classic for all 2017 program.

Greyton Market up and running again!

Within less than a week of the loss of the Greyton market defiant marketers were up and running again. Stalls were set up on the west street side of the DRC. Turnout was very good and there was something for everyone. Whether you were looking for something savoury or sweet or even a unique piece of artwork it was all there and will be again this Saturday. Weather is clearing after some much needed rain in the Western Cape so the latter half of the Easter weekend should be most pleasant.

Greyton house protests turn violent.

 

Greyton market in ashes. Twk employees and residents on the clean up.

 

After intense night of protest Greyton residents are cleaning up and wondering how did we get here. At approx 17h30 a group of mainly local residents moved along the main road armed with tyres and some form of accelerant. As they marched down the main road they set fire to the tyres at all the road intersections in order to disrupt traffic. Minor damage was done to the road and other buildings in the area.

After much delay the police confronted and dispersed the protestors at 20h30 using stun grenades and rubber bullets. Fire and municipal vehicles were in attendance at this time. Unfortunately in the early hours of this morning protestors returned to torch the Greyton Market. Along with extensive damage a large collection of charity books was also destroyed.

During the protest a 14 year was hospitalized after being hit by a rubber bullet. Eight suspects have been arrested and heavy SAPS presence is clearly evident on the streets of Greyton.

Absa Cape Epic arrives in Greyton 2017

Just after 0800 this morning the first riders passed through Greyton. A water point was setup just opposite the market on the steps of the DRC. This made a fantastic spectator position and atmosphere was electric.

Riders were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd made up of school children and many locals. Music and an announcer keeping the crowd informed amplified the experience. The field was made up of specialist riders, locals and several famous sports personalities which thrilled the crowd.

Sadly yesterdays stage was shortened from 100km to 60km on account of the heat and finished in Caledon. Todays’ route is in and around Greyton with riders departing tomorrow for the next stage that will finish in Villiersdorp.

Absa Cape Epic Greyton 2017

Photo By Emma Hill

The 14th edition of the Absa Cape Epic will take place from 19 to 26 March 2017 and will be as challenging as ever. Local and international mountain bikers will tackle the demanding eight-day adventure through the Western Cape region in South Africa.

Riders are expected to arrive in the Greyton area at Elandskloof Farm after the Hermanus to Greyton Stage on the 21st of March. On the 22nd a shorter stage in and around Greyton will take on the best that we have to offer. Riders will be attacking some of our finest routes which will present excellent opportunities to spectators both local and visitor. On the morning of the 23rd the tour will makes its way to Elgin for its next stop.

The Absa Cape Epic must be completed by both members of a two-person team with only 650 teams and 1300 entrants allowed to ride the race. The route changes every year, leading aspiring amateur and professional mountain bikers from around the world through roughly 700km of unspoilt scenery and 15 000m of accumulated climbing, over some of the most magnificent mountain passes in South Africa.

By Ewald Sadie