Wine 2 Whales Day 2, a journey of sublime single track riding, that is one of the best days of mountain bike racing ever.

The W2W course designer should be awarded a medal, or mountain bike, or case of wine for his efforts in putting together a route that flowed from start to finish.

The single tracks traversed grassy farm lands, green orchards, and shady, forested river valleys. We looped around glistening dams, ate fresh apples and bananas at water tables and enjoyed the few k’s of open road to give the legs a spin.

Ultimately we rode 75 kilometres of trails, 80 percent on single track – pure mountain biking heaven.

The weather gods smiled and maintained cool, cloudy conditions with no rain! The tracks had hardened from the previous day’s muddy adventure, although a few marauding puddles created surprise dunkings for the unwary. Mountain biking is not intended to be a clean sport!

Oak Valley, Paul Cluver, Thandi estates and Lebanon forest are now part of mountain biking folk lore and the ‘Tour de Elgin’ provided a day of dreamlike riding for both the racing snakes and the touring class.

Wine 2 Whales is a multi day mountain bike race for all levels of rider. With just 3 days of fun, it is the perfect entry level event for competitors who have enjoyed single day events and are ready for the next step up. The event also makes excellent training for the pros and riders aiming at longer races.

Camp life is relaxed and well organized. Hot showers, massage and a well stocked bar aid recovery for weary legs. The burger bar pumps out hearty grub at speed and the local wines are chilled to perfection – the ideal reward for a day of riding past vineyards.

125 full teams are still in the race from the 138 that started on Day 1. Fatigue claimed a few victims today with 8 teams losing one member to cramps and other maladies of being in the saddle for 4 to 8 hours a day.

Final Day 3 tomorrow, is the trip down the mountains and on to the whales!