Bitter-Sweet’ MTB Challenge to boost South Coast Tourism

Bitter-Sweet’ MTB Challenge to boost South Coast Tourism

Tourism authorities are already in high spirits over the upcoming Seabreeze Build-It ‘Bitter-Sweet’ MTB Challenge.

The two-day competition, taking place this October at Rocky Bay Resort on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, will allow riders to test their skills over a total of 100 kilometres.

It’s a challenging trail through coastal forest – but it also promises views and experiences second to none.

Justin Mackrory, CEO of South Coast Tourism, says the event is bound to be a catalyst for tourism, and will be a welcome injection to the local economy.

“The race is an invaluable publicity tool to profile our wonderful destination. Participants and their supporters contribute to our economy in terms of direct spend in hospitality establishments, indirect spend on retail and induced spend whereby recipients of their spend recirculate revenues into the local economy,” he says.

“Events of this nature, if successful, have a high return factor which suggests that riders will return, not only for subsequent events, but also for holiday and leisure.”

With the ‘Bitter-Sweet’ MTB Challenge touted as a family-orientated event, that’s very likely to be the case.

The highly-anticipated race is also open to under-19s, since the routes do not exceed 60-kilometres on either day. The organisers are encouraging riders of all skill levels, to join the fun.

Entry for a team of two will cost R3 500, while single entries will be charged at R2 000 each. In addition to a spectacular experience, entrants will receive a complimentary goodie bag and a t-shirt. The price also includes access to both days of the two-stage event, as well as dinner on Friday, breakfast, light lunch and dinner function on Saturday. Breakfast will be served on Sunday morning.  Accommodation for entrants is not included in the entry fee, however Rocky Bay Resort is offering the following specials to all entrants:-

OPTION ONE      –              Log Cabin Accommodation at Rocky Bay Resorts

R1100 per TEAM entry and R825 per SINGLE entry            –              lodge@rockybay.co.za

OPTION TWO    –              Tented Camp Site, including 2-man tent & 2 mattresses at Rocky Bay Resorts

R620 per TEAM entry and R465 per SINGLE entry              –              lodge@rockybay.co.za

Own sleeping bags/pillows/linen required

LIMITED to 100 tents – first come, first served

OPTION THREE –              Camp site at Rocky Bay Resorts

R540 per TEAM and R405 per SINGLE entry                          –              lodge@rockybay.co.za

Own caravan/tent etc. required

To accommodate the families and friends of participants, Rocky Bay Resort will be running a special over the race weekend. Log cabin accommodation will cost R275 per person sharing, while bringing children between the ages of 5 and 12 will cost just R135 each per night. Kids under 5 get to stay for free.

If your family can’t get enough of the outdoors, camping is the way to go. It’s only R135 per person per night, or R70 per night for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Again, there’s no charge for kids under 5.

For families that wish to stay longer and truly indulge in the South Coast experience, there’s plenty to do. Golf courses, sea charters, shark diving and fishing excursions are but a few of the attractions on offer – and it’s guaranteed to leave visitors spoiled for choice.

Mackrory says: “Sporting events are a vital conduit for the sustaining and growth of tourism in an area like the Greater South Coast – that is why we have one of the busiest events calendars in KZN.”

Get your entries in for the Seabreeze Build-It ‘Bitter-Sweet’ MTB Challenge now by logging on towww.roag.co.za.

For more information in English, isiZulu or Afrikaans, please do not hesitate to contact Lodge Reception on 039 976 0336 or lodge@rockybay.co.za.