Photo Epic: Hellsend Mates Race Summer Series, Rd1, Eden Forest | p/b cSixx Components
Grassroots gravity is alive and kicking
Having already been pioneered in France and New Zealand, the idea of a Mates Race is nothing new. A semi-organized, all for fun, race against your friends. However, the crew at Hellsend Bike Shop in Stellenbosch have fully embraced the idea over the past two years, and grown it into what is now the Hellsend Mates Race Summer Series. A six-round race series held in and around Stellenbosch, running from September to March.
Eden Forest was the venue for round one of the season, which marked the start of the series’ third consecutive year. With a record attendance of 85 riders, perfect weather, and a fabled course, the stage was set for a good evening of racing.
“The idea started as just a timed run on one of our weekly shop rides, and everyone really enjoyed it, a couple of beers and a few chats later, the idea of starting a series sounded really good. After a bit more consideration, we thought it could be a great way to get like-minded riders our customers and local brands, to the same place at the same time, to ride and enjoy bikes together. It’s also a great way for new riders to get familiarized with gravity racing, in a friendly, relaxed and semi-competitive environment.” – Frankie du Toit, Hellsend Bike Shop
The Mates Race format can be best described as a one-stage enduro. Riders pedal to the top of the designated trail, and a single, timed, top to bottom run determines the result. The races are held on the last Thursday evening of each month and there is no official practice or seeding, however riders are allowed to practice in their own capacity. Register in advance, show up, slap a number plate on, and go race. Also, there is no entry fee, whatsoever. R0.00 gets you on the start list.
The Mates Race entry field is broken up into five categories, eBike, Under 18, Men (18-35), Women and Masters (35+). The series has seen consistent growth across all it’s classes each year, especially in the Women’s and Under 18 categories, where entry numbers were similar to, or slightly above, those seen at local Enduro and Downhill races.
Depending on the course, the overall win is usually a close battle between the eBikes and the Under 18’s, but with a few fast guys around, and the occassional appearance of some local pro’s, the top 10 is often a hot-pot of fast eBikers, quick youngsters and keen racers.
Whilst mostly a fun, community based event, the relatively easy courses, short race format, and ever-running banter bus can make for some very tight competition amongst the riders and their various friend groups. Riders also score points for the overall standings at each round, which are counted at the end of the season, and decide the champions of each category for the year. Many, many bragging rights on the table.
Riders took on the main descent of Eden Forest from top to bottom, a dusty, fast descent full of loose turns, jumps and roots. A new variation in the middle section added some unforeseen terrain to spice things up, and the late afternoon sun made visibility a bit of a shutter-burst guessing game. The flat-ish nature of the course seemed to suit the eBikes with four of the top ten overall being motorized. The other six of the top ten were all under-18 riders, which is awesome to see, and stands as a testament to the growing pool of talented and dedicated young riders.
Once everyone has completed their run, and the racing is finished, riders are invited to the post-race prize giving ceremony which is held at Hellsend Bike Shop. Riders are welcome to hang around the shop, enjoy free beer, courtesy of series partner Devil’s Peak, discounted pizza from the one and only Gino’s, and giveaways from various brands.
Besides the giveaways and fun challenges, prize giving is also a time to acknowledge and interact with local brands and manufacturers, who use Mates Race as an opportunity to introduce their brand, showcase their products, mingle with the riders and customers who use them and have a good time whilst doing so. This round was proudly sponsored by cSixx Components, a local company based in Cape Town who started off making chain guides years ago, and have expanded into making everything from headset spacers to wheelsets. Their attention to detail and vast knowledge of CNC, anodizing, and cerakoting, allow them to make you almost anything you want, in any colour you want. They can even put your name on it!
After all was said and done, the final results were announced, podiums were called, and prizes handed out. The fastest time of the day was a blistering 2:26:472, set by local pinner Philip Van Schalkwyk on his eBike. A full six seconds clear of second place eBike rider, Chris Wagner. The eBike podium was rounded off by junior SA Downhill champion, Pieter Venter.
Slotted between Wagner and Van Schalkwyk was the familiar face of Jan Vreken, Jan took second overall and first in the Under 18 cat, just ahead of Sven Etsebeth, who came back from a wrist injury here last year, to take second place. Neil Van Der Vyver in his first Mates Race was less than a second behind, in third.
The men’s category could not seem to break into the top 10 this time around, and 11th overall was Hellsend mechanic (yours truly) Jordan De Goede, who beat the hard-charging Andries Blake to first in the 18-35 year old class. Not far behind them was Women’s winner and national treasure Frankie Du Toit, ahead of first time competitor Lene O’ Kennedy, and Clara Babette. After a bit of confusion, Pete Futter was declared the winner of the Masters category, by 1 second over his good mate, Schalk Tredoux. Local man Gert Goosen claimed his first Mates Race podium, taking third behind Futter and Tredoux.
The next Mates Race will take place on Thursday the 30th of October, venue and event sponsor to be released soon. If you would like to enter please get in touch with Hellsend Bike Shop, or visit their instagram page for more information. Grab your mates, clock out early and join the vibes! //
| WORDS: Jordan de Goede | IMAGES: Eric Palmer |