joberg2c’s tips to creating the ultimate mountain biking stage race
Ride the beloved country! The renowned joberg2c is a mountain biking stage race designed to challenge, inspire and uplift those who cross its path. The 900-kilometre route was carved by mountain bikers Glen Haw, Gary Green and Chris Wapnick ten years ago with the goal of creating a ride that was empowering for both the riders and the communities they passed through. Inviting villagers to host the riders and provide water points, the race quickly became a unique event that attracted bikers from around the world while also raising millions of rands for education and healthcare in the regions. When asked how they did it, this is what they had to say:
1. Focus on your passion
Never conceptualise an event only to make money. While funds are important, you should never have to trade in your passion for profit. Always put your passion first and the money will come after.
2. Think about the rider
Always ask yourself….would I do this event? Would I pay the money for this event? It’s crucial to be completely honest with yourself in order to create a race people will truly remember and return to each year.
3. The route is king
The route is more important than anything, then comes the showers, the food and the beer, but first and foremost is the route. We ride and produce the route as a team to give our riders the best experience we can. Each stage must be carefully designed and planned and no path can be left unexplored.
4. Be innovative
If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that you need to be able to think on your feet and reinvent yourself when circumstances change. As with any event in the COVID-19 landscape we now live in, things change and you need to be prepared for anything. Never forget to innovate, try new things, and keep the event interesting.
5. Just do it
Sometimes, it’s best to put all your worries and fears aside and just go for it. Focus on what’s in front of you and what you need to get closer to your goal and take the leap. It might be scary at first, but nothing great ever happens in your comfort zone.
While the COVID-19 pandemic forced the crew to pull the brakes on the event in 2020 and 2021, the team learnt to adapt and have thrown themselves down a new path. “We are an event so we have to be solution-based and flexible,” says race organiser Lara Greef. “What you plan for might not always happen but you’ve got to make it the best experience possible for the riders.”
Driven by their love and passion for South Africa and its great outdoors and people, Lara and her team have built the longest and most rewarding mountain biking stage race in the country. To find out more about joberg2c and their community-inspired race, visit their website or read all about their business journey on our blog.
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