Mike struggled this year, to find something other than socks and bum cream to give me for Xmas.  So he did something different: an entry for the Garden Route 300.  Now that I'll unwrap, thanks! :)

And it's a team event, so we'll be riding together, which should prove to be interesting considering we've only really raced the Nav Challenge together, and that is with a 3hour limit.  This is 3 days and 300kms.  But it's in Knysna, so who could complain about that?

All 3 stages start and finish at the Cruise Cafe, but looking at the route maps, we won't be repeating the same roads much at all - not in the same direction anyway. 

Some route highlights that I am looking forward to:

• Day 1 - takes in the Harkerville Red Route
• Day 2 - ride over the railway bridge to the Featherbed Nature Reserve
• Day 2 - Ride to the top of the Western Head
• Day 2 - Sections of the Quteniqua Hiking Trail
• Day 3 - Millwood Gold Fields
• Day 3 - backtracking some of the Epic 2008 route over 'The Hydro'

Mike has mentioned The Hydro many times - it seems to be something I've blacked out of memory, so I'm keen to see what the fuss was all about, and if I can ride it...

The entry fee is relatively low - but that's because they don't include accommodation.  I guess so many people either stay in the area, or have (as in my case) access to a place to stay.  There are also so many cheap and cheerful backpackers, B&B's, etc, that it makes it really affordable.  If you feel like splashing out, I'm sure the 5-Star spots won't say no to a bunch of muddy mountainbikers.

What they DO inlcude in the entry fee, is lunch and dinner every day, which saves so much hassle.  All we ened to pack is a box of bananas and weetbix.  We also get a set of race kit, which has me intrigued.  And then there's the usual Goody Bag, which I hope has some useful bits and bobs in, and not just a pile of flyers to throw out.

The event is sponsored by Rocky Mountain, who are giving away a bike each day (who would say no?!) and Mitchell's Brewery are also on the sponsor list, so that means recovery drinks are sorted! Yum yum :)

First up, though, is Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse which will serve as my training for GR300, which in turn serves as my Argus training.

Seems like the year is off to a good start...

For more information on the event click here.