Families from all over SA descend on Great Brak River for festive 21st Grabadoo

GREAT BRAK RIVER NEWS - One of the most scenic of Mossel Bay’s coastal towns comes alive every year on 31 December.

Last year was no exception when 1 211 eager cyclists, runners and walkers lined up for GrootbrakGrabadoo 2024.

Gorgeous weather on the day made it the perfect occasion to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Garden Route’s best-loved family event.

Over the past two decades-plus, GrootbrakGrabadoo has gained fame countrywide for the opportunity it grants families – and in many cases, their furry friends – to explore the great outdoors of this favourite destination that forms part of the newly-launched Route 12.

Showcasing 12 terrific locations in ICONIC Mossel Bay, Route 12 is a new tourist offering that affords road-trippers the chance to appreciate the area’s rich, multi-faceted history and diverse natural surrounds.

Apart from Great Brak River, it also includes Vleesbaai, Fransmanshoek, Boggomsbaai, Danabaai, Mossel Bay, Hartenbos, Kleinbrak River, Glentana, Ruiterbos, Herbertsdale and Friemersheim.

This latter inland hamlet played a big part in the success of GrootbrakGrabadoo ’24, since the 58km now included a traverse through Friemersheim for the first time. This proved to be an added attraction for cyclists already spoilt for choice in terms of terrain and spectacular views while fording the well-tested tracks.

Says race director Alewijn Dippenaar: “The 73km route was amended to include the beautiful Friemersheim forest, while riders of all distances passed pretty farms and forests on dirt tracks as well as tarmac. As always, The Big Dipper saw to it that even the fittest of riders didn’t finish without being challenged!”

Marshals en route ensured that those riding the shorter distances knew where to turn off the longer routes, and warning signs were erected to indicate sharp turns and descents. Apart from these volunteers, the event created 42 temporary employment opportunities. And as is the norm, the town’s businesses stepped up to guarantee a great event.

The day’s main sponsor were Property Connect and ICONIC Mossel Bay, with added support by De Dekke Spar, Coca-Cola, Coimbra Cycle House, Halfway Toyota, Local Choice Pharmacy, 8 Mile Construction, and Laundry on Long. Offering backing in the form of funds or products and services, many also had refreshment stations for participants along the way.

Once again, GrootbrakGrabadoo gave families the opportunity to have fun together in the great outdoors while benefiting the local economy.

Interestingly, the number of participants from outside of the Western Cape has now grown to 80% from the previous total of 70% and so even more people from outside the province were introduced to the spoils of ICONIC Mossel Bay and its diverse Route 12 destinations.

The organisers thank all participants and the generous sponsors that ensured yet another memorable running-cycling-walking shindig. Kids entered for free and beneficiaries included Working on Fire and Great Brak River Cricket Club.