Garden Route, George – (Sep 2019). There are a number of ways you can get involved in the Outeniqua Cycle Challenge which takes place in George on Saturday 14 September.
Over the years Georgians have shown just what a big heart the city has. The community effort that rescued this year’s race from the brink is testimony to that.
The race organisers invite the public to participate as well as businesses owners to use this as an opportunity to promote their companies.
An event of this magnitude will necessarily require road closures, but by starting and ending the race outside of the city centre (Halfway Toyota), these will be kept to a minimum.
Public Participation
The organisers need around 350 volunteers to push chairs and to generally assist athletes. Volunteers are requested to report to the organisers in the Eden Meander Mall parking area by 10:00 on Saturday.
The public is also encouraged to attend the opening ceremony at the Race Village which begins at 18:00 on Friday, the Medal Ceremony at 12:30 at the same venue; and of course, to encourage the athletes during the race.
The public is requested to respect the race marshals and traffic officers. The last thing the city can afford is an accident caused by uncooperative drivers and pedestrians.
Company Participation
Local businesses are encouraged to erect stalls and advertising material at the Race Village. The estimated 800 athletes will each receive a “goody bag.” Should you wish to add something from your company, please deliver these to Halfway Toyota by close of business on Thursday.
Road Closures
The Knysna Road section between the Garden Route Mall and CTM heading towards George will be completely closed from Friday 13 September from 20:00 until Saturday 14:00. There will be an alternative route via Blue Mountain for the duration of the road closure. Traffic towards Knysna will not be affected.
The outside lanes on the rest of Knysna Road, Courtnay and York Streets will be open throughout the period.
The York Street section between Plattner Boulevard and PW Botha Boulevard will be completely closed between 06:00 and 10:00 on Saturday 14 September. Please use detours.
The outside lanes on York Street from PW Botha Boulevard to Beach Road in Pacaltsdorp will be open throughout the race.
Turning Points
For both the 21.1 km and 42.2 km races, the turning point will be 100m beyond the first traffic lights entering Pacaltsdorp.
The turning point for the 10 km race will be in front of the Moederkerk and Paddagat for the 5 km race respectively.
Event Programme
Friday 13 September
11:00 to 18:00 – Registration & Race Numbers at Halfway Toyota.
18:00 to 19:00 – Official Opening at the Race Village.
Saturday 14 September
06:30 – Line up for the start of the 21.1 km & 42.2 km races.
07:00 – Start of 42.2 km.
07.10 – Start of 21.1 km.
07:30 – Line up for the start of the 10 km race.
08:00 – Start of 10 km race.
10:00 – Line up for the start of the 5 km fun ride.
10:30 – Start of 5 km fun ride.
12:00 – Lunch.
12:30 – Medal Ceremony.
14:00 – Departure.
The Outeniqua Cycle Challenge
The 17’Th OCC, a wheelchair race which attracts athletes from all over the world, will take place in George on Saturday 14 September 2019!
A wheelchair race exclusively for disabled athletes!
And – every year it is getting bigger and better! The number of entries has increased dramatically, with disabled athletes and other persons in wheelchairs flocking to this annual event.
The Challenge is not only unique as being the first and only event exclusively for the disabled in South Africa, but it is staged in the picturesque town of George, in the heart of the spectacular Garden Route in the Western Cape, situated at the foot of the splendour of the Outeniqua Mountains.
Athletes in racing wheelchairs, adapted bicycles, hand cycles, basketball chairs and ordinary wheelchairs have made this into the premier sporting event for the disabled on the South African sporting calendar. It undoubtedly has the potential to develop into one of the best events of its kind in the world!
Apart from the George Municipality & George Business Chamber, Lancewood and the Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport is supporting the event. Halfway Toyota is the venue host for the event.
Contact Details:
Event Organising Body: Disabled Road Race Foundation (DRFF)
Race Organiser: Alewijn Dippenaar
Mobile: 082 457 5675
Email: dyndev@mweb.co.za
Website: www.georgeocc.co.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OCC.Wheelchairchallenge
Online Entries: http://georgeocc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/OCC_DRRF_Entry-Form14September2019.pdf