Simola Golf & Country Estate set the tone for a cracker of an evening with mountain bikers arriving from all corners of the country to take part in the 2009 Salomon Adventure Nights – Capestorm Night Bike. Not only did they enjoy the unique combination of being able to ride a course along the Golf Cart Tracks of this prestigious Golf Estate but sections of the route also included the surrounding forests.

“Riding at night in the forest is one thing – however add to the mix the inclusion of having to navigate your way around the various tracks on the Simola Golf Course and you have a totally new experience that surely does not exist anywhere else “ commented James Stewart of the Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team.

The perfect weather conditions and a full moon also made for ideal riding with many of the seasoned campaigners commenting on how the standards of the younger riders had improved quite dramatically since the Salomon Adventure Nights concept was introduced to the Pick and Pay Knysna Oyster Festival back in 2005.

 “Navigating by means of a Rally Style Route Book on an unmarked route calls for additional skills and teamwork plays a vital role in the overall outcome for the competitors. Some teams found themselves taking a wrong turn and one particular combination in the Open category clocking up over 40 kms on what was a 14 km route from start to finish. From the vantage point of the Simola Golf Club it was quite a sight watching the snaking lines of lights find their way around the Golf Course and it did not take too long to figure out who were battling to find their way.” Commented course designer John Collins of event organisers – Magnetic South. In fact it was the up and coming junior riders who have sent a warning to the field that they mean business. Cameron Taylor (15) and partner Harry Maarsingh (16) riding for the Skinny Leg Patrol Team achieved a most deserved 3^rd place in the highly competitive Pro Bike – Male Category. Defending champions Jan Schutte and Andre Gie riding for Team McCain Element had to look over their shoulders for much of the race and it was their experience that eventually secured a 2 min 6 second lead over the young guns. The Pro Mixed Team category being won by Martin Dreyer & Jeannie Bomford of Team Hi Tec USN. Local ladies Nikki Smit & Kate Southey continued their dominance of  Pro Ladies with another podium first.

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