Team Flip is a collective of mountain bike enthusiasts who organise regular rides and events in the Durbanville area for riders of all levels and ages. On Saturday, July 20, 2024, they hosted a ride from Durbanville to Riebeek Kasteel and back, covering about 160 km of scenic gravel roads and tarmac. The ride was open to anyone who wanted to join, and attracted a diverse group of riders, from teenage young guns to older veterans. The ride was not a race, but rather a social and fun outing, with some friendly competition along the way. The weather was cold and wet at the start, but improved as the day went on, and the riders enjoyed the views and the camaraderie.  

The ride started from the Durbanville Cricket Club. The route took the riders out of Durbanville along Spes Bona road, a muddy and slippery section that tested the skills and tyres of the riders. Here the A group split up and caused the captain a bit of stress until we worked out a way to regroup consistently. The first water point was a welcome sight and the riders were greeted by friendly volunteers and a variety of snacks and drinks. The water points were well stocked and spaced throughout the route, and the riders appreciated the support and encouragement from the organisers and helpers. 

The ride passed through and by some small towns and villages, such as Malmesbury, Hermon, and Riebeek West. The riders could admire the rural scenery and the slowly lifting rain clouds along the way.  

The route then looped back to Durbanville, with two more water points along the way. The riders faced some headwinds and hills on the way back, but also some long stretches of quiet tarmac, where they could cruise along and chat with their fellow riders.  

Some of the A group riders also decided to spice things up a bit, and challenged each other to some "race segments", where they pushed the pace and tested their legs with the older riders laying down the hurt on the longer race segments.  

The last run into Durbanville split the group again, but everyone knew the road home, and made their way back to the Cricket Club, where they could wash their bikes, enjoy a cold beer, and share their stories of the day. There were a few fantastic lucky draw prizes given out as well.  

The ride was well organised and supported by Team Flip, who did a fantastic job of creating a fun and friendly atmosphere. 

I enjoyed the outing and think that everyone else had an enjoyable day out. 

The second edition of the “Team Flip Around the Castle” 100/50miler ride happened on 20 July 2024. After the success of the first edition in 2023 there was a lot of anticipation and excitement. There was some nervous weather-watching going on in the week leading up to the ride, but it seemed that the rain gods would give us a gap, even if the downpours of the preceding weeks meant a few changes to the route to avoid a mudfest!

We set off in different pace groups to make sure everyone can join a group at a pace they are comfortable with. This is an awesome social ride rather than a race after all.

The first group left at 06:00 sharp. Weather was great, if a tad chilly at the start. We later found out we just missed a deluge that came down at the start line a few minutes after we left, so good timing there! As dawn broke just after the waterpoint the rain clouds in the distance seemed to be pouring at Joubertskloof where we would be in an hour or so! Luckily we seemed to ride just behind the rain and as the sun came out we rolled through freshly rinsed fields with streams flowing, full dams and pools of water wherever you looked. We regrouped regularly to make sure everyone was accounted for, but as we turned onto Porseleinberg road, the youngsters (and young at heart racers) and in the group took the opportunity to stretch their legs to the next waterpoint while the rest of the group all enjoyed the beautiful road along the overflowing Bergriver at their own pace. The last bit of dirt flew by and then it was straight home for some well deserved beers and boeries!

Thanks to Flip and his team for organizing a great day. The support vehicles made sure we stayed safe and the water stops with friendly faces, lekker music and sustenance along the way made the miles fly by!

The effort the team showed - the route planning, the sponsors that came on board, the boeries, drinks and other lucky draw prizes at the end made this an epic day out. Well done on building out a really great cycling community in the northern suburbs. We can’t wait to support you again in 2025!