Cradle Festival attracts avid cyclists

Organisers say they have been flooded with entries for this year's Cradle Cycle Trophy, which is scheduled to take place on 11 and 12 April at the Cradle of Humankind Visitor Centre, Maropeng.

The Leverage Corporation, which organises the event in partnership with Gauteng Tourism, says this year's edition has attracted more than 1 000 entries each day.

The two-day event will see riders participate in one of three races: the 75km Cradle Mountain Challenge (on Saturday, 11 April), the The Cradle Mountain Trophy (where riders will complete 75km on Saturday and 45km on Sunday, 12 April) and the Cradle Mountain Adventure (which will see riders compete in only the 45km race on Sunday).

“We are delighted with the enthusiastic response,” says the Leverage Corporation’s Rob Jackson. “One of the great things about this weekend is that it is more than just a mountain bike ride. It is an ideal family event. We’ve arranged a fun, safe, kiddies area to keep the little one’s entertained while the parents enjoy delicious food and craft beer.”

The festival will feature live music on Sunday. Organisers say guests will be able to enjoy the blues sounds of Moloi Hesse.

The Cradle of Humankind is one of Gauteng’s premier and fastest growing cycling spots. It is also a leading tourism venue with a “whole lot of living where life began”. From discovering the origins of humankind, to spending the night at any one of the top tourism venues, this is the perfect area to wine and dine, discover great arts and crafts or experience any of the many adventure sports the area has to offer.

Just a short 45 minute drive from either Johannesburg or Pretoria, what better place to spend an April weekend than at Maropeng?

Here are photos from last year's event.