There are some places that make you slow down. Greyton, in spring, is one of them.
After a couple of days of relentless South Easter, the gravel community gathered in Greyton last Saturday for an epic day on the trails — and, thankfully, some superb riding conditions.
The wind may have taken a little of the yellow with it, blowing many of the canola flowers out of the fields, but there was still plenty of magic to be found. The rolling hills, dramatic mountains and wide-open gravel roads offered the kind of scenery that makes you forget about the distance still left to ride.
From the 30km route to the more demanding 130km challenge, the Canola Roller brought riders together to experience the Overberg on two wheels. And once the bikes were parked, the community gathered for some well-deserved beers and an afternoon enjoying everything the awesome little town of Greyton has to offer.
It truly is a small town with a big heart.
But the best part of the Canola Roller goes beyond the ride itself.
Half of the event’s proceeds go towards the Greyton MTB Juniors Club, supporting more than 40 local children through regular training, mentorship and opportunities to spend time on the trails. The remaining proceeds go towards maintaining and improving the local mountain bike and gravel trail network.
Because getting people outside is only part of the story. It’s also about creating opportunities, investing in communities and taking care of the places that make these experiences possible.
That’s what drew us to the Canola Roller. It celebrates the joy of being outside while giving something back to the people and places that make it all happen.
A little less yellow than expected. A lot of gravel, good people, cold beers and big-hearted community.
A ride worth riding for.
