New home for FNB W2W MTB route builders

The organizers of the Cape’s most loved three-day stage mountain bike event, the FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) Events, have recently purchased property in Grabouw for Cape Trails, the official route builders of the FNB W2W MTB Events.

(From left to right): Denzel Scheepers, Brendon Booysen and Ashwell Swartz of Cape Trails in front of their new home.

According to Johan Kriegler, FNB W2W MTB Director, purchasing a house for Cape Trails has been a goal for over four years. “The route builders from Cape Trails are hard workers that have a passion for mountain biking. They cycle to and from work every day, covering a distance of +- 13 000km on their Specialized mountain bikes each year. In December last year Ashwell’s home burnt down destroying everything that he owned. This highlighted the need for decent housing for our trail building team.”

“The house is situated in the town of Grabouw,” continues Kriegler. “It is near all the major shops and is in a safer location. It’s a double plot with a two bedroom house and a one bedroom flat on it. Ashwell Swartz has moved into the house, while Denzel Scheepers has moved into the flat. We plan to build two more dwellings on the second plot for remaining Cape Trails members, Jason Adams and Brendon Booysen. For now Jason and Brendon have made it clear that they are still happy living with their parents. Both Ashwell and Denzel will pay rent, the amount will be similar to what they’ve paid for their previous accommodation. Depending on how well they look after their new homes, our long term goal is to work out title transfer arrangements with each of the Cape Trails members.”

“Being part of the FNB W2W MTB Events has changed our lives for the best,” says Ashwell Swartz of Cape Trails. “When my Wendy House burnt down it broke me. I tried to remain optimistic, hoping that a better opportunity would arise. It is difficult to describe the impact that the Directors of the FNB W2W MTB Events have made on our lives. It’s the best thing that has ever happened to us. We are proud to be part of the event team.”

According to Denzel Scheepers of Cape Trails, working on the FNB W2W MTB routes under the guidance of Johan Kriegler has taught them a lot in both their work and personal lives. “Johan has taught us that having a family is both a blessing and a huge responsibility. It takes proper planning. We really appreciate his advice. We have also learnt a number of important values including cooperation, responsibility, friendliness and trust.”