WITH everything from camping facilities to five-star accommodation available, participants in The Herald VW Cycle Tour will be able to rest easy during their stay in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The annual weekend festival of cycling, which includes the road events in Port Elizabeth and the mountain bike races at Addo, is set for February 1-3.
Official accommodation sponsors Town Lodge PE, on the city's beachfront, and Zuurberg Mountain Village, at Addo, are offering special rates for participants in both disciplines.
According to Town Lodge general manager Glenn Pappin, riders would be able to choose from options across the City Lodge Group of Hotels. These include the one- star Road Lodge, two-star Town Lodge, three-star City Lodge and four-star Courtyard Hotel.
"The road events begin and end on the beachfront very close to Town Lodge and our three other properties, so it's excellent exposure for us," Pappin said.
He said he expected occupancy rates to surge over that weekend and that the hotel would further accommodate riders by offering secure bicycle storage and other assistance.
Event co-ordinator Linda Harwood said the newly built Boardwalk Hotel and Spa, dubbed the "home of cycling" for the weekend, would round out participants' hotel options in five-star luxury.
On the other end of the scale, Harwood said there would be camping facilities for mountain bikers at the Addo Polo Club race village on the Friday evening.
"Instead of rushing to the start early on Saturday morning, bring your tent and family and enjoy an evening out in the country," Harwood said.
In addition, she said, Rennies Travel would co-ordinate cycle tour- specific travel packages for out-of-town riders. These include special rates on accommodation, flights and car hire where possible.
"Depending on your budget and schedule, they'll create an individual itinerary and take the hassle out of making all those arrangements."
The presentation ceremony will take place on the exhibition level at the new Boardwalk Convention Centre from 1pm.
Enter online before January 21.
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