Year 1 – separated shoulder on stage 1. Year 2 – torrential rain, multiple sets of new brake pads + one new bestie. Year 3? Let’s see!

The Dr Evil Experience and I have a somewhat tumultuous history – a history that has cost me a bruised ego, a separated shoulder, and a serious chunk of change for running repairs thanks to Mother Nature. I bet you’re asking, “well why the hell do you keep coming back?”.

The answer has a few layers to it, let me explain myself as it has rewarded just as much as it has demanded

Reason 1: The town of Plettenberg Bay

Plett is my home away from home. A magnificent seaside town that, in my opinion, has it all. Beautiful beaches, adventures around every corner, Garden Route charm, nightlife (for those without toddlers), quaint restaurants, awesome people, and the best bike shop in SA. My major drawcard is the adventure part, and the Bike Shop of course. Every year, my family and I head to the east coast town as frequently as possible; Courtnay (my wife who you’ll learn more about later on) goes because her parents live there and there’s nothing like some time with the fam (read as free babysitting), and I get to enjoy the trails, the surf, and time with the locals.

Reason 2: The Riding

As I alluded to in reason 1, the riding in Plett is, arguably, some of the best in the country. In one of the 50-odd km stages of the Dr Evil Experience, you could venture through the trail paradise that is MTO, send it at Sky Villa, or meander through the indigenous forests of Harkerville. There’s riding aplenty regardless of if you’re a seasoned shredder or a complete newbie.

Reason 3: The Dr Evil Experience’s new date

Now in its 13^th year, the Dr Evil has come a long way from its humble beginnings. The event has had its ups and downs (not to mention lefts and rights), has rolled with the punches, evolved, and comes up firing year upon year, even though the weather has tried its best to rain on the event’s parade. This year, and for years ahead, the event has moved to early December and coincides perfectly with the long weekend that, usually, calls for the wrap up of the year and the beginning of the festive season. This new date, from 11 to 13 December, means that riders and their families can make the trek to the coast, race, and then settle into summer to see the year out.

2025 will be my third stab at the Dr Evil Experience. My last two encounters were solo, where I tried my hand, and lost, at keeping up with the local legends of Plett: however, this year, I’ll be riding alongside my wife Courtnay as team Lucky Lockies.

This is an entirely new venture for the two of us; me, a seasoned MTBer with stage racing experience aplenty, and Courtnay, a complete newbie with a total of zero race days to her name.

We’ve chosen the Dr Evil Experience as our first race together as a team because the event delivers an amazing, relaxed vibe off the bike and a route that challenges and rewards in equal measure. Now, we certainly won’t be trying to mix it up with the Von Blommensteins (Andrew and Andrea) at the front of the mixed pack, rather we’ll be enjoying the trails, each other’s company, and likely a beer or two amongst friends old and new at the Cairnbrogie race village and then at the Barrington’s finish. I’m hoping that my third attempt at a clean and dry, crash-free, brake-pad-purchase-less experience is on the cards!

If you’re looking to add a season-ender to your race calendar, look no further than the Dr Evil Experience and join us in the most beautiful setting that two wheels can offer!

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