The Dr Evil Classic, the Garden Route based multi-day mountain bike stage race, has re-branded and will now be known as the Dr Evil Experience – a fitting change in name that aligns the event with its soul and commitment to its hometown, Plettenberg Bay.
Paid partnership with Dr Evil Experience
The name Dr Evil strikes one of two visions into one’s mind upon hearing it – either images of the bald villain from the Austin Powers movies, or memories of immensely challenging days in 2012 on the bike from Plettenberg Bay to Uniondale at the hands of Leon Evans, AKA Dr Evil at the inaugural event. That is set to change as from 2024 onwards, the Dr Evil Classic will now be known as the Dr Evil Experience.
The Dr Evil Experience, has for over a decade, delivered an incredible multi-day mountain bike stage race in the Garden Route town of Plettenberg Bay – a town that was named “Bahia Formosa” or Beautiful Bay by its 16th century Portuguese settlers.
“Leon Evans and I worked on the Rotary Cycle Tour in Knysna for over a decade before we decided to do our own thing in 2012, explained Zandile Meneses, co-founder of The Dr Evil Experience. “Our shift to a more all-encompassing, fun event has delivered an increase in numbers year on year and we believe we have found the sweet spot between challenge and fun. All that was left to do was to find a suitable name that matched the package we were offering. Our new name and direction, the Dr Evil Experience affords us the chance to showcase Plett and its beauty like never before!”
The event’s name change is nod to the evolution and progression of the event, from a once limit-testing race for hardcore riders to a holistic experience that is aimed at the fun side of mountain biking through a route that showcases the finest trails that the Garden Route has to offer – and an off-bike vibe that’s equal to the on-bike fun!
“Riders tell us that we have something unique in the Dr Evil; it has soul.” explained Leon Evans. “We are privileged to have lived on the Garden Route for most of our lives and we are fiercely passionate about this region and all that it has to offer. Plett’s natural beauty, pristine beaches, indigenous forest, friendly people and world class trails make it a playground for South Africans, and those from further abroad. We want our event to showcase this region to mountain bikers both old and new and to ensure that the more people who can experience this beautiful town – the better.”
Riders of all abilities are catered for, at the Dr Evil Experience, from the racing snakes looking to claim every KOM on their way to the podium, to the first-time stage racers on a mission to earn their first medal.
The route spans forestry roads, coastal paths, and handcrafted flow trails, promising an unforgettable journey over three exhilarating days of mountain biking. Though Dr Evil himself is not as deeply involved as he once was, take heed that his protégé, Erik Klootwyk, always has a trick or two up his sleeve and riders of the 2024 Dr Evil Experience are set for an encounter like never before when they take to the trails from 19 to 21 September.
Entries to the Dr Evil Experience are now open and riders can either enter as a team or in the solo category.
Solo entries are R5 500 per rider and a team entry is R11 000 per team. Included in the entry fee is:
- Access to world-class mountain bike routes – sections not usually open to public.
- Top quality race village venues at Sky Villa and Cairnbrogie
- Full neutral support on the route
- Premium goodie bags
- Three course lunches for all riders at Cairnbrogie
- Full catered water points
- Squirt Bike Wash each day
- Live music and entertainment at race villages
- Surprise activations daily
Secure your entry and get ready to enjoy Plett on two wheels during the Dr Evil Experience. Enter here.
