Forrest Graperide 2015 Roundup

The Forrest Graperide returned on Saturday for 2015! The 11th anniversary of the Forrest Graperide was once again a hugely successful and enjoyable weekend. Friday’s registration is a great day; a hive of activity with riders picking up their race packs and then taking the opportunity to relax around the estate; enjoy a vino and some delicious food with their supporters.

We have tried to enhance the laid back and sociable atmosphere across the Friday and it definitely seemed to hit the mark! John and Brigid love seeing so many familiar faces return year after year for this event. The Forrest Graperide is one of Marlborough’s flagship events and it is great seeing the community come alive and great the numerous visitors that come from outside the region for this weekend.

With vintage in full swing it is always an art juggling so much activity and so many people around the grounds but the Graperide, and most importantly its riders, bring with them such a positive and lively atmosphere that it melts away the stress and long hours of vintage. Our vintage staff where amazed at the transformation of the estate and enjoyed the opportunity to pour wine and chat with the riders on Saturday afternoon.

Doctor John Forrest once again took on his pseudo character of the “The Doctor” and spent Saturday riding around the start/finish line in his tails and top hat. It looked like he enjoyed every moment of it! Brigid once again rode the 42km Taster course with friends and Nikki our visitor for vintage from Laithwaites in the UK. Brigid impressed around the course with a swift pace home – helped along by the thought of bubbles on arrival.

 

The 100 Virgins Crush is always such a great part of the day! Kids circled around the tank, trying to get coated in as much grape juice as possible. So 100 Grape Crushing Virgins jumped in to the tank; starting off the process for what will be bottled as our Graperide Pinot Noir 2015 and handed out to returning riders next year.

 

Manning the Pinot Noir station on Friday enabled us to meet so many returning riders and gave us the idea to delve into this further, sharing peoples experiences, training adventures and passion for riding…..and wine.

So on that note, looking ahead to the 2016 Forrest Graperide, we hope to grow the Graperide community feel and friendships further by running some rider or cycling group profiles. We would love to help grow cycling in your community as well, so if you are keen to be involved or know someone that we should profile, then please contact us here at Forrest Wines!

See you at the Graperide 2016

Samantha Forrest

Comments 2

Raul on

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Janice Hill on

Hi Samantha, Graperide has a special significance for my friends and I. Please see the ride report I recently penned for my Club website:
http://www.kapiticyclingclub.co.nz/index.php/articles/ride-reports/289-grape-expectations-fulfilled

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