If you're planning to spend quality time in Knysna this year, and you're an active person, the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival is a good time to visit this wonderful town.

Traditionally offering cyclists and mountain bikers a bonanza of choices on the first of two weekends, and runners and paddlers the following weekend, the Festival has placed emphasis on growing the multisport segment during the week joining those two weekends. If you're travelling far to attend either of the weekends, it makes good sense to leave a little later or arrive early to enjoy some of the fun these offer.

New dynamic for 2010

There are two major events mid-week:

The first, on Tuesday 6 July is the third year of the Salomon Featherbed Trail Run presented by Petzl, which this year features a new night event for the first time.

Tips for Featherbed:

1. Footwear. A good pair of trail shoes will make your run more secure underfoot. Salomon and other quality brands have a range. Fit them before buying and run in them at least twice to settle them.

2. Warm clothes. A plastic carrier bag is provided to you on the ferry. Rather be over-dressed and leave your kit in the bag than freeze. Remember, there's no such thing as bad weather, only poor clothing choices.

3. Lighting. You'll need a good headlight to tackle the night run. French brand Petzl is the foremost-developer of adventure, caving and mountaineering lights worldwide and a model like the Tikka2 will do the job perfectly. They also happen to sponsor the night event (shameless punt for sponsor).

4. Fuel up afterwards. The vibe at the Featherbed Restaurant afterwards is great and you get a hearty meal as part of your entry. Little wonder that the event has grown from a single to a two to a three-event in one day affair.


Tips for XTERRA:

The second event is a unique multisport event, Duesouth XTERRA presented by Rehidrat® at Pezula Private Estate.

It's unique in that it's the only XTERRA in the world without a swim. The usual format is swim-MTB-run. Knysna's event is run-MTB-run.

The transition on the sublimely-named Field of Dreams is on the lee-side of the hill but it can get cold if the wind is pumping.

1. Team up. Even if you're not a multisporter or particularly fit, a team is a perfect way to become part of the action.

2. Two choices. There's a shorter event which starts early if you want to do other activities in the afternoon. Just don't miss XTERRA - it's a wonderful event.

3. Get there early. Or face a long walk from the top. Parking is at a premium at this venue.

4. Bring a wallet. There's always great food and drink to buy. The organisers put in a lot of effort to create a homely atmosphere.