Front Runner on the Move: Kyle Gifford
Kyle Gifford is a family man, van lifer, and mountain biker. He’s certainly packed in those life experiences: from working alongside the design and build team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic MTB course in Japan to racing mountain bikes down glaciers in Europe. Today Kyle and his family live in the sleepy student town of Stellenbosch, where wine, mountain biking, and rugby rule. This is also where Kyle manages the world-class Jonkershoek mountain bike trails, which in the past have hosted the World MTB Championships and the tough Cape Epic MTB race. We recently chatted to Kyle about living in a mountain biking paradise, travel, and his van.
How does it feel to work in the mountain biking mecca of Jonkershoek?
Jonkershoek is the jewel in the Stellenbosch crown, and I feel incredibly privileged to call it my office. Not a day goes by when I’m not awestruck by the sheer size and beauty of the mountains and valley that make up this incredible place. I take every opportunity to get out there and take it all in, whether it be on the bike, in my van or on a hike. We have around 52km of world class mountain bike, hiking and trail running trails!
Tell us about your van
I’ve always wanted a kitted-out van and finally got my hands on my dream vehicle, the VW Transporter T6 4Motion. It’s impressively capable and I get to test its limits daily in the area where I work. Removable seats allow me to configure the van any way I choose, depending on the trip, and I can fit every toy imaginable in there, plus the family and dogs. I put a Front Runner Slimline II Roof Rack on top with the Transporter Ladder on the back for roof access. With the van being the long wheelbase version, there is a ton of space on top of the rack to carry bicycles, a water tank, and Wolf Pack Pro storage boxes. My van acts as the family wagon, work van and all-round adventure vehicle, and I can’t ever see myself driving anything else.
How have you kitted it out?
I’ve temporarily removed the rear row of bench seats and fitted the van with the big 75l Dometic CFX Fridge/Freezer on a Front Runner Slider for easy access. I’ve also popped an 11l Dometic CFX mini fridge in between the driver and passenger seats to keep the road trip snacks/drinks and kid’s milk bottles cool. We have the 2m awning on the side of the vehicle next to a 10” Osram lightbar and rack-mounted bottle opener. On top of the rack there’s a Front Runner Roof Top Tent while a Pro Stainless-Steel Table slides out from beneath the rack. For extra storage, we’ve got some Wolf Pack Pro ammo boxes and a Typhoon Bag. The Front Runner Expander Chairs in the carry bag are always close by and don’t take up much space inside.
What is your favourite Front Runner product?
I have a few, the 2m awning, Wolf Pack Pro storage boxes and Stratchits are used daily. I like the versatility of my set-up. When working I remove the 75l fridge and replace it with two Wolf Pack Pro boxes that fit perfectly into the rear cargo slider. Most of my work tools go in there and it allows me easy access to my things when out on the trails. The awning is a welcome shelter as it can get hot here. The Slimline II Roof Rack is probably the winner as all our gear can go there, it’s also a great platform for enjoying sunsets.
Any advice for mountain bikers kitting out a van?
Get a fridge as there’s nothing better than an ice-cold beer after a ride! The Pro Bike carrier is also a must have. I like the fact that there’s no removing of wheels and worrying about through axles. Pop the bike on, dial the tension knob and know that your bike will sit snug whilst traveling. The Wolf Pack Pro ammo box is the perfect place to store all your clean pre-ride and dirty post-ride clothing.
Where is your favourite camping spot?
My wife wasn’t into camping, so I convinced her to try it with me. Since that first camp out, she’s been hooked and it’s now usually her planning the next trip. We often venture to a little spot called Kleine Eike out in Greyton. It’s a magic place located on the river on a local farm. We take the dogs along and they end up making friends with the other campsite pups, all running riot around the sites day and night. There are spectacular MTB trails from the farm and the facilities make camping there a pleasure. Another dreamy camp location is out in Rawsonville called Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway. They have a variety of campsites, some with power and others off grid, some up in the mountains and others on the river.
Is it challenging travelling with a family?
Traveling with a family is easy if you’ve the right mindset. I think the best advice we can give is to just go. Don’t wait for the kids to be older, don’t think that it’s pointless as they won’t remember anything at an early age – you’re building core memories. You must be prepared, and with the right gear the experience is easier and more enjoyable, and whatever you don’t have you’ll remember for the next trip. A good picnic blanket and an umbrella placed in the right spot can provide the perfect space for hours of enjoyment. Don’t forget the snacks!
What would your ultimate South African road trip look like?
We’d love to venture up to the Wild Coast. Setting out to untouched beaches that span as far as the eye can see with the odd Wild Coast cow making an appearance is our kind of paradise! Settle in somewhere along the coast and spend our days exploring the shoreline and feasting on crayfish and mussels around the fire in the evenings.
