Set to take the City of Oaks by storm on Saturday 30 November 2019 and Sunday 01 December 2019, the seventh annual Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience will treat mountain bikers to a two-day experience like no other.
“Stage One will start in Die Laan (Stellenbosch) and finish at the Blaauwklippen Wine Estate. This includes the Fun Ride,” says Corrie Muller, Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience Route Designer.
“Boasting a 1400m ascent, the Marathon’s terrain will include pine plantations, iconic downhill single tracks, fast sections and a floating bridge. This route is ideal for intermediate riders that possess a fair amount of fitness. Stage One of the Half Marathon will consist of easy single track in Jonkershoek, open flat sections, bike park-style G-Spot trails and Blaauwklippen’s new tracks.
“This route will boast a 600m ascent and is ideal for all mountain bikers. It’s easy flowing, with minimum technical sections. The Fun Ride will start at the same venue as the Marathon and Half Marathon. Featuring a 220m ascent, the route will go up to Coetzenburg where riders will get to experience the lower lines of G-Spot. After this section the route is basically straight and flat into Eden Forest where more lower lying trails await. It ends with the last fun bits in the new Pine Avenue section before Blaauwklippen’s home run.”
“Stage Two of the Marathon and Half Marathon will start and finish at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate. The Marathon Route will boast a 1150m ascent and feature vineyard trails, Fynbos tracks and single tracks. An entirely new stage, iconic sections include a secluded valley that has never been open to mountain bikers and of course the much-loved G-Spot section. This stage is certainly easier than Stage One. Stage Two of the Half Marathon is also brand new. Boasting a 550m ascent, the route includes vineyard trails and flat single tracks.”
“An individual two-day MTB Experience, the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience will treat riders to the best trails on offer in Stellenbosch,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director Stillwater Sports Management.
“Affectionately dubbed the ‘MTB Party of the year’, the event is open to mountain biking enthusiasts of all ages. Remember that temperatures can soar in Stellenbosch around this time of the year. Although the water points will be fully stocked, we encourage riders to also carry enough water with them. If it’s your first time crossing the Iconic Mont Marie floating bridge, be sure to keep your momentum. Speed is your friend. We cannot wait to welcome riders to the 2019 Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience.”
Trail runners can join in on the fun by taking on the Savanna Origin of Trails Trail Run on Sunday. Entrants can look forward to challenging, yet fun and rewarding routes with spectacular views.
Photo 1 Caption: Mountain bikers enjoying the iconic Mont Marie Floating Bridge during the 2018 Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience. Photo: David Tarpey
With editing by gsport