Mountain biking without any testosterone! Yes, ladies, this is a wonderful opportunity, the only one of its kind in South Africa: the Lebanon Ladies MTB weekend will take place on the 27th & Sunday 28 October in the Elgin Valley, Western Cape.
This is an exclusive ladies mountain bike event was held in 2005 for the first time, when more than 100 ladies took part in wet conditions, and this year’s venue at Oaklane cottages on the Kromme Rivier Farm, just 10 minutes outside the town of Grabouw, offers fantastic trails in the Lebanon Forest.
The fairer sex will be given the opportunity not only to learn more about mountain biking and to fine-tune their technical skills, but also to then put themselves to the test during the race to be held on the Sunday.
Saturday will kick off with a mountain bike workshop presented by the very experienced Aylex Cross from the Epic Bike Shop – she will cover topics like basic maintenance, bike set-up, technical riding technique and training. Please note that the clinic must be booked in advance.
The PPA funride on Sunday will offer three distances, catering for all levels of riders. Ladies, leave your concerns behind about holding men up on the single-track sections, as they will be nowhere to be seen! That’s right, no male entrants allowed, though you might see some (dressed in drag!) on route to assist you with mechanical problems.
The 3km is ideal for the kids. On farm roads – some climbing and fun downhill to finish. Dad can join in! The 10km is an easy to moderate route with mostly jeep-track roads. Orchards, wooded areas, pine plantations, dams and streams. For novices and young ones.
The 26km is a moderate to difficult route with steeper gradients. Roads and great single-track sections, orchards and wooded areas, pine plantations, dams and streams. For fitter riders, intermediate and veterans. Entry fees range from R25 for the kids to R80 late entry for the long route.
Easy entry tickets will be accepted from PPA members. Riders will save if they pre-enter and secure their goody bag. Start time on Sunday at 08h30 and registration from 07h00.
The ladies behind this special event all share a passion for the sport. "The goal is to introduce more ladies to the sport and to provide them with a right kind of environment by running an event for women, by women and supported by companies that believe in the power of women" says Arina Botha from Dirtopia.
This should be a serene and polite affair – for once a bunch more akin to shaved legs and tights, and ride without the usual spitting and snarling. Chicks dig dirt!
To enter and for more info go to www.dirtopia .co.za or call the Dirtopia Trail Centre at Tel:021-8844752 or mail [email protected]. For accommodation enquiries call Oaklane cottages at Tel: 021-8498864 or Grabouw Tourism office at 021-8591398.
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