Participants of the 2015 Sappi Howick MTB Classic that takes place on Sunday 7 June in the heart of the KZN Midlands are in for a trail treat.
Not only has the event’s 40km route received a complete overhaul, but riders can also expect to enjoy the unique scenery, flora and fauna of the Howick region during their race.
Puffer Adder Pass is certain to get the blood of participants of the 2015 Sappi Howick MTB Classic pumping however, despite the climb having been named after the region’s inhabitants, Sunday 7 June’s increased heart rate will be for cycling reasons only as the legless reptiles remain in hibernation. // Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media.
Renowned for its twisting stretches of pristine single track and endless mountain biking entertainment, the Howick clash is also looked forward to by hundreds annually due to its remarkable sights and sounds with views that will add to riders’ breathlessness once they summit the event’s various lung-buster climbs.
“The vistas of the Mngeni Valley and Karkloof regions that riders will see during stages of their cycle are a special feature of the race and add value to Sappi Howick MTB Classic participants’ experiences,” explains race director Gordon Beard.
“We are blessed in the Howick region to have some of the best trails in the country to explore by bike but the views that the race exposes riders to is another major reason why cyclists keep coming back to our event year after year,” he adds.
Cyclists won’t only have the horizon’s offerings to enjoy but will ride through the various ecosystems of the Sappi forests as well.
Large stretches of the route’s single and jeep tracks flow through open areas, stream crossing, grasslands and near wetlands, giving riders the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature.
“A variety of buck, birds of prey, rabbits, porcupine, bush pigs, jackal and the occasional caracal have all been spotted in the Howick forests while we’ve even seen an otter down at the Weir Way dam!” says local mountain biker Kath Fourie.
“Some of the trails have even been named after animals found in that particular area, such as Porcupine Way and Jackal Road.
With this in mind Puff Adder pass that links the Howick and Karkloof trail networks, may cause a few butterflies in the tummy for some.
Beard confirms that participants have nothing to worry about though.
“The infamous Puff Adder Pass is very rocky and puff adders are attracted to the area because of the warmth that the rocks hold from the sun, while the terrain is ideal for hiding should they need to.
“Participants of the Sappi Howick MTB Classic need not lose any sleep over this though as the hundreds of MTB wheels that will be heading through the area and with it now being winter, our legless friends won’t be out on race day!”
Early sections of Sunday 7 June’s Sappi Howick MTB Classic will present participants will spectacular views of the picturesque Midmar Dam. // Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media.
For the race’s title sponsors, being involved in an event of this nature is the perfect fit for Sappi’s objective of engaging with activities that traverse it’s properties while living their tag line of ‘Inspired by life’ at the same time.
“Sappi has established a strong relationship with the mountain biking community, a relationship that has developed over the last 25 years,” says André Oberholzer, Sappi Group Head Corporate Affairs.
“Many people love to be outdoors and away from traffic and the stress of urban areas, and among those people are cyclists.
“Sappi land offers the environment they are looking for and we’ve been amenable to the development of trails on our land for a long time.
“We trust everyone who takes part in the 2015 Sappi Howick MTB Classic will thoroughly enjoy their ride and enjoy their adventure through the Sappi forests,” he adds.
The 2015 Sappi Howick MTB Race takes place from Howick High School on Sunday 7 June with participants able to choose from the 10km Family Ride, 19km Sappi Intermediate Ride and the 40km Sappi Howick Classic. Entries can be submitted online via www.roag.co.za by 3 June and more information can be found at www.howickmountainbiking.co.za.
