Gauteng mountain bikers have just a few more days to enter the Pennypinchers Silverstar Mountain Bike Challenge, which takes place near Krugersdorp on September 6.
More than 1 500 participants are expected to turn out for the seventh edition of the West Rand event, which comprises a 40km feature race and 20km short course option.
According to race director Wynand de Villiers of ASG Events, the spring race offers some of the most scenic riding in the province.
“The views from the top of the mountain are absolutely breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see Sandton City and even Pretoria in the distance.”
De Villiers said the event lay particularly close to his heart, as it was the very first race he organised more than a decade ago.
“In its previous incarnation as the Colorpress Eagle Ride, it took place in the Ruimsig botanical gardens, which is about 2km from our current venue.”
Begun as a fundraiser to protect the Black Eagle breeding pair that nested in the kloof above the gardens, both the race and the birds had survived and flourished, he said.
“Today, we present around 40 races annually but this is where I first discovered the absolute freedom and joy of pure mountain biking.”
De Villiers said the event now started and finished at the casino and traversed a series of neighbouring properties, including the well-known Laurentia Flower Farm and Hero Adventure Park King’s Kloof.
“This is the first opportunity for participants to ride the newly upgraded trails at the park and enjoy some exciting new sections.”
He said both routes were designed to offer flowing riding and a mix of challenges.
“The longer distance features a combination of technical single-track, jeep track and gravel roads, as well as a serious 500-metre climb and some fast-paced descents.”
Families and social riders would enjoy the shorter option, as it was not overly technical but still presented a good day’s riding, he said.
Enter at www.asgevents.co.za before August 31. No late entries will be accepted on race day.
Follow @SilverstarMTB or find Silverstar MTB Challenge on Facebook.
This is one race I look forward to each year, many years back it was where I progressed from the 20/30km races into the slightly harder and more adventurous 40+km races.
Really keen on getting my race on next weekend!