The eighth edition of the Staalwater MTB Challenge will take place from The Caledon Casino, Hotel, Spa and Entertainment on the weekend of the 19 & 20 August 2017. For the 2nd time the event will include a 2-day mountain bike option, with additional 40km & 60km mountain bike distances on the Saturday morning.
Photo credit: Alan van Gysen
Riders can choose to ride any of the days or make a weekend of it and participate in both days.
The usual Saturday morning trail run offering of 7km &15km remains.
At only R400 for the Staalwater MTB Challenge long routes, it is the most affordable 2-day mtb outing on the calendar, with riders free to choose their accommodation and meal options to fit their budgets. Presented by Bike Hub, the popular Sunday mountain bike routes return with 15km, 40km and 60km offerings. The two-day format offers overall category prizes for riders that complete both long routes, or both of the shorter 40km options over the weekend. Each day is treated as an independent fun ride with prize giving daily.
The late August date coincides with vast fields of yellow canola blossoms and lush green wheat fields, making for a visual feast not to be missed.
The host, The Caledon Casino, Hotel and Spa offers panoramic views of the Klein Swartberg Mountains, conveniently located only an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Both mountain bike and trail running events offer routes for amateurs to advanced mountain bikers/trail runners so bring the whole family for a fun filled weekend! The Overberg region with its stunning scenery, diverse landscape and quiet dirt roads is fast-becoming a favourite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Those looking for a getaway can spend the weekend at the Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa with an array of activities from great dining to gaming and after a day of running or cycling enjoy the restorative powers of the hot springs at the hotel spa.
Meurant Botha from Dirtopia, the organizers of the Staalwater Mountain Bike Challenge and Trail Run, says: “The Staalwater Challenge while giving professional riders a challenging race is also a fun-filled opportunity for those who simply want to enjoy a refreshing ride in beautiful surroundings with their friends and families. You don’t have to be super fit or fast to be part of it. We have different routes to suit different fitness levels.
“So, bring your family and friends and participate in this great outdoor adventure experience.”
Photo credit: Alan van Gysen
VENUE: The Caledon Casino, Hotel, Spa and Entertainment. Caledon, Overberg.
REGISTRATION: 18, 19 & 20 August – Check website for further information.
DISTANCES & ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS:
The shorter routes are designed to encourage newcomers to the sport. The event will feature two trail run distances of 7km for the kids, family and friends whereas the 15km caters for those wanting more of a challenge – both routes take participants on a scenic tour of the countryside with some great singletrack sections. The trail run takes place on the Saturday and the mountain bike challenge is on Saturday and the Sunday.
The Mountain Bike Challenge, which starts and ends at The Caledon Hotel entrance, takes racers on an adventurous journey through a mix of private farms and district dirt roads. There are three routes of varying distances and level of difficulty to choose from; 60km, 40km and a 15km fun ride for beginners and children. Well worth the drive to this beautiful area.
The local Round Table charity assist with the waterpoints & marshalling to raise funds for their various projects.
Trail Run – Saturday, 19 August 2017
Distances: 15km & 7km
Costs: From R100 to R150 depending on distance and time of entry
Mountain Bike Challenge – Saturday, 19 August 2017
Distances: 60km & 40km
Costs: From R160 to R250 depending on distance and time of entry
Mountain Bike Challenge – Sunday, 20 August 2017
Distances: 60km, 35km & 15km
Costs: From R100 to R250 depending on distance and time of entry
Pre-entries receive discount and something extra at registration. There will be refreshment station on the routes and all finishers will receive a medal. Make sure you stay for prize giving and the lucky draw!
Lots of entertainment at the Casino with surprise draws, kiddies play area & jumping castles, bar, meal stalls and more. To enter, visit www.dirtopia.co.za and make sure you get the discount with pre-entries.
For more event information, email info @dirtopia.co.za. Call Dirtopia Trail Centre on 021 884 4752 for further event enquires. Follow @Dirtopia on social media and use #Staalwater for the events.
