Tim_Fair

Event Name: MTN National XCM #7 Hilton Driven By NISSAN When: 23 September 2012 Where: Hilton College, Hilton, Kwa-Zulu, Kwazulu-Natal Category: MTB Date: 23 September 2012 (Possible swap with Gravel Travel TBA) Venue: Hilton College, Hilton, Kwa-Zulu 29°32'17.71"S 30°17'51.50"E Terrain: Plantations | Escarpment | Sugar Cane Farms | Game Farms Elevation: 341m | Ascent: 2600m (ultra) 1650m (75km) Participants: 1200+ Features: Single tracks | Dams | Forests | Rifts | Stunning Views Registration: Sun 30th Sept, 06h30 - 08h00 Entries: ONLINE ENTRIES OPEN SOON! Early Bird Close: TBA. (Save up to R50! by entering before) Pre-Entries Close: Wednesday 19 September 2012 Midnight Sunday 06h30-16h00: Registration & Line Entries 23/09 07h45: Riders Briefing / Leaders Jersey Handover 23/09 07h30: Start MTN ULTRA UCI PRO/Elite 105km Race 23/09 07h35: Start MTN Marathon 75km Ladies 23/09 07h45: Start MTN Marathon 75km "A". Batches +5min intervals 23/09 08h30: Start NISSAN 1/2 Marathon 45km "A". Batches +5min intervals 23/09 09h15: Start aQuelle 20km Fun Race 23/09 09h30: Start 10km Fun Ride 23/09 10h15: Winner of the aQuelle 20km Fun Race Expected 23/09 10h45: Winner of the NISSAN 1/2 marathon 45km Expected 23/09 11h00: Winner of MTN Marathon 75km Expected 23/09 12h00: Winner of MTN Ultra 105km expected 23/09 13h00: Prize Giving One of KZN’s favourite races plays host to SA’s top riders fighting it out for honours in the MTN National Marathon Series once again. Variety is the name of the game with spectacular views over the Albert-Falls Dam and the Umgeni Valley. New date over long weekend with racing on Saturday and Sunday. The Spectacular Hilton College serves as the Start/ Finish venue, offering huge trees with open grass for spectators to relax under while waiting for their winners to race through the finish. For riders there are hot and cold showers at the Sports Centre and ice cold aQuelle water and medals for finishers.. The route comprises of 55% forests, 15% sugar-cane, 20% farmland, 5% Thorn-veld, with less than1% on public roads. As always there is an abundance of single track! The complete range of MTB riders will be indulged with rides to suit their fitness and ability: MTN National Ultra-Marathon (100km). Longest individual MTB race in KZN. A really tough course to test elite riders. Flowing single track, rugged hills, plantations, farmland and bush-veld. Unique new technical descent into Umngeni Valley added this year. MTN National Marathon (75km). Less total ascent than ultra, but still a good challenge for fit riders. One of the most scenic rides in the country! NISSAN National Half-Marathon (40km). Course this year, avoiding the big climb with flowing sections in Hilton College. This ride has a bit of every-thing…bits of the pro-course but easy bits too. aQuellé Farm Ride (20km). Guaranteed, all who ride this race will enjoy it. Interesting scenery and lots of fun. New fast single track section Hilton College Fun Ride (5km). Put a smile on the kids’ faces. Medals and sweat packs for all finishers. Bring your family along and make them all experience the excitement of mountain biking! Entries: Early Bird Fees TBA. MTN Ultra Marathon R200 MTN Marathon R170 NIssan Half Marathon R140 aQuelle Fun Ride R70 Hilton College Fun Ride R50 Normal Entry Fees MTN Ultra Marathon R250 MTN Marathon R200 Nissan Half Marathon R170 aQuelle Fun Ride R80 Hilton College Fun Ride R50 Closing date for online entries is 19th September 2011 All marshals will be cleared from the course after 15h30 and all direction markers removed. The cut off at the finish line for the 105km route is 15h30 we will also have a cut off at approximately 75km, time to be confirmed soon... Prize Money*: Prize money & Points will be calculated for the UCI PRO/Elite Men in this distance only. PRO/Elite ladies will earn points & prize money in the usual 75km marathon distance only. All other categories will only be eligible for points and prize money in the usual distance. Approximate riding times: 105km: 5 – 8 hours 75km: 3 – 6 hours 40km: 2 – 4 hours Cut-off Waterpoint (TBA) 105km has a cut-off at the finish of 9hours. Directions : From Pietermaritzburg: Head North on N3 for 6km. Take Hilton Turning (exit 94). At T-junction take a right turn at Hilton Ave and follow road (M80) for 6km and arrive at Hilton College. From Howick: Head South on N3 for 16km. Take Hilton turning (exit 94). At T-junction take a left turn at Hilton Ave. and follow road for 6km and arrive at Hilton College Shuttle / Transport: There are no official shuttle services on offer, public transport is available from Durban International airport, and this is the quickest way of getting to the venue. Hilton College is situated about 60 min drive from Durban International. Accommodation: http://www.accommodationsa.co.za/town/hilton http://www.hiltoncollege.com/fleur-de-lys-club/85-b-a-b-accommodation-pietermaritzburg-area.html http://www.wheretostay.co.za/kzn/mi/accommodation/hilton.php http://businessaccommodation.co.za/index/hilton-college-self-catering.htm Important Pointers: As this event is held in Spring, the cyclist may experience hot or rainy to cool weather and should be prepared to cope with these conditions. First Aid Services will be provided to the cyclists on the routes and at the finish. The organisers may, at their discretion, shorten, lengthen or change the course if the weather, or safety of the cyclist, deem this necessary. Bike wash facilities will be available at the finish area Bike Wash Bay: Take advantage of the great service from Powasol, the official Bike Wash partner to the MTN National MTB Series. Wash only R30 Wash, Polish and Lube R50 Pre book your Bike wash at http://www.powasol.co.za/ and save R10. Location of Amenities: Teams / Riders / Public Parking Location Teams have access to the Event Venue, and setup in the teams designated area next to the finish area. Riders will park just adjacent to the race venue next to the venue, and the public at the designated public parking zones, outside the riders parking zone, just off the start finish venue. Nearest Hospital and Medical Information A wide range of professional medical services are available, including: Ambulance +27 10177 Medi-Cross (Cleland Rd) +27 33 3869208 Medi-Clinic (90 Payne Str) +27 33 8453700 Netcare St Annes (331 Burger Str) +27 33 8975000 Howick Private Hospital (107 Main Str) +27 33 3302650 Police (Hilton) +27 33 8456521 Go to Event Page

Event Name: MTN National XCM #6 Gravel Travel Driven By NISSAN When: 25 August 2012 - 1 January 1970 Where: Diemersfontein Wine Estate, Wellington, WP, Western Cape Category: MTB Date: 25 / 26 August 2012 Venue: Diemersfontein wine & country estate, Wellington, WP S 33 39 33.7 | E 19 00 15.8 Terrain: Fynbos | Rocky | Vineyard's Elevation: 341m | Ascent: 2900m (ultra) 1850m (75km) Participants: 1800+ Features: Single tracks | Dams | Old Cape-Epic Routes Registration: Fri 24/08 14:00-21:00 & Sat 25/08 06h30 - 16h00 & Sun 26/08 06h30 - 08h30 Entries: Online entries are now closed (Late entries available on registration days) Saturday 06h30-16h00: Registration & Line Entries 25/08 07h30: Riders Briefing / Leaders Jersey Handover 25/08 07h45: Start MTN ULTRA UCI PRO/Elite 105km Race 25/08 07h50: Start MTN Marathon 75km Ladies 25/08 08h15: Start MTN Marathon 75km "A" + "B". Batches +5min intervals 25/08 11h30: Winner of MTN Marathon 75km Expected 25/08 12h00: Winner of MTN Ultra 105km expected 25/08 13h00: Prize Giving Sunday 06h30-08h30: Registration & Line Entries 26/08 07h45: Riders Briefing / Leaders Jersey Handover 26/08 08h00: Start NISSAN 1/2 XCM 40km "A" + "B". Batches +5min intervals 26/08 08h30: Start Olympic Fun Race 20km 26/08 08h40: Start Spur Kiddies 5km ride 26/08 09h40: Winner Olympic Fun Race 20km 26/08 10h00: Winner NISSAN 1/2 XCM 26/08 12h00: Prize Giving This event takes place on farm roads and jeep tracks heading away from Diemersfontein, through the vineyards and farms of Wellington, crossing the Bainskloof Pass road and heading towards Groenberg Mountain. The well-balanced, fast route is jam-packed with beautiful views, fynbos, historic farmsteads, stream crossings and vineyard settings, passing many of the local award-winning cellars. Expect fast flowing single track, technically within reach of everyone (check the website for video clips of single track as they are built!). The Wellington Tourism & Wine Route of the Western Cape in South Africa is today a major tourist attraction. Nestling at the foot of the Groenberg, the historic town of Wellington lies in a picturesque valley on the banks of the Kromme River with the majestic Hawequa Mountains standing guard on its eastern border. Wellington, in the heart of the Boland and rich in cultural, religious and educational history, is an unsurpassed area to enjoy the winelands and scenery of the Western Cape in South Africa The beauty of the area is best viewed either by foot, horse, bicycle or by car to take in the scenery of nature, fynbos, wine, olives and the historical buildings to name but a few. The pass up to Bain's Kloof winds through pine tree plantations, to the summit where on a clear day you can see a vast area, consisting of the Swartland to the left, home of the extensive wheat fields, the Cape Flats and Cape Town to the right, and the sun glimmering on the sea. Diemersfontein is known for its beauty, informal elegance, and grace - an idyllic country destination only 45 minutes' drive from Cape Town and is situated near the Cape's famous Wine Routes. We warmly invite you to share with us the tranquil spirit of Diemersfontein - whether you are conferencing here, marrying here, staying for a few days of leisure (or even permanently) - or taking some of it home in a bottle! We will also have a 5km kiddies ride in the venue so bring along your kids to the event, they will have a ball! Entries: Early Bird Fees TBA MTN Ultra Marathon R200 MTN Marathon R170 NIssan Half Marathon R140 Olympic Fun Ride R70 Spur Kiddies Ride R50 Normal Entry Fees MTN Ultra Marathon R250 MTN Marathon R200 Nissan Half Marathon R170 Olympic Fun Ride R80 Spur Kiddies Ride R50 Closing date for online entries is 21/08/2011 Midnight Registration & Late Entries: Thursday 23th Aug: Sportsmans Warehouse Rondebosch 12h00 - 14h00 Friday 24th Aug: Sportmans Warehouse Tygervalley 12h00 - 14h00 Friday 24th Aug: Diemersfontein 16h00 - 20h00 Saturday 25th Aug: Diemersfontein 06h30 - 16h00 Sunday 26th Aug: Diemersfontein 06h30 - 08h30 Registration will take place at the Diemersfontein Wine Estate, Wellington. Route Descriptions: People have described this route as being one of the most picturesque and gratifying trails you will ever do. Whilst the route is challenging, it is well worth the effort. The route will take approximately two hours and will take you through vineyards, orchards, forests, olive groves and alongside bubbling brooks. The Route is not suitable for beginners as there are parts that are fairly steep and technical. The 105km will finish with some tough riding in the Hawekwa Plantation on the slopes of Du Toitskloof. Route Maps: Ultra Marathon http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270896_10150228285477584_82494432583_7280215_1680918_n.jpg Marathon: http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268594_10150228286037584_82494432583_7280223_4749760_n.jpg Half-Marathon: http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251401_10150252160792584_82494432583_7519425_7665360_n.jpg 20km Fun Race: http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229771_10150252160207584_82494432583_7519424_6960786_n.jpg Video clips: Specifics: Total Distance: 105 km (GPS) Total Ascent: 2900m (GPS) All marshals will be cleared from the course after 16h00 and all direction markers removed. The cut off at the finish line for the 105km route is 15h45 we will also have a cutoff at approximately 75km, time to be confirmed soon... Prize Money*: Prize money & Points will be calculated for the UCI PRO/Elite Men in this distance only. PRO/Elite ladies will earn points & prize money in the usual 75km marathon distance only. All other categories will only be eligible for points and prize money in the usual distance. Approximate riding times: 105km: 5h00min – 8 hours 75km: 3 – 6 hours 40km: 2 – 4 hours Cut-off Waterpoint (TBA) 105km has a cut-off at the finish of 9hours. Directions from Cape Town Approached from Cape Town, the most pleasing route is as follows: Take the N1 north until you reach exit 47. Take this exit and turn left onto the R44 which you follow in the direction of Wellington (left) for 28km. Do not turn off this road. You will pass various turnoffs and crossroads, which you should bypass, until you reach a long uphill stretch, with the town of Wellington on your left. At the third robot, with the cemetery on your right, turn right and drive downhill for approximately 1km. You will see the signs to Diemersfontein on your left. Shuttle / Transport: There are no official shuttle services on offer, public transport is available from CPT International airport, and this is the quickest way of getting to the venue. Diemersfontein wine estate is situated about 35min drive from CPT International. Accommodation: Accommodation information on all available accommodation can be obtained from Tourist Information Web Site or from Tourist Reservations. Diemersfontein website: http://www.diemersfontein.co.za Wellington Website: http://www.wellington.co.za/wellington_staying.php Rooms for Africa website: http://www.roomsforafrica.com/dest/south-africa/western-cape/wellington.jsp Cape Stay website: http://www.capestay.co.za/accommodation.asp?SuburbID=88&CatID=2 SA Venues website: http://www.sa-venues.com/hotels/wellington.php Important Pointers As this event is held in the summer, the cyclist may experience hot or rainy to cool weather and should be prepared to cope with these conditions. First Aid Services will be provided to the cyclists on the routes and at the finish. The organisers may, at their discretion, shorten, lengthen or change the course if the weather, or safety of the cyclist, deem this necessary. Bike wash facilities will be available at the finish area Bike Wash Bay: Take advantage of the great service from Powasol, the official Bike Wash partner to the MTN National MTB Series. Wash only R20 Wash, Polish and Lube R40 Pre book your Bike wash at http://www.powasol.co.za/ and save R10. Location of Amenities Teams / Riders / Public Parking Location Teams have access to the Event Venue, and setup in the teams designated area next to the finish area. Riders will park just adjacent to the race venue next to the venue, and the public at the designated public parking zones, outside the riders parking zone, just off the start finish venue. Nearest Hospital and Medical Information A wide range of professional medical services are available, including: Medi-Cross +27 (0) 21 873 1057 Ambulance +27 10177 Medi-Clinic Paarl +27 (0) 23 348 1110 Police +27 (0)21 864 8440 Go to Event Page

Event Name: MTN National XCM #5 Mabalingwe Driven By NISSAN When: 12 May 2012 Where: Mabalingwe Reserve, Outside Bela Bela, Limpopo Category: MTB Date: 12 May 2012 Venue: Mabalingwe Reserve, Outside Bela Bela, Limpopo Terrain: Grasslands | Bushveld | Rocky Terrain Elevation: 341m | Ascent: 1200m Participants: 2200 | Distances: 20km / 40km / 75km / 115km Features: Single tracks | Dual Tracks | Wildlife Registration: Fri 11/05 14:00-19:00 & Sat 12/05 05h30 - 07h30 Entries: ONLINE ENTRIES OPEN ! - CLICK HERE TO ENTER Saturday: 05h30-07h30: Registration & Line Entries 11/05 07h45: Riders Briefing / Leaders Jersey Handover 11/05 08h00: Start MTN ULTRA UCI PRO/Elite 115km Race 11/05 08h05: Start MTN Marathon 75km Ladies 11/05 08h15: Start MTN Marathon 75km "A" Batch +5min intervals 11/05 09h05: Start NISSAN 1/2 Marathon 40km "A" Batch +5min intervals 11/05 09h45: Start 20km Fun Race 11/05 10h45: Winner of 20km Fun Race Expected 11/05 11h15: Winner Nissan 40km Expected 11/05 11h30: Winner of MTN Marathon 75km Expected 11/05 12h00: Winner of MTN Ultra 115km expected 11/05 13h00: Prize Giving Only an hour and a half from Pretoria is the new race in the MTN National MTB Series, Mabalingwe. The race has a great history, with a mere 154 cyclists in 2001, has grown to one of the most prominent and popular Mountain Bike Races in South Africa. Spread over more than 12 500 ha and malaria free, unspoilt bushveld, Mabalingwe Nature Reserve nestles in the shadow of the majestic Waterberg Mountains. The Mabalingwe Lion Man MTB race has become a "must-do-event" for all seasoned cyclists but also for families and newcomers to the sport. 2011 saw the 11th consecutive race take place with no less than 2060 cyclists. Because the race has grown so significantly only a limited amount of cyclists can enter. This ensures your safety and more enjoyment for everyone.... Cyclists can look forward to an easier 40 km route or the more challenging 75 km route. The 40 km route is mostly fast riding with the occasional climb, loose rock and thick sand patches. The 75 km route is more challenging and takes you over the treacherous and technical climb of Vodacom Hill. Cyclists also get the opportunity to ride past the Lion hide and in the past some have been lucky enough to spot the Mabalingwe lions! On route, you can expect well stocked water points with a festive atmosphere. These sponsors are not only there to restock your water supply but also to lift your spirits and encourage you to keep on going. At the Mabalingwe Lion Man MTB Race you can be sure of our best service, attention to detail, and a unique experience, both on and off your bike! This race will surely go from strength to strength and we look forward to sharing this awesome day with you and your family in years to come! Cyclist or spectator .... make sure that you and your family diarize the dates for the Mabalingwe Lion Man MTB Race well in advance! Entries: Early Bird Fees - Close 31st January 2012!! Ultra Marathon R210 Marathon R190 Half Marathon R140 Fun Ride R70 Normal Entry Fees Ultra Marathon R250 Marathon R220 Half Marathon R170 Fun Ride R80 Closing date for online entries is 07/05/2011 Midnight (or as soon as 2100 participants have been reached) Registration: Cyclelab - Tuesday 08/05 09:00 - 17:00 Cyclelab - Wednesday 09/05 09:00 - 17:00 Mabalingwe - Friday 11/05 14h00 - 19h00 Mabalingwe - Saturday 12/05 05:30 - 07:30 Route Descriptions: TBA - Maps to be uploaded first week of February. Specifics: All marshals will be cleared from the course after 16h00 and all direction markers removed. The cut off at the finish line for the 115km route is 15h45. Prize Money*: Prize money & Points will be calculated for the UCI PRO/Elite Men in this distance only. PRO/Elite ladies will earn points & prize money in the usual 75km marathon distance only. All other categories will only be eligible for points and prize money in the usual distance. Approximate riding times: 115km: 5h00min – 8 hours 75km: 3 – 6 hours 40km: 2 – 4 hours Cut-off Waterpoint (TBA) 115km has a cut-off at the finish of 9hours. Directions from Pretoria Shuttle / Transport: There are no official shuttle services on offer, public transport is available from JHB International airport, and this is the quickest way of getting to the venue. Mabalingwe is situated about 2.5 hours drive from JHB International. Accommodation: Accommodation information on all available accommodation can be obtained from Tourist Information Web Site or from Tourist Reservations. Accommodation available @ Mabalingwe – 014 736 9000 / info@mabalingwe.co.za Important Pointers As this event is held in the autumn, the cyclist may experience hot or rainy to cool weather and should be prepared to cope with these conditions. First Aid Services will be provided to the cyclists on the routes and at the finish. The organisers may, at their discretion, shorten, lengthen or change the course if the weather, or safety of the cyclist, deem this necessary. Bike wash facilities will be available at the finish area Bike Wash Bay: Take advantage of the great service from Powasol, the official Bike Wash partner to the MTN National MTB Series. Wash only R20 Wash, Polish and Lube R40 Pre book your Bike wash at http://www.powasol.co.za/ and save R10. Location of Amenities Teams / Riders / Public Parking Location Teams have access to the Event Venue, and setup in the teams designated area next to the finish area. Riders will park just adjacent to the race venue next to the venue, and the public at the designated public parking zones, outside the riders parking zone, just off the start finish venue. Nearest Hospital and Medical Information A wide range of professional medical services are available, including: Ambulance +27 10177 Hospital +27 (0)23 312 1117 Police +27 (0) Fire Department +27 (0) Go to Event Page

Entries are looking good for Tulbagh and weather seems to be playing along nicely! See you all there! Reminder: Entries are closing tomorrow at Midnight. Enter now http://advendurance....bseries/tulbagh

Anybody still looking for accommodation? Contact Michelle for specials. Email : michellehi@southersun.com Kantoor nommer 013 757 0000 Selfoon :071 880 5317

Under no circumstances must anyone attempt to ride the Sabie Classic courses prior to the race. Permits to ride in Sabie can be obtained from the authorized sellers but the route for the race does not follow the existing routes, deviation from these routes is trespassing.

Join us for MTN National MTB Series #3 Sabie (UCI World Series#1) Driven by NISSAN Half-Marathon Pre-ride on Sunday 12th Feb. Start at York Sports Grounds - 07h00

SuperSport Broadcast Schedule http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/423696_10150531237937584_82494432583_8863393_1875578163_n.jpg

Ultra Marathon Total Ascent - 3150m Distance - 113km Marathon Total Ascent - 2100m Distance - 75km Half Marathon Total Ascent - 1050m Distance - 40km Fun Race Total Ascent - 125m Distance - 15km

Hey guys, Here are the updated route maps and profiles. Some of the routes have been tweeked after the heavy rain that Sabie experienced and the water points have been moved on the Half Marathon. Half Marathon http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/401986_10150531211687584_82494432583_8863303_1533784424_n.jpg Marathon http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/409550_10150531212577584_82494432583_8863305_808682953_n.jpg Ultra Marathon http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/423145_10150531213787584_82494432583_8863306_1423847030_n.jpg

If you are still looking for race pics, check out the official photographers .... PhotoMarx

Its about 1500m for the marathon

Great read...Very Funny

Race Report - Stu Spies... MTN National MTB Series #1 Barberton Driven by NISSAN - http://www.marathonmtb.com/31/01/2012/barberton-ultra/

Half Marathon route map and profile http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/400109_10150520096512584_82494432583_8826742_319707095_n.jpg

Sorry chaps...the figures on the website are correct! Ultra - 3070m Marathon - 2120m Half-Marathon - 950m The course is similar to previous years so riders dont have to stress to much. * Due to the severe rains that Sabie experienced 2 weeks ago, certain sections of the route might still be changed.

Race Report - Kleinhans... MTN National MTB Series #1 Barberton Driven by NISSAN - http://www.kleinhansmuesli.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=1&Itemid=2#barberton

Race Report - Kevin Evans... MTN National MTB Series #1 Barberton Driven by NISSAN - http://team360life.co.za/mtn-ultra-marathon-1-barberton/

Race Report - Renay Groustra... MTN National MTB Series #1 Barberton Driven by NISSAN - http://renayg.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/barbeton-national-xcm-and-wp-provincial/

Race Report - Oliver Munnik... MTN National MTB Series #1 Barberton Driven by NISSAN - http://www.bicycling.co.za/articles/ultra-marathons-off-the-hook

More photos: City Press

Hey guys, thank you to all of you for making Barberton such a huge success...perfect weather conditions and great competition. Anyone who wasn't there missed out! Results: Spectrum Sport (still being loaded) Photos: Zoon Cronje And a little something else: Teaser Lost and found: Adidas Sunnies, Helmet and speedometer, Pump, Bomb, Garmin...let me know if any of it is yours.

See you all this weekend! Weather looks great!