Event Name: "The Rock" MTB Stage Race and Trail Fest When: 28 September 2018 - 30 September 2018 Where: Malmesbury Sports Grounds, Spice Route and Rhebokskloof, Western Cape Category: MTB PAARL PLAYS HOST TO ‘THE ROCK’ TRAIL FEST AND MTB STAGE RACE To view the official The Rock promotional video, go to: https://vimeo.com/273857541 For more information go to www.therockrace.co.za or email info@therockrace.co.za Paarl’s biggest mountain-bike and trail run festival comes to Spice Route and Rhebokskloof over the weekend of 28-30 September 2018 with lots of entertainment and fun activities to cater for mountain-bikers and trail runners as well as their families. “The Rock” Mountain Bike Stage Race and Trail Fest presents a 3-day mountain-bike stage race as well as seven other individual races for mountain-bikers and trail runners which take place at Spice Route and Rhebokskloof over the weekend. ABOUT THE ROCK MTB STAGE RACE Day 1 Malmesbury – Rhebokskloof: 54km - 1300m elevation Day 2 Rhebokskloof – Spice Route: 48km - 1000m elevation Day 3 Spice route – Rhebokskloof: 48km - 1300m elevation Saturday 29 September 2018 is the big hosting day at Spice Route. The destination artisan village hosts the finish of “The Rock” MTB Stage race while the following events will also start and finish at Spice Route as part of the Trail Fest: 07h30: 21km Trail Run 08h00: 25km MTB Traverse 08h30: 10km MTB Family Traverse 10h00: 5km kiddies MTB (FREE!) The Rock moves to Rhebokskloof on Sunday 30 September with the following events starting and finishing at Rhebokskloof: 07h15: 48km MTB single day (R300) 07h15: 10km Trail Run – start and finish at Rhebokskloof (R140) 07h30: 5km Trail Run – start and finish at Rhebokskloof (R80) 09h00: 2km Kiddies Obstacle Trail Run – start and finish at Rhebokskloof (FREE!) “The Rock” is organised and presented with all participants as the main focal point of the events and ticks all the boxes which are vitally important for runners and mountain-bikers. “No frills, no fuss… just great trails, tough racing, wonderful camaraderie, and great hospitality – all without a hefty price tag,” assures race director Darren Herbst from Hero Adventure. The entry fee for the 3-stage race is R1200 per rider and entry fees for the various single day Trail Fest offerings are kept affordable to enable as many riders and runners as possible to enjoy the weekend in the City of Drakenstein. Drakenstein Municipality has launched a concerted drive to establish Paarl as preferred adventure sport destination in South Africa and “The Rock” represents a cornerstone event in their efforts. “Participant satisfaction, well-being and enjoyment of the races are our primary and utmost goals and we work tirelessly to deliver legendary and unforgettable mountain bike and trail run experiences,” says Herbst. “Paarl is brimming with tradition and history, and the riding and trail running terrain on the Paarl Mountain simply has no equal in South Africa,” says Herbst. The Rock takes place in beautiful surroundings and at an applicable time of the year with little chance of rain and mild temperatures while the trails are in sublime shape following the delightful winter rains. The event is one month prior to FNB Wines2Wales which presents riders with the perfect training weekend. Off the bike a world filled with great food, entertainment and activities await the entire family at Paarl’s biggest trail bash. The racing is hosted in vibey upbeat race villages, boasting lots of entertainment, live bands, stacks of fun activities and a range of artisan culinary delights. According to Herbst, Spice Route is among the top tourist attractions in South Africa. “The venue is popular with the public and includes award winning restaurants, chocolate-, wine- and gin tasting, neat toilets, ample parking, and large event areas – perfectly suited to the hosting of mass participation events.” “The trails and facilities at the venue allow us to host The Rock in a secure and safe environment,” he concluded. WEEKEND SCHEDULE FRIDAY: 07h00: MTB Stage Race Day 1: Malmesbury – Rhebokskloof: 54km - 1300m elevation 07h15: 54km MTB single day (R300) SATURDAY: 07h00: Stage Race Day 2 Rhebokskloof – Spice Route: 48km - 1000m elevation 07h15: 48km MTB single day (R300) 07h30: 21km Trail Run at Spice Route (R250) 08h00: 25km MTB Traverse – start and finish at Spice Route (R140) 08h30: 10km MTB Family Traverse – start and finish at Spice Route (R80) 10h00: 5km kiddies MTB – start and finish at Spice Route (FREE!) SUNDAY: 07h00: Stage Race Day 3 Spice Route – Rhebokskloof: 48km - 1300m elevation 07h15: 48km MTB single day (R300) 07h15: 10km Trail Run – start and finish at Rhebokskloof (R140) 07h30: 5km Trail Run – start and finish at Rhebokskloof (R80) 09h00: 2km Kiddies Obstacle Trail Run – start and finish at Rhebokskloof (FREE!) Go to Event Page
