THABA TRAILS

Event Name: CENTURY 21 SA XCO CUP. When: 31 March 2018 Where: Thaba Trails, Gauteng Category: MTB CENTURY 21 SA XCO CUP is part of the National CUP SERIES. Olympic standard XCO racing. Cat. 1 UCI event with points being allocated for UCI standings. These points are important for International races such as World Cups, World Championships, Commonwealth Games ETC. UCI Points will also be awarded to Juniors participating for qualification for the Junior World Championships. According to UCI rules the FIRST 10 places win Cash Prizes in the four categories ELITE MEN and WOMEN.... JUNIOR MEN and WOMEN. Go to Event Page

Event Name: CENTURY 21 XCO Series #3 When: 17 March 2018 Where: Thaba Trails, Gauteng Category: MTB CENTURY 21 XCO series being a 1hour 45 minute race with either 6 or 7 laps for Elite riders. each lap is 4.6 km long. Racing will be from sprogs to Grand Masters. Go to Event Page

Event Name: CENTURY 21 XCO Series #2 When: 17 February 2018 Where: CENTURY 21 XCO SERIES # 2, Gauteng Category: MTB The second of a series of XCO racing in preparation of the SA XCO CUP being held at Thaba Trails on 31st March. Elite riders will ride for 1 hour 45 minutes.. which could result in 6 / 7 laps of 4.6km Go to Event Page

Event Name: Century 21 XCO Series When: 27 January 2018 Where: Thaba Trails, Gauteng Category: MTB The SA CUP Format of lap racing each a distance of 4,6km. Based on a set racing time..Age catagories with lap quantities to be decided on race day. Normally elite riders to do 7 laps. Go to Event Page

Due to lack of entries this event has been CANCELLED.

Event Name: Auto Glen BMW 24 Hour 2016 When: 3 December 2016 - 4 December 2016 Where: Thaba Trails, Gauteng Category: MTB Our popular 24 hour is having a small face lift...New Camp sites ( NOT in a dusty car park..but we wont object if that is your choice.).......NEW route so that if the rain does come down it will not affect the race.... ATTRACTIVE Prize money. See www.info@bikeabout.co.za Map of trails will soon be published. Remember a 24 hour is not an XCO event but an endurance event therefore the course will NOT be a technical ride but friendly to All riders. Go to Event Page

Sorry, Mulbarton and NOT Bassonia.

This event will take place at the Thaba Trails. 101 Klipriver Dr. Bassonia. 2.5km laps for the sprogs,,nipapers and sports classes. ALL the rest will do a 4.5km loop. This is true cross country and definately going to be a challenge.We will ride the course this Sat. From 7am and the 3rd from 7am as well.

A sad,sad situation. I feel so for those who are left behind. I wasn't there so won't make a comment about these two but have been in two situations that will never leave me... and both incidents were "freak" but never the less,I lost two friends.Condolences for the families and friends and I must also say for the drivers involved.Just a quiet prayer for them as well. As my Dad always said..Drive ( RIDE) as though you are invisible and treat each motorist as an idiot. YOU WILL SURVIVE. RIP

A HUGE "thanks" to all who helped us with the XC MTB final on Saturday.Particularly the sponsors who pitched in at the last minute..BUT more so to my friend DAVE and crew for preparing the trail to this high standard. While I was doing some laps in the dark last night,I remembered some comments about the Provincial and National events we hosted.There were riders who were first timers to cross country racing and they said they are "sold" so what now..when will they be able to do another one..so here is a suggestion... we will organise an "OPEN" race day...no marshalls..no officials except a time keeper...NO ENTRY FEE just a donation...a race for the "little ones", a race for beginners and a race for the race snakes over the recent Nationals trail. We will set the date..soon,say 9th July,time..probably from 13h30 Saturday afternoon for the first race... If there is anyone out there wanting to pitch in and help please give me a call. Wendell

IMHO....XC should, I say should NOT be a form of racing that will dammage the "THREE BEE's"...Bones..Body..or Bike. We are striving to lay out race routes that are flowing yet challenging, and by that I mean we aim to challenge bike handling skills, such as in tight turns,drop offs,hill climbs,decents and speed.This does not need to detract from any riders technical skills, it gives him an opportunity to show these off even more so,as the speed will challange his skills to the limit. I enjoy the challange of my heart and lungs coming out my throat,my legs burning and my adrenalin sky high...I don't enjoy testing my bike's components..ie Frame,shocks,tyres etc, I trust the manufacturers to do that at THEIR expense not mine. I believe XC offers everyone an opportunity for exposure..SPONSORS, they get their return from having a platfoem for BRANDING and NEW PRODUCT EXPOSURE to the spectators for the full duration of the race/event.The UCI objective is a 15-20 minute lap time for the top riders.You can do the maths...Sponsor gets huge exposure with riders coming through regularly..SPECTATORS, get the opportunity of seeing the sponsors exposure as the race develop infront of their eyes. They get to know our top riders and can start a huge following for riders. RIDERS, THEIR EXPOSURE can result in being offered sponsorships and branding opportunities and so it goes on and can grow. Having been a track cyclist and event organiser, I have never quiet understood why track cycling has not appealed to big time advertisers. The six day events in Europe draws HUGE crowds and generates BIG income for everyone...SO why not MOUNTAIN BIKE CROSS-COUNTRY...It is an Olympic sport afterall. Mountain biking is the fastest growing sport. Marathon,trail riding and downhill riding all has it's place.It is definately more rider friendly with the sad state of our road threats. These however have logistic and safety problems whereas a cross country trail needs a few hectares,a passionate trail builder with imagination,a vision and an added help,be a rider himself. I invite you to come/go to a park near you...make use of the coaches/instructors on offer to just learn the basics of mountainbiking...trust me,you may be pleasantly surprised. I have a saying which I practise all the time.."NOTHING IS TOO DIFFICULT TO WALK" If you are not yet convinced, come along this week-end and watch/try cross-country at its very best and then to really make a pig of yourself..come watch the SARENS National on the 18th. Be swayed and be Blessed. Wendell Bole.

RAIN in JUNE in Johannesburg...we mustn't complain so we will take a "rain check " for the second of the SIX series Cycle Hub Nite series.We will make a call later so don't decide yet. We will have a BIG fire there and some HOT coffee...oh, By The Way...Sunday is Provincial Cross Country for all age catagories and the 18th The SARENS National Cross-country. PS. We are useing the North/East side of our trails so normal rides will be done over the balance of the trails.

gees....intermediate.....

Intermediate.... and grand master... some times the mind is quicker than the finger

I know it's cold but the riding is HOT. The second leg of the 6 race nite series happens on Thursday 9th. Novice start at 18h30 and intermediate are 5 minutes later. A mid week speed session or even an introduction to racing. Stan ( grand mater ) rode his first race EVER. Hope to see you at The Vlei Cycle Park, Alberton