Dirtopia MTB Events

Event Name: Bien Donne MTB When: 20 April 2013 Where: Bien Donne Agri Mega Expo, Western Cape Category: MTB This eventis at the Bien Donne Agri Mega Expo with lots to do for the whole family! Distances: 3 Km Walk TBC 5 Km Run TBC 8 Km Run TBC BeginnerTrail Runners will find the short routes the perfect introduction. EntryFee: R40, R50, R60 Start: 08h00 Pre Entrieswill open 20 Feb and close 8 April 2013 Goody Bagfor all Pre Entries Lateentries available on event day Regret, nopets and not wheelchair friendly, walkers welcome Go to Event Page

Event Name: 24 Hours Of Oak Valley When: 19 January 2013 - 20 January 2013 Where: Oak valley Estate, Elgin Valley, Grabouw, Western, Western Cape Category: MTB Kick of the New Year with your mates in an adventurous way. For the first time a 24Hour Trail Run will follow the weekend after Dirtopia’s 24Hour MTB Relay. A social camping event and you don’t have to ride for the whole period! Event: 24 Hours of Oak Valley – a team relay Dates: Saturday 19 January (12h00) – Sunday 20 January 2013 (12h00) Mountain Bike Team Relay Venue: Oak valley Estate, Elgin Valley, Grabouw, Western Cape Format: Ride as many 10km laps (run 5/6km laps) as you want or can over 24hours Trail will keep participanets busy with singletrack & jeeptrack sections. Entry details: Teams of 4 or fun teams of 5 to 8 riders. Or do it Solo! Cost: From R220, depending on category and date of entry. Camping & support crew included. Visit the website for full details. Go to Event Page

Event Name: Dirtopia MTB Festival When: 14 December 2012 - 17 December 2012 Where: Tarentaalkraal campsite, near Greyton in the Overb, Western Cape Category: MTB DIRTOPIA ALL MOUNTAIN ENDURO A FEAST FOR RIDERS OVER THELONG WEEKEND Just as the school holidays start, families can pack theircamping gear with mountain bikes, and head to the Overberg to kick off thesummer at Dirtopia MTB Festival from 15-17 December. This year the All Mountain Enduro have beenlaunched: an individually timed event with 12 stages, 3 up-lift/shuttlessections and a night stage over 3 days. You choose to ride some, rideall or choose shorter options. There are also marked trails from thecampsite all weekend to ride and Funrides on Monday, 17 December. This will certainly give everyone a taste of the new trails that has been builtrecently. At the Dirtopia Enduro, you’ll still be climbing andeven be timed on some of the sections. There will also be jeeptracks androads for ‘neutral’ sections. Riders will still be required to ridethese. There will be daily shuttle or uplift sections to assist with elevationgain. Therefore, the overall descent of the race will be more than theuphill.Riders participate as individuals and results are produced on a ‘perday’ and ‘overall basis. Waterpoints with fruit etc will be placed at strategicpoints to assist with rider support. The beauty of the format is that you canrelax a bit at the stations and catch your breath before tagging into the nextSpecial Stage. Two hour start window every morning, so start early or later,the riders choose as timing is done with the Amarider Trail Tag that will give‘real-time’ results. Day Visitors and non-campers are also welcome at the event, which takes placeon Middelplaas near Greyton. The Dirtpass that includes 3 days ofcamping, riding, T-shirt & a goodybag only costs R525 per person. There are also the option of the Mudpass for two days/one night, discounts forjuniors, small kids camp free, non-campers R200 per day or do the All MountainEnduro for three days without camping for R375. A Christmas present! Trail Runners can take part in the last of the TripleTrail Run series on Monday morning that gives a fun 5km & 10km option of routes. There are also Kiddies events every day and lots of space for them toplay. Beginners can learn more about mountain biking at the dailyskills clinics by Sara Muhl. Then there are the Gravity eventsfor the more extreme and a lot of fun to watch for spectators: Downhillcompetition, Obstacle Challenge, Night Dual and Dirt jumping. There will also be lots of stalls with food, drinkand various products to browse through, prizes and lucky draws, medals andother give-aways for participants. The event certainly has everything for all abilities andages, so don’t miss this popular outdoor Festival that will also have riverrafting & abseiling. Visitthe website for the full schedule of events, route information and to enter(pre-entries close on 10 Dec): www.dirtopia.co.zaor contact info@dirtopia.co.za or call0218844752. Go to Event Page

Event Name: 24 Hours Of Oak Valley: MTB Relay When: 19 January 2013 - 20 January 2013 Where: Oak Valley Estate, Western Cape Category: MTB Mountain biking around the clock Dirtopia’s14th 24Hour event has all the ingredients for a fun weekend ofriding, camping & socialising with friends & family at this great venuein Grabouw. Pre-entries only – so get your teams together! Youdecide how many laps you want to do, but the most laps in each category wins… Event: 24 Hours of Oak Valley – ateam relay Dates: Saturday 19 January(12h00) – Sunday 20 January 2013 (12h00) MountainBike Team Relay Venue: Oak valley Estate, ElginValley, Grabouw, Western Cape Format: Ride as many 10km laps as youwant or can over 24hours Trail will keep participants busy with singletrack& jeeptrack sections that gets a different feel at night. Entry details: Teams of 4 or fun teams of 5 to 8 riders. Or doit Solo! Cost: From R220, depending on category Camping & support crew included. For more information: www.dirtopia.co.za Or email theteam@dirtopia.co.zaor call 021-8844752 Go to Event Page

Event Name: 24 Hours Of Oak Valley Trail Run When: 26 January 2013 - 27 January 2013 Where: Oak Valley Estate, Western Cape Category: Multisport Trail running around the clock Kick of the New Year withyour mates in an adventurous way. For the first time a 24Hour Trail Run willfollow the weekend after Dirtopia’s 24Hour MTB Relay. A social campingevent and you don’t have to run for the whole period! Event: 24 Hours of Oak Valley Trail Run – a team relay Dates: Saturday 26 January (12h00) – Sunday 27January 2013 (12h00) Trail RunTeam Relay Venue: Oak valley Estate, ElginValley, Grabouw, Western Cape Format: Runas many 6km laps as you want or can over 24hours. About 20-30minutes per lap. Trail will keep participants busy with singletrack& jeeptrack sections. Entry details: Teams of 4 or fun teams of 5 to 8 runners. Or doit Solo! Cost: From R300,depending on category. Camping & support crew included. For more information: www.dirtopia.co.za Or email theteam@dirtopia.co.zaor call 021-8844752 Go to Event Page

Event Name: Delvera Hi-Tec Full Moon Hikes When: 28 October 2012 - 29 October 2012 Where: Stellenbosch, Western Cape Category: Track Theseason of these fun & popular hikes kicks off with two hikes end ofOctober! Rated as the most beautiful sunset & moonrise in the Cape, you’llhike through the Renosterveld Conservancy to the top of Klapmutskoppie to seespectacular views of the winelands and Table Mountain in the distance. Dates: Sunday, 28 October & Monday 29 October Times: Arrival by 17h00 no later than 18h00 The earlier thebetter, so you have more time to spend on the mountain! Sunset 19h12- Moonrise 18h09 (on Sunday) &Moonrise 19h05 (on Monday) Venue: Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Farm, R44,between Klapmuts & Stellenbosch Cost: R60 per person (kids 9 years old and younger pay R25) includes your permit,map and optional shuttle Distance: 9,75km total, 5kmoption with farm vehicle assistance to half-way mark. What to bring: Don’t forget tobring something warm to wear after dark! Wear hiking shoes – you areclimbing a mountain. Torches needed – also for sale at Trail Centre. General: Snacks (evenpicnics) & drinks available at Trail Centre. You even stand a chance of winning a pair of Hi-Techiking shoes in the lucky draw! Booking essential: (021) 884 4752 or mail: info@dirtopia.co.za Visit www.dirtopia.co.zafor full information (and further hike dates) Go to Event Page

Event Name: DIRTOPIA MTB FESTIVAL IN SUMMER! When: 14 December 2012 - 17 December 2012 Where: Tarentaalkraal campsite, near Greyton, Western Cape Category: Multisport This popular outdoor festival, that caters for the whole family is back at Tarentaalkraal campsite, near Greyton in the Overberg and will take place from 14-17TH of December 2012 – for the first time in the summer months. The event was first held here back in 2000 on Easter weekend and then moved to the last weekend in April. The event remains one of the highlights on the calendar and the new date will be the start for many of the holidays. A jam packed weekend with activities for young and old ranging from night rides, trail riding, gravity events (downhill, dual & dirt jumping), cross country funrides, a trail run and kid’s activities. You can camp for three days or just for a day; prices vary from between R150 to R200 per day which includes camping and riding. Dirtpass holders (all weekend pass) will receive a T-shirt & goodybag – entries to open by October. Dirtopia Festival is South Africa’s original & only true MTB Festival that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from across the board. This is the 12th year the event is taking place and as always it will be a celebration of the mountain biking way of life! Don’t miss out! For more information, go to www.dirtopia.co.za / email theteam@dirtopia.co.za or call 021 884 4752 Go to Event Page

Event Name: Spur Lourensford MTB Classic When: 30 September 2012 Where: Lourensford, Somerset West, Western Cape Category: MTB Event at Lourensford the only true mountain bike Classic! The Spur Lourensford MTB Classic is the oldest funride on the Western Cape MTB calendar and remains one of the favourites! The event was started by the community in the early 1990’s and has certainly grown with the mountain bike calendar. Riders can always look forward to beautiful riding and views on the Lourensford mountain, as there are something on offer for all ages and abilities. DATE: Saturday, 30 September 2012 VENUE: Lourensford Estate, Somerset-West DISTANCES: • 0.5km, 1.5km & 3km for small children (10 & under) • 15km funride for children & novices. • 27km funride for beginner riders • 38km challenge for intermediate, but fit riders • 57km challenge for advanced riders Title sponsor, Spur Steak Ranches will also have their jumping castles, entertainment and great food at the finish. Don’t miss the lucky draw after the event, as all riders will stand a chance to win great prizes, including a mountain bike. Friends and family can socialize on the lawns of this fantastic Estate after completing the race. For updated event information, visit www.dirtopia.co.za or email theteam@dirtopia.co.za. Call Dirtopia Trail Centre on 021 884 4752 for further event enquires. Go to Event Page

Event Name: Staalwater MTB Challenge When: 8 September 2012 Where: Caledon Casino, Western Cape Category: MTB Third year of Staalwater mountain bike event in Caledon. The restorative powers of Caledon's hot springs have been renowned for centuries and on 8 September mountain bikers can enjoy these mineral-rich waters after taking part in the Staalwater MTB Challenge. With three route options, the event offers something from beginners to fit riders. Mountain biking has certainly grown in the Overberg region for the past few years and the organizers promises beautiful riding in Spring time! DATE: Saturday, 8 September 2012 VENUE: The Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa. Caledon, Overberg. DISTANCES: • 60km • 30km • 15km funride for beginner riders & children Entries open 1 August and pre-entries close on Monday 31st of August, so get your entries in to save some bucks! Lots of entertainment at the Casino with surprise draws, kiddies play area & jumping castles, bar, meal stalls and more. Book your accommodation early and make a weekend out if it! On Sunday there will be a social ride from Voorhoede farm on the marked trails with a braai afterwards. For updated event information, visit www.dirtopia.co.za or email theteam@dirtopia.co.za. Call Dirtopia Trail Centre on 021 884 4752 for further event enquires. Go to Event Page

Event Name: Nine-to-Five Mountain Bike Team Relay When: 9 August 2012 Where: Delvera,Stellenbosch, Western Cape Category: MTB EIGHT HOURS OF WINTER MOUNTAIN BIKING NEAR STELLENBOSCH The ever popular Nine-to-Five Mountain Bike Team Relay event will take place for the eight year on Delvera Farm and will this year be held on Women’s Day - Thursday, 9 August. Solo riders, teams of two and teams of 4 riders will try to complete as many 7km laps as possible in the eight hour period. Cost starts from R110 per rider to R165 per rider, depending on the category with discount to Amarider members. It is not necessary for team members to ride in sequence and one team member can do as many consecutive laps as they like. There should, however, not be more than a four lap difference between the rider with the most laps and the rider with the least number of laps at the end of the event. This is a very social event with friends and family supporting the riders and enjoying the facilities at this beautiful winelands venue. Only pre-entries are taken, so get your teams together – categories include: Open, Mixed, Junior a percentage of the entry fee will go towards the Klapmutskop Conservancy. Entries will open soon! Go to Event Page

Event Name: Western Province MTB Cup Final When: 15 July 2012 Where: Delvera, Stellenbosch, Western Cape Category: MTB Western Province MTB CXO Cup Series Race 3 15 July 2012 - Delvera A fun, but challenging mountain biking! From 2 laps for sports class and up to 6 laps for Elites – come and support the riders that are racing for SA points. Date: 15 July 2012 Registration & Practise: 14 July from 09h00 to 16h00 - Bike numberboards required Venue: Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Farm, R44 near Stellenbosch Time: Registration from 08h00 (sports class) Check start times below. Lap distance: Approximately 7km (t.b.c) Cost: Pre-entries receive goodybags R60 for Sports Class R120 all other categories (must have CSA licence or buy daylicence) Please note: Sprogs, Nipper, Sub-Junior Boys/Girls, Youth, Junior Men/Women race at the Spur Schools League event in Paarl on the 14th of July. General Info: There will be drinks at the finish and a very exciting prize giving. For further information contact Dirtopia on 021 884 4752 / e-mail info@dirtopia.co.za www.dirtopia.co.za Go to Event Page

Event Name: Die Burger MTB Challenge When: 28 July 2012 Where: Stellenbosch, Western Cape Category: MTB MOST SCENIC ROUTES FOR ALL LEVEL MOUNTAIN BIKERS Die Burger MTB Challenge will take place for the seventh year in 2012 in Stellenbosch on Saturday 28 July. The event, which is renowned for its challenging and picturesque routes, will be held in association with the Simonsberg Conservancy and will boast five scenic routes to cater for all levels of riding. DATE: Saturday, 28 July 2012 VENUE: Eikestad Primary School TIME: First start at 08h15, last at 10h00 DISTANCES: • 15km funride for children & novices. • 30km funride for beginner riders • 42km challenge for intermediate, but fit riders • 60km challenge for advanced riders • 75km invitation race for top riders Meurant Botha of Dirtopia, who has been designing and maintaining mountain bike trails for over ten years, says that the routes will pass through more than 60 farms in the area, giving riders the opportunity to tackle some of the best and most beautiful trails in the country. Entries will close on 13 July, or as soon as the 3500 entry limit is reached. For updated event information, visit www.dirtopia.co.za or email theteam@dirtopia.co.za Call Dirtopia Trail Centre on 021-8844752 for further event enquiries. Go to Event Page

Event Name: MOUNTAIN BIKE NIGHTRIDE When: 23 June 2012 Where: Stellenbosch, Western Cape Category: MTB MOUNTAIN BIKE NIGHTRIDE - 23 June ~ Sun sets at 17h45 ~ Never tried it before? Experience mountain biking at a complete new level… Date: Saturday, 23 June 2012 Venue: Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Farm, R44 near Stellenbosch Time: Registration from16h30, start at 17h45 (sunset) Distances: Vineyard trail, (7km) climbs to just below Klapmutskoppie through the vineyards on farm roads. It also has three sections of singletrack and is suitable for all ability levels! Porcupine trail, (14.5km) with over 5km of technical constructed singletrack and lots of climbing and fun downhills for the more experienced riders. The trail will get a different feel when the sun has set! Cost: R50 p.p. Entries will also be taken on the day with goodys for all. General info: Drinks at the finish, luckydraw & and riders will be timed with numberboards issued at registration. Results issued, but this is a fun event! Trail Centre provides shelter for socializing before & afterwards... Lights: Better with one on your handlebar and one on your helmet. Available for rent at Trail Centre, but must be booked in advance. Please see the following link to enter online: http://www.entrytime.com/index.asp?GoTo=EventInfo&EventID=3513 – For further information contact Dirtopia on 021 884 4752 / e-mail theteam@dirtopia.co.za www.dirtopia.co.za Go to Event Page

Event Name: Dirtopia Night Ride When: 27 April 2012 Where: Delvera Farm, R44 near Stellenbosch, Western Cape Category: MTB NIGHTRIDE 27 April Kick-off the long weekend with a fun MTB nightride on Delvera trails. Drinks at the finish, luckydraw & goodys for all and riders will be timed with numberboards issued at registration. Coffee available before & afterwards – hope you can socialize with us! Date: Friday, 27 April 2012 Venue: Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Farm, R44 near Stellenbosch Time: Registration from17h00, start at 18h00 Distances: Vineyard trail, (7km) climbs to just below Klapmutskoppie through the vineyards on farm roads. It also has three sections of singletrack and is suitable for all ability levels! Porcupine trail, (14km) with over 5km of technical constructed singletrack and lots of climbing and fun downhills for those up for a challenge. The trail will get a different feel when the sun has set!  Cost: R50 You'll need lights for this (also for rent at Trail Centre). Better with one on your handlebar and one on your helmet. Entries will be taken on the day. For further information contact Dirtopia on 021 884 4752 / e-mail info@dirtopia.co.za Go to Event Page

Event Name: Bien Donne Kid’s Funride When: 1 January 1970 Where: Paarl, Western Cape Category: MTB Come and show mom and dad your adventurous side at the Agri Mega Expo with this great Kid’s funride. This race is for the little ones, ages 12 years old and younger that loves to ride but most of all have fun! Date: Saturday, 21 April Venue: Agri Mega Expo, Simondium, Paarl Registration: From 08h00. Parents are most welcome to participate as well. Distance: 3km – under 8’s, 5km – under 10’s & 8km – under 12’s ~ An easy flat course on a fun dirt and gravel road. Start times: 09H00 (3km), 09H30 (5km), 10H00 (8km) Cost: R40 (3km), R50 (5km) & R60 (8km) All pre-entries will receive a good bag at registration. Late entries will be accepted on the day. There will be refreshments at the finish with drinks and a few surprises... For further information contact Dirtopia Trail Centre on 021 884 4752 / e-mail info@dirtopia.co.za Go to Event Page

Event Name: Beginner's MTB Clinic When: 29 April 2012 Where: Stellenbosch, Western Cape Category: MTB Gear up your mountain biking skills! Join Sara Muhl for a Mountain Bike Workshop on Sunday the 29th of April at the Trail Centre on Delvera Farm, Stellenbosch. Sara will take you through 3 hours of MTB skills development. Her workshops are adapted to the participants and her main aim is to make sure that everyone rides away with at least one useful new skill. After a quick chat (no more than 30 min) to run through some basic bike anatomy and theory around staying upright, using your gears, braking, cornering and different types of terrain we will hit the trails and work on practicing this stuff. (for beginners you must be fit enough to ride 1.5 hours) Sara likes to spend one on one time with each participant to make sure that everyone gets the maximum benefit from being there. About Sara: She has won the XC SA National MTB champs in 2007 and 2009 and been to two World Champs for XC. The clinic fee is R300 (a R150 deposit payable in advance) and bookings are essential as there is limit space available! For more information, visit www.dirtopia.co.za, email: theteam@dirtopia.co.za or call the Dirtopia Trail Centre on 021 884 4752. Go to Event Page

Event Name: DIRTOPIA MTB FESTIVAL When: 27 April 2012 - 29 April 2012 Where: Greyton, Western Cape Category: MTB DIRTOPIA MTB FESTIVAL RETURNS TO ITS FAVOURITE VENUE THIS YEAR! This popular outdoor festival, that caters for the whole family is back at Tarentaalkraal campsite, near Greyton in the Overberg and will take place from 27th–29th April 2012. The event was first held here back in 2000 and remains one of the highlights on the calendar. A jam packed weekend with activities for young and old ranging from night rides, trail riding, gravity events (downhill, dual & dirt jumping), cross country funrides, a trail run and kid’s activities. You can camp for three days or just for a day; prices vary from between R150 to R200 per day which includes camping and riding. Pre-entries will receive a T-shirt & goodybag. Dirtopia Festival is South Africa’s original & only true MTB Festival that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from across the board. This is the 12th year the event is taking place and as always it will be a celebration of the mountain biking way of life! Don’t miss out! For more information, go to www.dirtopia.co.za / email theteam@dirtopia.co.za or call 021 884 4752 Go to Event Page

Event Name: RE:CM 100MILER When: 26 May 2012 Where: Malmesbury, Western Cape Category: MTB All set for the fourth RE:CM 100Miler With just over a month to go there are still entries available for the Cape’s ultra mountain bike marathon the RE:CM 100Miler over 160km. Action takes place on Saturday 26 May in Malmesbury at the Swartland winery. Big names like the RE:CM team riders Waylon Woolcock and Neil McDonald as well as Blend Properties' Charles Keey and Dave Morison have already entered for the event, while leading lady racer, Ischen Stopforth is a serious contender in the ladies competition. Winner of the first 100Miler Erik Kleinhans (Team Contego/28E) is also planning on racing, while youngsters like Louis-Bresler Knipe and Adriaan Louw (both Contego/28 E) are also ready to participate. One of the locals, who know the route pretty well, is Petrus Malherbe. According to Malherbe there is great respect amongst riders for the winner of the 100Miler. “You want to enter every year because you have a few war stories to share with other warriors after this grueling race that ends with a killer climb after more than 150km!” This year will see the fourth edition of an event that grew from humbling beginnings in 2009 to what is now one of the must-do-events on the mountain biking calendar. Previous winners of the 100Miler are Erik Kleinhans, Jacques Rossouw and Christiaan Kriek. Only pre-entries will accepted for both the 100Miler and 50Miler (this race over 80km starts at the halfway mark). Closing date for entries is Friday 18 May. Only the first 400 entries for the 100Miler and 200 for 50Miler will be allowed. All finishers will receive a medal and a RE:CM long-sleeve T-shirt. You can enter as a solo-rider in elite, sub-veterans, veterans or masters. The other option is to enter a team of four riders in open or mixed. The fourth rider over the finish line will determine the team result. For more information or to enter phone 021 884 4547, email info@amarider.co.za or visit www.amarider.co.za. Go to Event Page

Event Name: 24 Hours Of Oak Valley When: 21 January 2012 - 22 January 2012 Where: Oak Valley, Grabouw, Western Cape Category: MTB DIARY LISTING: January/February 2012 Event: 24 Hours of Oak Valley – a mountain bike team relay Date: Saturday 21 January (12h00) – Sunday 22 January 2012 (12h00) Venue: Oak valley Estate, Elgin Valley, Grabouw, Western Cape Format: Ride as many 10km laps as you want or can over 24hours Trail will keep riders busy with singletrack & jeeptrack sections. Entry details: Teams of 4 or fun teams of 5 to 8 riders. Or do it Solo! Cost: From R200 per rider, depending on category. Camping included. For more information: www.dirtopia.co.za Or email theteam@dirtopia.co.za or call 021-8844752 ENDS ISSUED BY: Dirtopia DATE ISSUED: 19 October 2011 MORE INFORMATION OR VISUALS: Nicolene van der Merwe Tel: 0218844752 Email: theteam@dirtopia.co.za Go to Event Page

Event Name: Die Burger Mountain Bike Challenge When: 30 July 2011 Where: Laerskool Eikestad, Stellenbosch, Western Cape Category: MTB MOUNTAIN BIKING AT ITS BEST IN THE VINEYARDS Die Burger Mountain Bike Challenge pre-entries open on the 1st of June 2011 on www.dieburgermtbchallenge.co.za and entries are limited to 3 500 riders for this popular event. Now in its sixth year, Die Burger MTB Challenge takes place on Saturday, 30 July, and will be hosted at Laerskool Eikestad in Stellenbosch. The event, which is renowned for its challenging and picturesque routes, will also be held in association with the Simonsberg Conservancy and will boast four scenic routes to cater for all levels of riding. The Routes Meurant Botha of Dirtopia, who has been designing and maintaining mountain bike trails for over ten years, says that the four routes will pass through more than 20 wine farms, giving riders the opportunity to tackle some of the best and most beautiful trails in the country. The 60km route will traverse several local mountains and is not for the faint hearted. Riders can look forward to some serious climbing, technical descents and lots of single track. While the winner is expected to finish in approximately three hours, the average participant will take between four and five hours to complete the demanding course. The 42km is a tough challenge and not for beginners, which will mirror the 60km route up until Delheim Wine Estate from where they will head back towards the R301 and Stellenbosch. The 30km route follows a relatively flat course towards Spier Wine Estate and is perfect for those who think the 15km will be too short, but don't feel like tackling the climbs of the 42km. This is usually one of the most popular routes of the event. The 15km has proven itself as perfect for novices and follows a shortened version of the 30km route with identical start and finish sections. “For the second year there will be a 75km Ultra route, which is open by invitation only and to a limited field of about 200 riders, thereby attracting the best of the best in the mountain biking fraternity,” adds Botha. Die Burger MTB Challenge is also seeding event for the Cape Argus Pick n Pay MTB Challenge 2012. Entries Entries will close on 18 July, or as soon as the 3500 entry limit is reached. For updated event information, visit www.dirtopia.co.za or email theteam@dirtopia.co.za Call Dirtopia Trail Centre on 021-8844752 for further event enquiries. Go to Event Page

Event Name: Amarider 100 Miler Ultra Marathon When: 21 May 2011 Where: Malmesbury, Swartland, Western Cape Category: MTB ULTRA MARATHON IN SWARTLAND OFFERS SHORTER OPTION THIS YEAR South Africa’s top mountain bikers and marathon junkies will once again be seen testing their endurance levels during the awe-inspiring AMArider 100Miler, taking place for the third year on the 21st of May. Riders that only want a ‘taste’ of this route, can take part in the shorter 80km option starting from the halfway mark near Riebeeck Kasteel at 08h20 to finish with the 100Miler riders at Swartland Wynkelder in Malmesbury. The 100Miler starts at Swartland Wynkelder at 07h30 and has a total route elevation of 1870m. The 160km route will have compulsory timing checkpoints with a breakfast & lunch stops and other refreshment stations. The point-to-point format of the race will also create perfect vantage points for spectators and supporters. This one day ultra marathon has a ‘solo rider’ category as well as teams of 4 riders. Both the 100miler & 50Miler is for pre-entries only – closing on 16 May and all entrants to receive goody bags at registration. Competitors can enter individually or in 4-member teams and all finishers will receive a medal, but they must make it before the cut-off at 18h00. Registration takes place on Friday, 20 May at Dirtopia Trail Centre on Delvera farm or at the start venues from early morning on the 21st. Event organiser Meurant Botha advises first time riders to ride within their limit as the race is long, take in enough carbohydrates and remember to pack a rain jacket. The spectator maps, driving directions, entries and other info are available on www.dirtopia.co.za There are 3 official spectator support points and judging by last year’s spectator turnout this facet of the event is very popular as family and friends rarely get the opportunity to be a part of the action. Amarider is a non-profit organisation and all proceeds from the event go towards the improvement of mountain bike trail opportunities around South Africa. For more information on the AMArider 100miler & 50Miler email info@amarider.co.za or phone (021) 884 – 4752 Go to Event Page