Griffin

Website goes live on 1 Feb. We just finalizing a few things cause we would like to open entries the same day.

That would be dependent on your skills There is Howick Trails singletrack and Karkloof Trails singletrack in the mix. None of it is hectic but a MTB would definitely be the better choice (especially Day 2 and Day 3)

Event Name: The Midlands Stage Race 2018 When: 29 June 2018 - 1 July 2018 Where: Howick High School, Kwazulu-Natal Category: MTB 3 day option : Distances purposefully kept under 60km per day so that youth/juniors can enter (Youth 15-16 & Junior 17-18) 2 day option for sub jnr/sprog (Sub Junior 13-14 & Sprog 11-12) Camping, catering and evening functions Go to Event Page

Event Name: 2018 Sappi Howick Classic When: 4 March 2018 Where: Howick High School, Kwazulu-Natal Category: MTB 10km 20km 40km Go to Event Page

Event Name: Sappi Howick Enduro : KZN Prov Series #1 When: 3 March 2018 Where: 11 Karkloof, Kwazulu-Natal Category: Enduro KZN Prov Enduro Series #1 5 Stages Go to Event Page

A bit of a teaser for the 2018 Sappi Howick MTB Classic. The 40km route includes Puffadder Pass and No Balls. Both these trails have been closed for 18 months whilst harvesting was going on and have recently been revamped. Have you got what it takes to conquer these iconic trails?

Entries are open for the 2018 Sappi Howick MTB Classic/Enduro/Trail Run We are back as a Provincial Enduro event so come earn your points in the 1st race of the season! There is also a trail run presented by KZN Trail Running and revamped 20km/40km MTB that caters to all riders. http://www.roag.co.za/eventinfo.aspx?EventID=2137

15km trail run route is open and can be viewed at https://www.trailforks.com/route/15km-trail-run/. Please note that the trail makings have not been finalized yet. Please also note that a day licence or annual membership is compulsory to make use of the trail. Additionally, please do not deviate from the trail as there is active harvesting/hauling in the area.

Trail update Following trails have been re-opened : - Puffadder Pass - No Balls - Duncan Dash (New trail - primarily for trail running) - Jonno's Jaunt ( New Trail - multi use) Please note that the trail signage has NOT yet been placed. Also please note that there are sections close to these trails the remain closed and may not be used. With the re-opened/new sections so close to closed trails we are trusting riders to not abuse the privileged of being granted access to the area. Details of the area are available at https://www.trailforks.com/region/howick-mtb-trails

Shot Bolognius ! Have a look at Trail Forks for some options. Did you ride the Howick Enduro last Sept ? Those trails are still all open and accessible. https://www.trailforks.com/region/howick-mtb-trails/ Enduro routes open in G block include - Jelly Tot - WTF - Helter Skelter - Quarry Just note that they may be 100% clear as we have been concentrating on re-clearing some of the trails that were closed during harvesting As a side note : the Enduro on 3 March 2018 will be 5 stages, including 2 brand new ones. It will also be back in the areas that have been closed for the past year .. and the harvesting has given us the opportunity to find some new lines and rocks Its also the 1st round of the KZN Provincial Enduro Series

We have been clearing Puffadder Pass in preparation for re-opening. Without the trees it looks totally different ! Some real hard work getting through the timber debris and under growth.

Gearing up for 2018

Hey Dean Harvesting/Hauling is still taking place at Sheeps Pass (North side of Firetower) as well as below Fireower (South side) so at the moment no. All the down runs from Firetower (Crank Alley/Kathryns/Pines/Gums) are affected as they either go into harvesting areas or cross over hauling routes. The Face/Face extension doesn't even exist anymore Its been totally harvested and the timber debris have covered up the trail to the extent that you cant even see it. As mentioned in the previous post we are getting into several of the closed sections as the harvesting nears completion. This is so that as soon as the harvesting is finished we can re-open the trail. We also making use of the opportunity to revitalize some older trails as both bikes and riding techniques have changed. The good news.. we will have several areas back in time for the Howick Enduro and Classic in March so expect some pleasent surprises

Our first Trail Day Work Party went off really well on Saturday. We have started clearing and re-opening Puffadder Pass after the harvesting/salvage operations. A few lines will be changed but be assured it will be as challenging as before... with amazing views over Albert Falls dam. Please note that trail is being cleared for when the area re-opens and at this stage the area remains closed as timber hauling is still taking place. If you are keen to join us for the next clearing day please contact us.. all are welcome!

Hey Brian Unfortunately there are no bike rentals in the immediate area. I do think there is great potential for this but with the cash outlay for a stable of bikes and the interminably rental market it just hasn't happened yet.

Some good news this morning.. The Sappi Howick Enduro has been awarded Provincial Series status for 2018. It will be the 1st event in 2018 KZN MTB Provincial Enduro Series, taking place on 3 March 2018. The event will be hosted from http://www.11karkloof.co.za/. Accommodation is available at the venue so no reason not to stay over and give the 20km or 40km Classic event a try the following day (4 March 2018) Details will follow as they are concluded and confirmed.

Thats what I was thinking too. Need it to be sightly future proof of spending that kind of money. I see GeeWizz has it too (https://www.geewiz.co.za/media-players/57218-h96-pro-plus-smart-tv-box-amlogic-s912-octa-core-3gb-ram-32gb.html?search_query=h96&results=1) but its the Android 6 version (although it has more ROM). Also its on back order so their is a wait period. http://www.androidtvplayer.co.za/home/21-h96-pro-plus-android-71.html has it slightly cheaper. Has anyone used this online store before ?

or this http://www.androidtvplayer.co.za/home/21-h96-pro-plus-android-71.html More $ than i was planning to spend but spec and review sound good

Assuming you were to by a Android TV box/media player today .. what would you say is the best bang for buck/quality MXQ ? MyGiga?

Hey Josh Thanks for the kudo's... there is a LOT of work that goes into hosting an event like this and plenty other people who give up their own time to help out. I will deffo pass on the thanks. Slip n Slide was the name of the game lol!! Sam Bull is one of the coolest guys around.. and one of the most skilled riders I know. Stoked to hear that you guys enjoyed the time with him. Again, you guys are welcome back at any time. We will be re-opening the trails on the other side of the road later this year so you can look forward to 3 or 4 more stages to add to the ones you rode already Next Enduro is 3 March 2018 so book the dates so long (Enduro followed by a 20km/40km event the following day) PS : I will def keep that 051 board for you next time !

Hey Bud Shot for the feedback and compliment! Yeah the weather was definitley a curveball. I really though there would be less rain and was surprised at just how slippery the conditions got! Clay + water = slip n slide lol! Would you believe that 24h before (Friday), when we were marking the routes, it was so dry that there was "poof" of dust with every step !! Anyway, least you know now how to ride slippery conditions You cant choose your weather on race day so the experience should come in handy sometime You more than welcome to come back at anytime. The trail marking will be cleared but the race routes will all be open for riding 365 days a year so pull in and hit those lines in the dry!

Huge shout out and thanks to all that attended the Howick Enduro Skills Clinic and Howick Enduro! We had some challenges with the weather but in many ways that just added to the fun Congrads to all the participants and we hope that you will be back again for our next event. Results are available at http://www.elitetiming.co.za/results/ Some images at https://www.facebook.com/alanrphotos/photos/?tab=album&album_id=672810379583861

FDI : 25/09/2017 update FDI has been reduced to YELLOW All trails open but please exercise caution

FDI : 25/09/2017 FDI today is RED All trails closed due to high winds and increased fire danger. Please remain off all trails