Griffin

Hey G. Sorry about the late reply.. been out clearing and marking. I have a route map but am hesitant to make it publicly available at this stage for 2 main reasons : - Sappi is harvesting in several areas and riding there is dangerous. We have assurance from Sappi that harvesting on race day will be suspended but prior to race day the areas are out of bounds - The route is not yet fully marked If there are any specific queries (eg how technical is the route) please feel free to ask and I will happily advise

Howick MTBers rally around local youngster Howick - Sbu Vilakazi's budding mountain biking career received a massive boost this week when he took delivery of a competitive mountain bike sponsored and assembled by a passionate group of local riders. With the Sappi Howick MTB Classic weekend just around the corner on 4 and 5 March, the Howick local has been working for the Howick MTB Club, but has not been able to get involved in the sport because he does not own a mountain bike. Members of the Howick MTB Club took up his plight and soon the key components of a competitive bike were being sourced, and Rod Boden at the Howick Cycles agreed to assemble the bike for the excited youngster. All smiles, Vilakazi has quickly got to grips with the bike and promises to take on the 20km ride at the Sappi Howick MTB Classic on Sunday 5 March to mark the racing debut of his new MTB. "Sbu has been a star, working on the trails for the club," said Gavin Ryan, trail designer for the Howick MTB Club. "He knows the trails better than I do! "Working on the trails is actually much more than just the physical clearing of the vegetation and grooming the track. To do this really well you need to understand how the trail flows and how to cut it best to provide a special riding experience. "I suggested to Sbu that he should start riding, and his eyes lit up," said Ryan. Ryan started by donating a frame, and soon fellow club members were chipping in components, and the local bike shop owner Rod Bowen of Howick Cycles agreed to assemble the bike professionally. "It was great to see his face when he collected the bike," said Ryan. "He couldn't stop saying how beautiful it was. It reminded me of when I got my first bike." he added. "I am really excited about riding my new bike for the first time at the Howick MTB Classic!" said Vilakazi. "I have been doing some training for the race and I am really grateful to everyone that has helped me." Vilakazi was keen to take on the tough 40km ride at the Sappi Howick MTB Classic on Sunday 5 March to mark his racing debut but Ryan has persuaded him to aim at the 20km intermediate ride instead. "I told him not to get ahead of himself, that 40km ride is pretty tough" said Ryan. "He is super excited, and I hope this is the start of a long and happy MTB career for him." The 20km intermediate ride will take the big field of MTB enthusiasts on a new network of trails that Vilakazi has been helping Ryan prepare, between Curries Post and the N3. The Sappi Howick MTB Classic takes place on Sunday 5 March and consists of a 40km Marathon, 20km Half-Marathon, and a 10km Fun Ride, with a five stage Enduro on Saturday 4 March. All entries are through ROAG. More information can be found at www.howickmountainbiking.co.za or www.facebook.com/howickmtb.

Howick MTB Club makes use of https://www.trailforks.com/region/howick-mtb-club--trails/ to provide up to date information on routes, trail closures and trail information. Did you know that the trailforks mobile app also has an emergency function ? If your GPS is activated it will pinpoint your last location and allow you to call emergency services (Cell phone emergency - 112 - For emergencies, you can call 112 from any cell phone in South Africa. It's very easy to get caught up in distress but remember to stay calm and make sure the emergency medical services team knows exactly how to reach you.)

Trailforks online map now shows what areas are closed (red overlay) and out of bounds. This will be updated as harvesting progresses https://www.trailforks.com/region/howick-mtb-club--trails/

One very appreciative and happy cyclist ! Thanks so much Theo187 for the donation.

Trail update : Harvesting is taking place in Middle Road area. Trail closed signage has been put in place. Please obey these closures. Updated closures include Middle Rd from the 6 Beer hill intersection as well as Middle Rd from the Karkloof tar road entrance.

Think you got what it takes ? 40km route profile

Think you got what it takes ? 40km route profile

Lots closed due to harvesting/fires.. but the only thing we have in common with our beloved Government and taxman is that we always have a few tricks up our sleeves 1 brand new trail.. and a few others with twist as subtle as a koeksister

Event Name: Sappi Howick MTB Classic When: 5 March 2017 Where: Howick High School, Kwazulu-Natal Category: MTB 40,20 and 10km routes available. The SAPPI Howick Classic is our highlight of the year. It is the oldest race on the KZN Mountain Bike calendar and one not to be missed. The race offers several different events -40km Classic, 20km Intermediate (Sun) and Enduro! Don't let the 40km distance fool you....this is a very tough event and is often described by participants as one of the more challenging they have ever ridden! Howick Mountain Bike Club boasts some of the most technically challenging and tough singletrack in the Country. This is RAW and UNPLUGGED Mountain Biking at its best! Go to Event Page

Event Name: Sappi Howick Enduro When: 4 March 2017 Where: Howick High School, Kwazulu-Natal Category: Enduro 1 day.5 stages. Endless fun Go to Event Page

If you go down to the woods today .... There are some trails that you going to be seeing/using for the first time ever

Huge shout out to Greendale Spar who will be providing our young 10km race snakes with a goodie bag after their event. https://www.spar.co.za/Home/Store-View/KWIKSPAR-Greendale-KwaZulu-Natal

Bos Sports on board to help keep you going during the 2017 Sappi Howick Enduro & Classic Look out for them at the finish of the Enduro, finish of the Classic and out on the route...

Had a very positive and encouraging meeting with Sappi tonight. The good news is that the Sappi Howick Classic 40km route is pretty sorted and that we will be able to use some of the existing singletrack. We will also be able to keep open/re-open some of the routes for day to day riding. Details will follow shortly

Trail closures : The following trails/areas have been closed and boards to that effect erected : - 6 beer hill (both directions - No.6 both directions - Farmers Market entrance Please respect and obey the closures until further notice. Online maps at https://www.trailforks.com/region/howick-trails-15134/ have been updated accordingly .

Trail area maps with closed areas have been put up at Pyga and Howick Cycles Please visit either shop to view the maps or scan the below QR code to see details on trail statuses

So do I . Maybe its a KZN thing. Rest of the country just jealous ..

That will do BSG... 1 step closer Thank you ! Will PM you to arrange collection

Harvesting in New track/More Nyaga-Nyaga/ 6 beer hill trail areas starts next week and areas will be closed through until winter. These sections will be strictly out of bounds. Signage will be erected accordingly. This includes the trail access opposite Karkloof Farmers market

Clearing in prep for the Howick Enduro and Classic continues ..... as does clearing for the day to day riding. - Dead Cow singletrack clear and open - 2 Vodacom tower clear and open Remember entries for the event are open on www.roag.co.za

Been donated a pair of disc brakes from a local rider Just need a pair of 26" disc compatible wheels now (6 bolt). Anyone got an unused pair laying around ? Happy to cover postage

Awesomeness.... huge shout out to Theo187 for the frame donation. Will update as soon as I have been to see him/arranged collection.

Hi Theo Would really appreciate the frame and am happy to do any repairs needed. It will be used to build up a bike for development rider and friend of mine. I am in Howick and will arrange/pay transport More than happy to post a pic of the bike once its built up, along with (what will be) a very happy rider

PM sent