Less tar, even more single track in 2011 KZN Expedition

[Matt]

Less tar, even more single track in 2011 KZN Expedition

Press Release - 03 November 2011

 

Entries are now open for the fourth edition of the OUTsurance KZN Expedition, presented by ASG. The event takes place on 12 November, yes a Saturday, this year and a wonderful off-road experience awaits participants in the popular event. To enter go to www.cyclelab.com

 

The Expedition presents an awe-inspiring route from Inanda Dam, through the Valley of a Thousand Hills to the Durban beachfront.

 

The event has become known for its strong organisational effort among very tough surroundings which present riders with a unique mountain bike adventure that is rivalled by very few other single day MTB events in South Africa.

 

This year Trail Solutions, under the guidance of Devlin Fogg, has designed a cracker route, with both the 40km and 80km races starting at Inanda Dam, placing you directly in the heart of the best single track riding in South Africa at the moment.

 

The 80km route will leave Inanda Dam’s Msinisi resort and make its way clockwise around the dam on stunning natural trails, kilometers of hand cut single track and some district road to meet the 40km route below the dam wall.

 

At times, riders will be mere meters from the water’s edge on the amazing new trail. Not to be confused with the SA champs, this route cuts out all the serious hills around the dam.

 

The 40km route leaves Msinsi and makes its way anti clockwise towards the dam wall, with some honest climbs while the legs are fresh. From the high point above the dam the views over the dam are amazing and with the climbs out the way, its heads down and charge towards Kingfisher Club at Blue Lagoon in Durban.

 

This year will see even less tar sections from the dam down, with some great new sections of trail being built, along with one very special surprise!

 

We are also in negations to take out the pesky river crossings this year, which will make a huge difference to the route. More on this to come.

 

The Expedition provides mountain-bikers with an easy-as-you’d-like experience off the bike, but in the same breath representing the essence of the sport when you’re out there testing yourself against the naturally beautifully sculpted routes and nature’s elements.

 

 

Outsurance KZN Expedition Race Route Description

 

80km Route

• From Msinsi, riders proceed up the tar and then onto district dirt roads.
• We head up a few hills to split the riders before the single track starts.
• After riding through some traditional homes and past the Bongampilo Creche, we start to get the first of the dam side trails, all the way to the top of the dam.
• Down the north side of the dam, riders will experience some of the best trails in SA, with mainly single track all the way to the bridge below the dam.
• Along this section, riders will be treated to winding single track through natural bush, just meters from the water’s edge, with stunning views across the dam.
• Passing eNanda Adventures, the last bit of single track takes us to the bridge below the dam wall.

See below link-up with 40km route.

 

40km Route

• From Inanda Dam Msinsi Resort the 40km continues up Ngwele Road turning off to the left to the school.
• The route climbs up to top of Inanda dam wall before descending down to the road crossing at Inanda Dam Wall Bridge.
• Continue on and off the road next to the river, crossing over Molweni Causeway and Island Rapid and onto what will be one of the best surprises of the race this year.
• This section of the race will see some of the most focused in terms of new routes, with the Mango crossing being eliminated, bringing you to Silver pipes bridge.
• Continue on dirt road along river to join our golf ball alley single track, under the N2 through the Motorcross track, through Windsor golf course to Kingfisher Canoe Clu

Job well done!

 

 

To enter and for more information go to www.cyclelab.com, contact 011 662 2494 or email events@cyclingnews.co.za

 

Starting times:

• 80km: 6:30
• 40km: 7:00

Number collection:

 

Cycle Lab Durban North:

• Friday 11 November: 9:00 – 17:00

Inanda Dam:

• Saturday 12 November: 5:30 – 6:30 (Riders are urged to rather pick up their numbers at Cycle Lab to avoid the morning rush)

Entry fees:

• 80km: R190
• 40km: R150

On-line entries close 8 November at 23:00.

 

Timed by Elite Timing. All riders will receive a number board specifically issued for the Expedition.

 

Depending on the size of the field, riders will be seeded if necessary.

 

For further info phone the central race office on 011 662 2494 or email events@cyclingnews.co.za