[Event] My SPAR Forest2Falls MTB Challenge

[F2F]

Event Name: My SPAR Forest2Falls MTB Challenge

When: 28 April 2012

Where: Mac Mac Forest Retreat, between Sabie and Graskop, Mpumulanga

Category: MTB

 

The My SPAR Forest2Falls MTB race, one of the most enjoyable and most scenic events on the MTB calendar, will be taking place in just a few weeks. Situated on the Drakensberg Escarpment of Mpumalanga, exactly halfway between Sabie and Graskop, close to the Mac Mac Falls and Pilgrims Rest, this can truly be the family breakaway you were looking forward to. With three routes to choose from, this truly is an event for the whole family.

 

We are looking forward to exciting new routes as some of the trees have been harvested and we pledge to give you a new experience. For our faithful participants; yes, the Forest Falls, the view over the escarpment and the exciting single tracks will still be there with the needed extras not to make the route boring.

 

For the young and not-so-young non-cyclists in the family, there will be a lot of entertainment ranging from a jumping castle, live music, free handouts by various sponsors, food stalls with special treats, and much more.

 

For the cyclists, choose any of the three distances, which surely will meet your level of fitness and sense of adventure.

 

 

 

Date: 28 April 2012

 

Venue: Mac Mac Forest Retreat halfway between Sabie and Graskop on the R532.

 

Registration: Friday, 27 April, 15:00 – 21:30 and Saturday, 28 April, 06:00 – 07:30 (Registration will close at 07:30)

 

Participants can come and enjoy free pasta and mince on Friday, 27 April and get into the vibe!

 

Distances: 17km; 35km; 70km;

 

Race orientation: 07:45 for all participants

 

Entrance fees:

 

17km: R50

 

35km: R120

 

70km: R140

 

 

 

Note:

• Less than 5entries in any one category will be classified in the preceding category.
  
• Pre-entries close at 17:00 on 26 April 2012 and a late entry penalty of R50 will be charged. Proceeds will go towards charity.
  

 

Route information:

 

17km

 

We have listened to participant’s suggestions and made some changes.Please keep in mind that you will be in mountainous terrain with the inevitable up hills. For the adult MTB beginner, this is an excellent start. The parents or a responsible adult must accompany children under 12 and be prepared to occasionally walk with them, whilst enjoying the scenery. Remember your supply of water! You will have a Refreshment Station on route.

 

Starting time: 08:30 (Be sure to be at the starting point at 07:45 for the orientation)

 

 

35km

 

The 35km race is the most beautiful route of all, which passes the Forest Falls, meanders through the mysterious pine forests, and zigzags down single tracks and clatters over fallen pine cones. If you are in top form,energetic and not afraid of a dare, this one is for you! If you just want to enjoy the outdoors and the beautiful scenery, come along and enjoy the ride. You won’tregret it!

 

 

 

The route has been described as an excellent example of mountain biking at its best. If you are a MTB enthusiast, this is it!

 

Starting time: 08:20

 

 

 

70km

 

The 2011 route proved to be a nightmare for most of the participants.After the “warming up” stage of the first 35km, the fit and brave will continue into the York plantations for the challenging but not murderous 40km stage.Some minor changes are inevitable due to forestry activities but under the very experienced supervision of Denis Lawrie and Raymond Emmerick, you can be sure of the best possible route. At approximately 45km in the race, the King and Queen of the Mountain will be selected. The route has an approximate ascent of 1580m, which is challenging but manageable. Three refreshment Stations will be on standby to assist in the best way possible. You can do it!

 

 

 

Starting time: 08:00

 

 

 

For more information and assistance, contact Chris @ 082-467 3079 or email: forest2falls@gmail.com

 

For pre-entries, please visit www.entrytime.com

 

(As this is a long weekend, please ensure that your accommodation is booked and confirmed. Visit our website for suggestions. Day visitors are very welcome to join us.)

 

 

 

Go to Event Page

Edited April 19, 2012 by F2F

[F2F]

News for the 75km riders! It's now official, the race will only be 70km instead of the proposed 75km. Many new, long, single tracks could be expected and an EXTREMELY EXCITING bush tunnel of approx. 100m have been added to the track. Definitely something to look forward to!! The profile should be uploaded soon!www.forest2falls.co.za

[nickc]

Still one of the best organised and scenic races out there. Can`t wait !!

[Bin Laden]

Will be there racing my riding partner. The best 35km Mtb course around

[Rob_Lions]

Cannot wait for this race - It looks like a lot of fun

• Accommodation check
  
• Race entries check
  
• Leave check
  

[Kovsiekind]

This is one of those races that I cant miss! It's certainly worth traveling from Bloemfontein to participate! In my opinion this should be an international event... I'm looking forward to the new changes! They've always got some interesting twists... Any top riders taking part this year?

[kosmonooit]

Did it last year, first loop with the others was fast & fun and mild, then onto the marathon loop that was a killah up the last descent of the Sabie Classic then a million undulations.

 

Still waiting for the results to confirm I didn't come in last.

 

This year taking up the Giants Castle Challenge again.

Edited April 3, 2012 by kosmonooit

[F2F]

Did it last year, first loop with the others was fast & fun and mild, then onto the marathon loop that was a killah up the last descent of the Sabie Classic then a million undulations.

 

Still waiting for the results to confirm I didn't come in last.

 

This year taking up the Giants Castle Challenge again.

 

Kosmonooit, all the results from last year can be found on our website www.forest2falls.co.za, if you'd like to confirm that you most probably weren't last:)

 

We've brought in a number of changes to the routes this year, especially to the 70km race, as a few people felt that the routes were a bit tough.

 

Enjoy the Giants Castle Challenge! Hope to see at the Forest2Falls again in the future.

Edited April 9, 2012 by F2F

[F2F]

PRE-RIDE! There will be a pre-ride for the actual Forest2Falls race on Saturday,14 April at Mac Mac Forest Retreat, halfway between Sabie and Graskop. We will start at 7:30 for 8:00am to do the 17km and 35km route, head back to Mac Mac at 11:00am and will then do (for those interested) the second 35km loop which forms part of the 70km ride! We will be back at 14:30 for lunch at Mac Mac! Pre-ride is free, please bring own snacks and drinks! For more info, contact Chris: 082 4673 079.

[F2F]

Just 9 more days to the race!! ...and 7 more days (Thurs,26 April) before pre-entry closes at 17:00. From Friday the 27th a late entry penalty of R50 will apply, so make sure to enter before then!

 

Registration Enquiries:

Sandy Tel: 082 410 8094

Email: pinocchio@lantic.net

 

See you there!!

[Rob_Lions]

F2F - how many entries do you have at present? Really looking forward to this race....

[F2F]

Hi Rob, entries are coming in fast. Expecting between a 1,000 and 1,200 riders.

 

Looking forward to a GREAT race!!

[Rob_Lions]

Hi Rob, entries are coming in fast. Expecting between a 1,000 and 1,200 riders.

 

Looking forward to a GREAT race!!

 

What a great event, we really enjoyed the race and the scenery. Any ideas as to when we can see the results and where we can get some photos ?

[F2F]

Hi Rob!

 

We are thankful that you enjoyed the race! With a growth of approx.40%, we are inspired to go even bigger and better next year! The organizers would appreciate an email on forest2falls@gmail.com, with feedback / suggestions concerning the race.

 

Action Photo will contact us and we will post the info as soon as the photos are ready. Feel free to contact them.

+27 (0)11 719-0712

The results will be on our website no later than Thurs,3 May. www.forest2falls.co.za

 

Keep the wheels rolling!!

[F2F]

Forest2Falls 2012 Results available on our website, www.forest2falls.co.za and www.entrytime.com.

 

For your photos, please go to www.jetlineactionphoto.com

 

Have a marvelous day!!

[F2F]

RACE REPORT:

 

My SPAR Forest2Falls MTB Challenge 2012

 

Saturday, 28 April saw the 14th Forest2Falls Mountain Bike Challenge dawn on a perfect, sunny day. From as early as 05:00 people started arriving at the Mac Mac Forest Retreat camping grounds. As the last preparations were set in place, the Line Entry queue grew longer and longer as riders, who waited until the last moment, registered for the big event. The ladies at the registration tables did a sterling job to enable the event to start on time. With 970 entries, this was one of the biggest fields to enter since the start of the event, 14 years ago. A buzz around the coffee tables where the last minute effort was made to boost the energy levels and final adjustments at the Cycle Junkies gazebo, all added to the electrifying atmosphere of expectancy.

 

At 08:00 sharp 177 brave, 70km riders started off with a bang! The riders were faced head-on with a course filled with single tracks, grasslands, stiff climbs and down hills, technical and open roads. The Provincial Traffic Department, who assisted us amidst a very hectic long weekend, did a great job as they guided the riders to the Green Heritage site. At 08:20 it was time for the 537 riders to face their 35km challenge. Charged with adrenaline, they departed for the beautiful Forest Falls with a great balance of climbs and down hills. At 08:30 the 256 champions of tomorrow started their 17km challenge. Riders had to peddle hard in order to claim the title as King and Queen of the Mountain, 21 km into the 35 km lap. The “King” turned out to be nr 1225, Lourens Luus, and the “Queen” was nr 1081, Yolandi du Toit. Congratulations with this outstanding achievement! The riders were full of praise for the welcoming smiles and encouragement they experienced at the various refreshment stations. Many commented on the breathtaking view as they meandered through the Komatiland plantations and indigenous forests.

 

Whilst the riders were conquering their fears, struggling with their own, and in some cases their fellow rider’s battles, the vibe back at camp was kept alive with Music from the SASCO events truck. We were privileged to have Sarel from Sabie, the well-known SA’s Top Chef competitor, as the commentator for the day. The stalls supplied a variety of excellent food and the children enjoyed the jumping castle and kids entertainment.

 

Shalom Christian School would like to once again thank our main sponsors, My SPAR, Coca-Cola Fortune and Komatiland for creating a platform where sport lovers can compete and simultaneously enjoy our beautiful God-given nature. Their continuous support contributed to the success of this event. We are looking forward to expanding our future collaboration in taking this event to a higher level!

 

 

RESULTS:

RACE 1:

The overall winners of the 70km race were:

MEN:

1. Lourens Luus from Hazyview, with a time of 2.53.21

2. Brand Du Plessis - 03.00.31

3. Hein Engelbrecht - 03.08.22.

LADIES:

1. Yolandi Du Toit with a time of 03.42.10

2. Dalene v.d.Leek - 04.18.22

3. Robyn Assad - 04.35.14.

 

 

RACE 2:

Overall Winners for the 35km:

MEN:

1. CP Van Wyk – 01.27.08

2. Declan Sidey – 01.27.15

3. PJ Luus – 01.27.24

LADIES:

1. Alison Emery – 01.45.12

2. Mirande Rossouw – 01.50.09

3. Talita Botha – 01.51.20

 

RACE 3:

Overall Winners for the 17km:

MEN:

1. Keegan Clark – 00.44.05

2. Hadrick Coertze – 00.51.45

3. Shane Russell – 00.55.49

 

LADIES:

1. Debra Booyens- 00.58.33

2. Marina Du Preez- 00.59.49

3. Wendy de Beer- 01.00.21

 

All other results available on our website, www.forest2falls.co.za or www.entrytime.com

Edited May 7, 2012 by F2F