'Entry level' MTB stage races

[Lurch the stalker]

Coming off the back of this topic, I was wondering what would be the 'easiest' multi-stage races, and by that I mean the least technical.

My sister is getting in to the MTB riding slowly but surely, and while watching the Epic decided that some day she wants to ride that. Where would be a good starting point to get used to multi stage racing in a not *too* technical environment, preferably in Gauteng, or fairly close, and something that will allow for mixed teams because I am going to have to be the diligent big brother and ride with her.

[Gazzan]

Houw Hoek tour - 2 days, not timed, single track heaven.  2 May. I have an entry + accommodation for sale.

[Lurch the stalker]

Houw Hoek tour - 2 days, not timed, single track heaven.  2 May. I have an entry + accommodation for sale.

As cool as that looks, she will never be ready by next weekend, but definitely something to put on the calendar, possibly for next year.

[fanievb]

Stormsriver traverse.

 

awesome ride - awesome vibe.

the only technical bits are the cement road climb on day 2 and some of the forest sections if its muddy.

 

I did it with my wife last year and she'd only been riding MTB for about a year then.

 

edit:

 

or Hell and Back, its physically tough but nothing tecnical

[Skubarra]

Not close to you but one to keep in mind is "Hell & Back" - only 60km of district roads each day so not technical at all but a lot of climbing so you will certainly get a sense of accomplishment for a first time. And the scenery is awesome.

[Skubarra]

 

or Hell and Back, its physically tough but nothing tecnical

 

snap!

[scotty]

A lot of the stage races are listed here. not many local though. 

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/features/_/articles/routes-trails/2015-mountain-bike-stage-race-calendar-r1890

[Lurch the stalker]

Stormsriver traverse.

 

awesome ride - awesome vibe.

 

the only technical bits are the cement road climb on day 2 and some of the forest sections if its muddy.

 

I did it with my wife last year and she'd only been riding MTB for about a year then.

 

edit:

 

or Hell and Back, its physically tough but nothing tecnical

 

 

Not close to you but one to keep in mind is "Hell & Back" - only 60km of district roads each day so not technical at all but a lot of climbing so you will certainly get a sense of accomplishment for a first time. And the scenery is awesome.

 

May check out Stormsriver traverse, hell & back has been on my own list for a while, I see it conflicts with the 947 Cycle Challenge road race so will have to note it for next year.

[Lurch the stalker]

A lot of the stage races are listed here. not many local though. 

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/features/_/articles/routes-trails/2015-mountain-bike-stage-race-calendar-r1890

Thanks, I have seen that list, I am more looking for personal opinions as to what is classified at the lower end of the difficulty scale - I'm trying to not scare her off the bike here

[F.C]

dr evil classic a good race for someone doing there first stage race

[Wayne Potgieter]

Lurch....My wife is in the exact same boat.

 

For her first stage EVENT i have picked Tour of Legends.

 

luxuy accomodation, mostly corporate riders (so not very competetive) smallish distances and cheapish price.

 

PLus, i have done this event before, so i know how many freebies she is going to get.

 

Its in August and costs about R11k for a two rider team all in.

 

Check it out...maybe we see you folks there.

[typhoon]

Not really close...

but 3 Towers in October at Mankele near Nelspruit has 3 options for their 3 day race.

Race - 75/70/48km (R8000)

Challenge - 48/46/48km (R7000)

Mncane - 34/34/34km (R6000)

Prices per team!

 

More affordable than most races and tents and dinner are up from the Thursday night.

 

www.3towers.co.za

 

 

So you have options as to how long you want to be out there.

We've always done the Challenge, it's fun, you back before lunch and the beers flow!

[Uni]

my friend has signed up for the Sondela 2 day race end June.

She did the 40km one last year  - said it was flat and jeep track all the way - so this year she's doing both days. day 2 is 60km.

It's not in GP - limpopo but doable as a weekend getaway.

[arendoog]

Route 66 or is it 62 in Gauteng was my first stage event .Sleep at home and being from Gauteng you can ride most of the trails before the event .If she has EPIC  plans she has to start riding some technical stuff at some point .Mankele 3 towers have easier option events for the under 18 riders as they are not aloud to ride marathon distances yet

[TALUS]

Be very careful with this! I am at Gravel and Grape at the moment. In the three houses next to us several teams (a few first time women only teams included) struggled badly today because they thought it was an easier race. I know of 3 riders that want to abandon and not even start tomorrow. MTB has a steep learning curve and we all forget how intimidating it can be.

 

Sondela is a great place to start. Or you could take her to Babbas like thousands before her.

 

Entry level races were listed in a cycling mag recently (Tread I think).

Too easy and you just go faster. Too hard and it is a negative experience.

[Lurch the stalker]

Be very careful with this! I am at Gravel and Grape at the moment. In the three houses next to us several teams (a few first time women only teams included) struggled badly today because they thought it was an easier race. I know of 3 riders that want to abandon and not even start tomorrow. MTB has a steep learning curve and we all forget how intimidating it can be.

This is exactly my concern.

I'd be more than a little upset with her if we drove/flew clear across the country for something and she decided at the end of day 1 she didn't want to ride it anymore.

I'm fairly sure you'd all be reading about me on the front page of the paper, something along the lines of, "Man kills sister for refusing to continue in MTB race"