[Event] Rockets Funky Fynbos MTB Challenge

[KC1]

Event Name: Rockets Funky Fynbos MTB Challenge
When: 24 September 2016
Where: Flower Valley Farm, Western Cape
Category: MTB

Rockets Funky Fynbos Festival 2016 presents new and challenging MTB trails.

Routes are 70km, 46km, 33km, 20km and fun for the whole family 12km.

The Festival is based at The Flower Valley Conservation Trust, home to thousands of Fynbos Species. Nestled in a beautiful valley, these routes will leave you in awe of nature, and all worthy of a good challenge.

Cape Mohair Trail Runs will follow the next day for those who would like to do both. These will also prove to be spectacular.

Bring the whole family for a healthy, active fun filled weekend and enjoy the warm hospitality of these small towns.

Go to Event Page

[BenReaper]

I'm glad this has been posted so far in advance,now I can put in leave ahead of time to atend this race.

 

Just one concern though,I see youve added a 70km route.I did the 43km 2years ago and nearly died.For what superhuman beïng did you ad this 70km option?

[Nick]

I'm glad this has been posted so far in advance,now I can put in leave ahead of time to atend this race.

 

Just one concern though,I see youve added a 70km route.I did the 43km 2years ago and nearly died.For what superhuman beïng did you ad this 70km option?

 

I was also there in 2014. Agreed, it was tough. If it takes a similar route, the 70km is going to be a unique challenge.

[BenReaper]

Hey Nick,if the 70km route consists of the 43km route we did plus another 30 odd kays its going to be really interesting.

Sounds like they heard I got way fitter than 2 years ago and then adapted the route to still f@€k me up.[emoji23]

[BrandonF_]

Hey Nick,if the 70km route consists of the 43km route we did plus another 30 odd kays its going to be really interesting.

Sounds like they heard I got way fitter than 2 years ago and then adapted the route to still f@€k me up.[emoji23]

The 70km route is (un)officially added for ALL Sub3 Argus Air Force One pilots ????

[Goosebay]

new venue

 

http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jcl/2016/venue.jpg

[Goosebay]

Some of the bits you'll be riding on the long route

 

http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jcl/News%20pictures/new%20descent.jpg

[Goosebay]

Both the longer routes will enjoy this fun piece - should be familiar to some by now

 

http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jcl/2016/single%20track.jpg

[Goosebay]

This is the last descent on the long route

 

http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jcl/2016/70km%20end.jpg

[Goosebay]

There are periodic updates on this website

 

http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jcl/Updates%202013.html

[Goosebay]

http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jcl/News%20pictures/fynbos.jpg

 

Just a reminder how beautiful these surroundings are - not only the fynbos flower and bird variety, but also the changing scenery as you ride - from mountain views to sea views - to glimpses of afromontane forests.

[Goosebay]

http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jcl/2016/view.jpg

With the estuary mouth closed we have incredible bird life - a large flock of flamingos and a few avocets.  We have also spotted the resident martial eagles during the last month.

[Goosebay]

If you draw a lazy flipped C on the photo above you get the first major climb on the 65km route - to the just visible hut at the top from just behind the hill in front.  The climb is long, but much more gentle than last year - seeing you still have one more mountain after this :-)

[Goosebay]

So the routes are not manicured - but we do have some really fun bits.  Most of the riding is on twee spoor - but not often used and the bossie kapper leaves one side open and throws the cut twigs etc on the other side - so only one side is ride-able. There are two nice climbing single track sections, a few down tracks and a couple of scenic sections.

 

For the more adventurous there are some downhills that will need serious concentration if you ride them fast.  They are very ride-able though if you take them easy and control your speed.  All the jumps are rollable - but can give you good air time if you hit them at speed.

 

http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jcl/2016/46%20001.jpg

 

http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jcl/2016/46%20002.jpg

 

http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jcl/2016/46%20005.jpg

 

http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jcl/2016/46%20004.jpg

[Goosebay]

The conservancy has managed to raise funds to employ 4 unemployed youngsters from the local community to work on the tracks.  This year we will clean and upgrade the single track and for next build some new bits.  As the route is so different this year it will be very new for those who have done this event before. 

 

Event profits are channeled to the little flower valley school for the little ones in the area.

[PhilipV]

I missed it last year, have to do it this year!