[Event] Fairtree Simonsberg Contour - 2 Day MTB Stage Race

[Dirtopia MTB Events]

Event Name: Fairtree Simonsberg Contour - 2 Day MTB Stage Race
When: 4 February 2017 - 5 February 2017
Where: Delvera Farm, Western Cape
Category: MTB

Second annual Fairtree Simonsberg Contour promises even better riding.

 

After the devastating fire of January 2016, the inaugural Fairtree Simonsberg Contour MTB stage race overcame serious challenges and presented riders with a premier winelands riding experience. In February 2017, Fairtree Capital in collaboration with the Simonsberg Conservancy, landowners and Stellenbosch event organisers Dirtopia, will present riders with the 2^nd edition of ‘The Fire Ride’ where riders will get a chance to experience the recovering Simonsberg Conservancy.

 

The 2017 event is set to take place on the 4^th & 5^th of February 2017.

 

The Fairtree Contour has been created to continue the development of mountain biking routes and expose the incredible network of single-track trails on the SImonsberg Mountain. With over 25km of mountain single-track, connecting more than 10 wine estates, the region is set to become a hotspot for mountain bike trail riders.

 

Dirtopia has spent the last 3 years developing new routes on Delheim and Muratie wine estates. These trails are now operated in partnership with the landowners and the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy being the primary beneficiary. The conservancy represents more than 20 farms around the mountain and is currently focused on a multi-million rand alien clearing project to return large tracts of the mountain to fynbos and renosterveld.

 

In terms of routing; rout designer Meurant Botha says riders can look forwards to even more new trails for the 2017 race. Primarily, last year’s rerouted stage 1 will be redesigned to incorporate more of the Simonsberg with the emphasis on making it the faster, easier rout of the two. Sunday’s Queen Stage returns with new trails to eliminate one or two of the lung-busting vineyard climbs and replace them with flowing trails. The trial team is set to start construction in October, gearing up for a hot summer of building.

 

While the final route will be launched later this year, riders can expect daily stages of 55-60km each with around 1500m of elevation. Botha emphasised that the focus will be on a fun, trail experience, a perfect opener for the stage race season. The daily 40km option allows less fit trail fanatics to enjoy the riding experience.

 

There is no better time to be out in the winelands as harvest season will be in full swing in surrounding vineyards.

 

Each participant will receive the following:

• Event t-shirt
  
• Goody bag
  
• Morning coffee, breakfast snack and daily lunch buffet
  
• Daily bike wash & lube service
  

 

 

BOS Sport will continue as the events hydration partner. Riders can look forwards to enjoying the BOS range at the refreshment stations and finish area. The refreshment stations were a huge hit with the riders in 2016, fully stocked with a wide range of savoury snacks and fruit.

 

Delvera Farm, well known for its family friendly atmosphere, will be the host venue where visitors can expect to kids entertainment, showers, a massage service, craft beer and of course tasting the regions award winning wines.

 

Entries:

• Long option (60km/day): R925 in total for both days
  
• Short option (40km/day):R800 in total for both days
  

 

 

Click here to enter www.dirtopia.co.za from 4^th October. Entries will be limited to 600 riders.

 

For more info, contact Dirtopia at info@dirtopia.co.za or 021 884 4752

Go to Event Page

[Titleist]

Is the race still on after the fires?

[LeoKnight]

Is the race still on after the fires?

Was this race not also affected by the fires in previous years?

[Suidwes Boytjie]

Was this race not also affected by the fires in previous years?

Yip... That's why they call it now the "Fire Ride"

[LeoKnight]

Yip... That's why they call it now the "Fire Ride"

my bad for not reading the full article   

[GLuvsMtb]

Entered and (almost) ready for this one!

[GLuvsMtb]

This weekend's riding was out of this world. Dirtopia deserves a huge pat on the back for putting together this amazing event. Day 1 was more sedate with plenty of farm jeep track and off camber sandy corners, like you get in the Winelands in February. The 56km route did have enough single track to keep everyone interested and the cool weather made for a very pleasant day out. Day 2 incorporated around 25km of single track and 1600m of ascent (of which 1500 was in the first 40km). It was a challenging day out, but rewarding none the less.

It was great seeing so many of the top European riders on the start line. Mountain biking is definitely alive and well in the Western Cape.

[Suidwes Boytjie]

This weekend's riding was out of this world. Dirtopia deserves a huge pat on the back for putting together this amazing event. Day 1 was more sedate with plenty of farm jeep track and off camber sandy corners, like you get in the Winelands in February. The 56km route did have enough single track to keep everyone interested and the cool weather made for a very pleasant day out. Day 2 incorporated around 25km of single track and 1600m of ascent (of which 1500 was in the first 40km). It was a challenging day out, but rewarding none the less.

It was great seeing so many of the top European riders on the start line. Mountain biking is definitely alive and well in the Western Cape.

Definitely have to share your sentiments... Amazing event, well organized and an unforgettable experience out on your bike and these trails. The fact that the pros like Topeak Ergon team and Ariane, Ester and Jennie were also present made it even better. My first Fairtree Contour but definitely not my last.

[Mr Anderson]

What a fantastic day out, i had such fun in 2016 doing my first multi day event. It was great to see how many improvements Meurant and the team had made to the trails in 2017. Excited to see what they are going to do in 2018.

[Jaco-fiets]

Cool feedback. Just sold it for me for 2018

[Iwan Kemp]

I was there on an e-bike on Sat and a motorbike on Sun to help out behind the scenes. Great event with some great people involved. Beautiful route and it was great to so many friendly faces and just about zero littering. 

 

Short photo and video edit from day 1

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQFzJq0A8pD

[Iwan Kemp]

And one from Day 2

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQIK-0GhX2n

['Dale]

Lovely images, Iwan

????????????????

[Iwan Kemp]

Lovely images, Iwan

 

 

Thanks!