[Event] 99er MTB Challenge 2017

[Ninetyniner Durbanville]

Event Name: 99er MTB Challenge 2017
When: 22 April 2017
Where: Durbanville Winelands, Western Cape
Category: MTB

The 99er MTB Challenge takes place in the picturesque Durbanville Winelands.

The 99er MTB Challenge has 5 routes this year: 60km, 45km, 25km, 12km and 5km. The routes are challenging and provide a fantastic ride through many, of the beautiful wine farms in the Durbanville area. Please note: due to the tough climbs on the 12km route, the route is not recommended for young riders or novice MTB riders. The 5km route is ideal for those new to mountain biking.

 

60KM, 45KM &25KM MTB RACES

• Early entries close at 23h59 on 10 April 2017 (discounted early entry fee).

• To be seeded, enter on-line by 23h59 on 17 April 2017 (please note higher entry fee).

• Online entries remain open from 18 April (no seeding).

• Late entries can also be done at number collection points (please note no seeding).

 

12KM & 5KM MTB RACE

• Entries can be done online or at any Computicket outlet.

• Entries can also be done on race day, 22 April 2017 at the Durbanville Race Course.

• Please download indemnity form http://www.99er.co.za/images/2017-5+12km-Indemnityform.pdf and bring with on race day.

• All enquiries regarding entries can be directed to info@99er.co.za

 

There will be food stalls to enjoy while waiting for loved ones to finish. All finishers in the various events will receive a medal and coke. There are great prizes in the lucky draw prize giving for participants in 99er MTB Challenge!

Go to Event Page

[LeoKnight]

Who is racing this?  Or more riding this race?  How much of a challenge is the 60km?

[KingZA]

Who is racing this?  Or more riding this race?  How much of a challenge is the 60km?

 

I'm doing the 45km one. Had a look at the 60km route and decided it would be a lot of suffering so I opted for a fun day instead. Don't know the trails at all so just went by the route profiles and elevation data.

[Ferro]

Regarding the 60km, I think they are trying to tell you something in the route description, highlights being:

1. This route is for the extreme rider

2. This is not an easy route

3. you need a high level of fitness

4. test your endurance and climbing ability

5. route includes some steep and long ascents

6. this route should only be done by the very fit and skilled riders

 

45km it is for me thanks.

[LeoKnight]

I think the only thing about the 60km is that extra bit that is normally not open to tygerberg mtb riders, the section above bloemendal. But also thinking I prefer a fun day than a suffer day for now and rather split the riding between a 45 on the Sat and maybe Bottelary on sunday (minus the yellow route)

[KingZA]

Does anybody know who's timing this race and where we can lookup our seeding?

 

I don't particularly want to find this out 10 mins before we start when we collect our numbers.

[LeoKnight]

Entry ninjas, for some reason I think everyone start at the same time (per route)

[KingZA]

Entry ninjas, for some reason I think everyone start at the same time (per route)

 

Ok cool, thanks

[Mamil]

I think most who ride Tygerberg MTB trails regularly would agree that one should be very fit indeed to tackle the 60 and even the 45 will be one of the tougher half marathons on the calendar.

 

Saving myself for Tulbagh - I suffer on and love those trails quite a lot already.

[Sparki 1]

The 60km will be on par with trailseeker series.

[Johny Bravo]

36 degrees forecast for saturday. Will make the race twice as tough. Damn.

[Titleist]

Just a thought for next year onwards, the organisers must think about giving the members of Tygerberg MTB proper discount for entering the race, easy way to boost some numbers. Now the majority of the club members doesn't want to enter because we normally use all the routes for free. The event can also be used as a type of "Club champs".

[LeoKnight]

Just a thought for next year onwards, the organisers must think about giving the members of Tygerberg MTB proper discount for entering the race, easy way to boost some numbers. Now the majority of the club members doesn't want to enter because we normally use all the routes for free. The event can also be used as a type of "Club champs".

 

It is mostly the 60km route that gives you access to areas you are not normally allowed to ride, but damn think I will stick with the 45km.  But yet if it was not for my wife I would have skipped the race and rather do the route on my own on another weekend.

[LeoKnight]

Ok cool, thanks

Seems I was wrong, they just sent a link with the starting times for all

 

Seems there are 711 riders signed up so far

[LeoKnight]

If I look at the starting loop, we might have to consider topping up on the sealant, is there not a lot of thorns on the inside of that track?

 

[dirtman]

We have finished marking the routes today and will test ride it tomorrow (except the 60 km - don't have legs for that!) to ensure all the markers are in place.  Just a few comments re the route:

 - The 60 km will be brutal.  It will be harder than the Trailseeker. You will suffer big time if you are not fit.  If you struggle on the day, rather divert to the 45 km route when you get to the different route splits. 

- The same applies to riders doing the 45 km - if you struggle, divert to the 25 km before you go over the top to Contermanskloof.  Once over the top, you are in for the whole 45 km - there is no turning back and no escape routes on Contermans.  You need to make this call at the first water table on top of Bloemendal where the routes split.

- The organisers will monitor the temperature on the day and may decide on cut-off times at certain points on the route.  If implemented, strugglers will be instructed to divert to shorter route options.

- Road works on the top of St. Johns prevented us from exiting via the small Tygerberg MTB club gate as originally planned, resulting in all routes (except the 5 km) going back to the gate at the top of Odendaal road.  This will add another climb and also an extra kilometer or two to some of the routes.

 - Make sure you have enough sealant in your tyres.  Don't even think of riding with tubes (12 km riders should be okay with tubes, as the loop over Altydgedacht is largely thorn-free.)