[Event] The 36ONE MTB Challenge 2018

[Tanya De Abreu Fernandes]

Event Name: The 36ONE MTB Challenge 2018
When: 20 April 2018 - 22 April 2018
Where: Kleinplaas Holiday Resort, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
Category: MTB

South Africa’s longest single-stage mountain bike race, The 36ONE MTB Challenge, has grown steadily in popularity over the last few years as the ultra-endurance racing bug has taken hold of the South African mountain biking community. But despite its 361km distance and 5 200m of climbing The 36ONE is infinitely achievable for all mountain bikers; with a bit of training, intelligent management of pace and a solid nutritional plan.

 

In 2017 just under 1 000 riders rolled across the start line, with over half the field taking on the full 361km distance as solo competitors. Starting at 18:00, as the sun sets on the Klein Karoo, The 36ONE is unique among ultra-endurance events in that the entire full distance field spends the night on their bikes. The eerie glow of headlights and the red flicker of taillights is one of the lasting images of the event; along with Check Point Two, at Volmoed, where hearty home cooked meals and the support crews await to warm tired and cold riders after 180km on the bike. Thereafter the imposing Rooiberg Pass awaits, then Calitzdorp and the most beautiful section of the route, along the Nels River, back to Oudtshoorn.

 

With water points, every 30km or so and with Dryland Event Management’s superb medical support on hand throughout the race never has an ultra-endurance event been so readily completeable. Just as long as you follow 36ONE double lapper, Martin Dreyer’s advice: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

 

Fast Facts: 36ONE MTB Challenge

Event Dates: 20 – 22 April 2018

Entries Open: 1 August 2017

Full Solo: R1 990

Full Team: R3 790 (2 Riders)

Full Relay: R2 5304 (2 Riders) | R3 230 (4 Riders)

The Half: R1 075 (Solo) | R2 050 (Team of 2 Riders)

Website: www.the36one.co.za

Facebook: The 36ONE MTB Challenge

Twitter: @The36ONE

Instagram: drylandeventmanagement | #The36ONE

Go to Event Page

[TrailWarrior]

I'll be there!!!!! 

[fanievb]

I'll be there!!!!! 

plus one

[Velouria]

Damnit!!

[vulgar]

Still wrecked from last months riding....no more solo....2 x 4th is enough. Hooking up with a team mate. Talk crap all-night instead of strategizing...

[fanievb]

Damnit!!

 

"I'll never do this again"

[Heel Drop]

in it i mean it

[GAP]

Still haven't ridden the bike since the race. Was my first 36one so keen to go back next year.

[dirtypot]

Damnit!!

 

That's the problem with saying never!

[Velouria]

Still wrecked from last months riding....no more solo....2 x 4th is enough. Hooking up with a team mate. Talk crap all-night instead of strategizing...

I think my partner and I said 5 words to each other while riding!

 

P.S. I think you should try solo one more time

[dirtypot]

I think my partner and I said 5 words to each other while riding!

 

But a team with regular hearing and regular ears might have more of a chat... 

[GAP]

I think my partner and I said 5 words to each other while riding!

 

P.S. I think you should try solo one more time

I rode Solo and I said 2 words to myself the whole time "Never Again"

[fanievb]

With general entries opening 1 August, who's going next year?

I'm heading down for my second attempt, first one stopped on the Rooiberg descent due to a blown continental.

Couldn't go last year as it was too close to my daughters' due date.

Trying to put together some sort of training plan so any ideas would be welcome.

 

[Velouria]

I have vowed (several times) to never do this race again.

 

Part of me is keen

[Karman de Lange]

I have vowed (several times) to never do this race again.

 

Part of me is keen

Do solo, for the "fun" of it :-) Edited July 12, 2017 by Karman de Lange

[GemmerKat]

I am so tempted.