Stellenbosch MTB Challenge 2018

[LeoKnight]

DATE:      Sunday, 29 July 2018
VENUE:   Spier Wine Estate, R310 Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch
TIME:       First start at 08h00, last at 08h50
 

Mountain Bike DISTANCES:
•    22km – for children, novices & beginner.
•    50km – for intermediate

 

The 13th edition of the Stellenbosch MTB Challenge takes a break from the annual 6 route format and focuses on fun and family with 2 route options launching from our new venue at Spier Wine Estate!

 

Entries are open for the mountain bike event with a 22km and a 50km to start from 8am in various start groups. As there are fewer distance options, entries will be limited to 2000 riders, to give outdoor enthusiasts the ultimate experience. The picturesque routes will cater for beginner to intermediate riders in keeping with this year’s theme of having fun outside with friends & family.

 

 

[Skubarra]

Odd/sad that they are watering down the event?

 

Lack of sponsors the issue?

 

Back in 2011 when I started cycling "Die Burger" MTB was propbably THE 1 day mtb event in the WC (along with the Argus mtb)

[LeoKnight]

Things to note,

 

The focus is more family and fun ride than for the racing with a reduction in the field planned (2500 finishers to only 2000)

 

E-bikes categories would again be available

 

Start is now from Spier

[DjCyclist]

WOw ???? only 2 routes

[dannygirl]

Whaaaaat???!  Was so looking forward to doing the 42km...

 

One of the few events that catered for more skilled riders and noobs with different routes, and where you could 'upgrade' year after year...  

 

Pity that they chose to retain the social / fun routes and none of the more technical ones, though - mass market appeal, I guess.

[LeoKnight]

would be interested in what made the change necessary. Now just hope the Spur Classic is still going ahead this year.

[cadenceblur]

Wasn't one of my favorites to be honest. Lots of hard work for very little reward as in single track.

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

No 75km Invitational? sorry chaps, will give this a miss. I am not going to wake up early, pay, drive through to do a 50km, cost benefit ratio. I thoroughly enjoyed the 75km last year.

 

Common guys, get the 75km going again, it was awesome last year!

[varkie2]

bad move on the route choices. cannot see what the point of this was. ill be missing this one.

[LeoKnight]

bad move on the route choices. cannot see what the point of this was. ill be missing this one.

 

Think that they more targeting the family fun type of events. I am assuming that the costs, the logistics, lack of big pocket sponsors, busy race schedule, etc. has made them have a rethink around the vision for the event.  We can share our frustration and irrespective if we attending it or not, wish them well and that those that do attend the race enjoy it.  No use in wishing them not to succeed. 

 

And I know of a few people I will be encouraging to do the event who is still newbies to sport. As I do think there is a place for such events, and think it is a bold move from them to focus on that market. 

 

If you still want to do long technical routes around Stellenbosch, you need to wait for the Origins of Trails, etc.

[Skubarra]

Think that they more targeting the family fun type of events. I am assuming that the costs, the logistics, lack of big pocket sponsors, busy race schedule, etc. has made them have a rethink around the vision for the event.  We can share our frustration and irrespective if we attending it or not, wish them well and that those that do attend the race enjoy it.  No use in wishing them not to succeed. 

 

And I know of a few people I will be encouraging to do the event who is still newbies to sport. As I do think there is a place for such events, and think it is a bold move from them to focus on that market. 

 

If you still want to do long technical routes around Stellenbosch, you need to wait for the Origins of Trails, etc.

 

You are right Leo - As disappointing as it is for an older timer like me to see change, mtb and type of events that is viable are evolving all the time - I can only assume the old format was not workable anymore

[Rouxenator]

Last year they ran this event without any sponsors, not an easy thing to pull off. I think a big factor at play is the logistics, it is much easier to host this farm land where no trafficops are required. Remember closing roads and hiring the traffic officials is a very costly affair. 

[Karman de Lange]

Last year they ran this event without any sponsors, not an easy thing to pull off. I think a big factor at play is the logistics, it is much easier to host this farm land where no trafficops are required. Remember closing roads and hiring the traffic officials is a very costly affair. 

 

With the 100miler, that small part we went through malmesbury main road apparently cost them R10k, thats R35 per entrant.. Imagine the costs for all the closures for STB MTB...

[Rouxenator]

True, trafficops usually start at R10k for events. It makes sense really, and as a result we are seeing much less funeral processions on the road. 

[Skubarra]

Last year they ran this event without any sponsors, not an easy thing to pull off. I think a big factor at play is the logistics, it is much easier to host this farm land where no trafficops are required. Remember closing roads and hiring the traffic officials is a very costly affair. 

 

I honestly don't know how they pulled of that event without sponsors. I think very few cyclists appreciate how critical sponsors are to break even, even when you have a large number of participants.