The MTB Challenge

[Bub Marley]

The MTB Challenge

Off-road racing at its very best, the MTB Challenge hits the Cape Winelands on Saturday, 8 July 2023 and offers 15km, 30km and 60km options. The event was previously held prior to Covid-19 Lockdown in 2020 and we are excited to have the MTB Challenge back on the calendar with new routes and a new venue. The MTB Challenge will take place at the beautiful Arauna Farm in Wellington.

 

The MTB Challenge will also be the third event in the Western Province XCM series for 2023. 

 

The event is open to PPA members as well as non-members and targets both existing cyclists, newcomers to the sport, the average participant, as well as the elite sportswoman. E-Bikes are welcome to join.

 

NEW VENUE: Arauna Farm is situated on the Slangrivier Road in Wellington. Nestled amongst the foothills of Groenberg Mountain, lies a Boland oasis, Arauna farm. Emerald green lawns and verdant oak trees, bordering a sparkling vlei offers a respite for those weary of the daily hustle and bustle. We love to have others indulge in the rich natural scenery of the farm and celebrate life in all its vivid colours. Situated three minutes from Wellington and 45 minutes from Cape Town, Expérience d’ Arauna offers true Boland hospitality. Did you know? Arauna farm is the bubbly bottler for the Bahrain Grand Prix since its debut in 2004. 

 

The info tent will be able to answer any last-minute questions or to purchase replacement MTB board. Coffee on sale for your caffeine fix with varies stalls which include pancakes, food, wine, beer, cooldrinks, biltong, farmers market and lots more! Then you can sit back, relax and enjoy all that the venue has to offer! A kids area will allow the kids to have a fun time whilst mom and dad enjoy the live entertainment on offer. 

 

Included in your entry fee will be timing, finishers medal, beautiful on route experience, fully stocked waterpoints, post-race village which includes a farmers market, live music and lucky draw. Pricing varies from R150 to R450 depending on PPA membership and distance.

 

Online Entries:

15km: R150 PPA Member and R200 Non Member

30km: R300 PPA Member and R350 Non Member

60km: R400 PPA Member and R450 Non Member

 

 

Start times and age categories for XCM riders: 

15km (S) – start time from 09h30. Minimum age – 8yrs on 31 December 2023.

Nippers (8-10): Boys and Girls

Sprogs (11-12): Boys and Girls

30km (M) – start time from 09h00. Minimum age – 13yrs on 31 December 2023.

Sub Junior (13-14): Boys and Girls

Grand Master Women (60+)

60km (L) – start time from 08h30. Minimum age – 15yrs on 31 December 2023.

Youth (15-16): Boys and Girls

Junior (17-18): Boys and Girls

Senior (19-29): Men and Women

Sub Vet (30-39): Men and Women

Vet (40-49): Men and Women

Master (50-59): Men and Women

Grand Master (60+): Men

 

* All riders who take part as part of the Western Province XCM series must have a valid CSA License and must enter into the correct distance. 

* Ensure you are ready at least 30 minutes before your start to get into the chutes.

* The start groups. Note you will only get your start group after entries have closed!

 

Timing:

Timing will be done with a permanent RaceTec MTB Board. Please note that the timing Chip is embedded in your permanent RaceTec MTB Board. If you already own a Permanent RaceTec MTB Board, please remember to bring your MTB board to the event. You will issued with a event sticker at registration which you will need to apply across the top of the MTB Board. Please note that you will not be able to start the event without your RaceTec MTB Board and the event sticker placed across the top of the board.

 

Race pack collection:

In order to collect your race pack at registration you need to bring either the email or SMS containing your name and race number which will be sent to you by 5 July 2023.

We urge you to collect your race pack before the event day to avoid unnecessary queues.

Thursday, 6 July 2023: 12h00 – 18h00 at Rondebosch Sportsmans Warehouse: 34 Klipfontein Rd, Rondebosch

Friday, 7 July 2023: 12h00 – 18h00 at Tygervalley Sportsmans Warehouse: 1 Bill Bezuidenhout Ave, Bellville Park

Saturday, 8 July 2023: From 07h30 at the venue, Linton Park Wines, Slangrivier Farm, Wellington.

 

Route Information:

60km Route: 1492m Total Elevation. Start time from 08h30.

Like the 30km, fast and open road riding up to WP#1. After WP#1 the climbing starts on single-track on the southern slopes of Groenberg, with a fast and flowing single-track downhill.  Open road climbing to WP#2, followed by the Luislang single-track climb, to be rewarded with the Happy Hog downhill section. After Happy Hog, riders will enjoy the Wild Boar Trails White Route single-tracks towards Oaklands for 8km to WP#3. From WP#3 it will be fast, open riding to Welvanpas Farm where the next climb starts, taking riders to the top of Golden Mile and down the famous, flowing trail. Rollercoaster takes riders to the finish. The route is well-balanced with quite long sections of single-track and easy open-road riding in-between.

 

There are 4 waterpoints on the 60km route. There will be some fruit and sweets to keep the energy levels high. Stay hydrated with Coke and water.

 

Waterpoint 1 will be activated by the ladies from Dirt Addict, a community focused brand that was started with the intention to connect and inspire women through various active lifestyle options. Largely serving the beginner to intermediate cyclist, they provide a safe space where women can learn and grow in skill and confidence. They stand for courage, pride, strength, and unity.

 

Waterpoint 2 will be activated by the team from Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, the official hydration partner of PPA.

 

Waterpoint 3 will be activated by the team from PPA.

 

Waterpoint 4 will be activated by our Stay Wider of the Rider team. The mission is to raise awareness of cycling’s role as a key and sustainable mode of transport and to make it safe for everyone to cycle. The campaign launched in 2014 and has been instrumental in creating awareness amongst motorists especially when passing cyclists. Cyclists are vulnerable road users and should be given space of at least one metre on our roads.

 

30km Route: 561m Total Elevation. Start time from 09h00.

Fast start on open gravel road up to WP#1. Climbing from WP#1 to WP#2 mostly on district gravel road and jeep track. From WP#2 mostly downhill with short section of single-track. This route is not technical at all and suitable for all types of riders.

 

There are 2 waterpoints on the 30km route. There will be some fruit and sweets to keep the energy levels high. Stay hydrated with Coke and water. There will also be some music to keep the spirits high.

 

Waterpoint 1 will be activated by the ladies from Dirt Addict, a community focused brand that was started with the intention to connect and inspire women through various active lifestyle options. Largely serving the beginner to intermediate cyclist, they provide a safe space where women can learn and grow in skill and confidence. They stand for courage, pride, strength, and unity.

 

Waterpoint 2 will be activated by the team from Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, the official hydration partner of PPA.

 

15km Route: 354m Total Elevation. Start time from 09h30.

Starts off with open gravel road, followed by mainly vineyard riding. About 5km into the route, a fun pump track section will be an enjoyable feature for everyone. Highest point in the route is at about 9km, followed by a nice single-track section, and easy riding to the finish.

 

There is 1 waterpoint on the 15km route. There will be some fruit and sweets to keep the energy levels high. Stay hydrated with Coke and water. There will also be some music to keep the spirits high.

[Rouxenator]

Entered! 

Kinda reminds me of 2017 Gravel Travel a bit.

[Hilton.]

Entered looking forward to it. The Golden Mile area is always fun.

A pity it doesn't use the upper Wellington trails (Cool Runnings, Aap-du-Huez, Full Monty etc)

[babse]

Yeah that looks like a decent route... Hoping to get some sort of fitness in by then. 

 

Should be a good 1 🤞

[OVERDRIVE]

Too far for some of us. Have fun all