[Event] Jar from Dirt Gravel Ride

[Pedal Power Association]

Event Name: Jar from Dirt Gravel Ride
When: 02/12/2023 - 03/12/2023
Where: Mount Eland Township, Western Cape
Category: Gravel

Get ready to embrace the dirt and uncork the adventure at the inaugural Dirt from Jar, the ultimate gravel event presented by Pedal Power Association in collaboration with Stettyn Family Vineyards taking place on Saturday and Sunday, 2 & 3 December 2023 at the beautiful Stettyn Family Vineyards just outside Villiersdorp.

Experience the thrill of gravel cycling through open roads, scenic vineyards, and untamed landscapes. Push your limits, conquer the challenges, and indulge in the exquisite flavors of Stettyn wines straight from the jar. Join us for an exhilarating blend of off-road cycling and wine, where the joy of riding meets the satisfaction of a well-deserved sip. Let your spirit soar, the dirt be your guide, and the jar reveal the secrets of the journey. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary gravel cycling experience that will leave you craving more. Strap on your helmet, grab your jar, and get ready to ignite your senses on the Dirt from Jar adventure.

The event will take place over two days with the option to take part in only one day or spend the weekend camping with the whole family and part take in both days.

It will be a weekend for friends and family to enjoy together whether you are an existing cyclist, newcomer to the sport, the average participant, or an elite sportsman this will be an event you don’t want to miss out on. E-Bikes are also welcome to join.

Entries are open and limited. Once the limit is reached, no more entries will be taken. Only pre-entries will be accepted for this event.

Included in your entry fee will be a goody bag that includes a bottle of wine from Stettyn Family Vineyards, timing, unique finishers medal, beautiful on route experience, fully stocked waterpoints, post-race hospitality with lots of food stalls, drinks, and live music to enjoy. There will also be a secure bike park available to safely store your bike while you enjoy the live music and hospitality after your race. Please note only card facilities available, cashless venue.

*For children under the age of 18 or those who don’t drink, a non-alcoholic beverage will be added to your goody bag.

There will be camping, glamping, a bike workshop, massages, steak night and spitbraai on offer. Booking is essential to avoid disappointment! Please see details further down.

Entry Fees:

Day 1

Madge’s Delight – 12 km: R200 PPA Member and R250 Non-Member

Guardian’s Path – 40 km: R300 PPA Member and R350 Non-Member

Shackleton’s Quest – 120 km: R500 PPA Member and R550 Non-Member

Day 2

RAM Rampage – 30 km: R250 PPA Member and R300 Non-Member

Bąbelki Bliss – 15 km: R200 PPA Member and R250 Non-Member

Timing:

Timing will be done with a permanent RaceTec / Finish Time MTB Board. Please note that the timing Chip is embedded in your permanent MTB Board. If you already own a Permanent MTB Board, please remember to bring your MTB board to the event. You will be issued with an 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 MTB Board and the event sticker placed across the top of the board.

Route Information:

DAY 1 – Saturday, 2 December2023

Madge’s Delight – 12 km Route.

Embark on the Madge’s Delight gravel ride and pedal through a nostalgic journey of scenic beauty.

Introducing Madge’s Delight, a breath-taking 12 km gravel route that pays homage to the remarkable legacy of Grandma Madge. Inspired by the namesake gin crafted in her honor, Madge’s Delight encompasses the spirit of adventure and the beauty of nature. As you embark on this journey, you’ll encounter the magnificent Gladiolus Rhodanthus, an exquisite flower species that thrives only in the enchanting Stettyn Mountains. This flower serves as a vibrant reminder of Grandma Madge’s extraordinary talent for creating stunning floral arrangements. This route, much like Grandma Madge, brings people together. Just as she organized countless family gatherings to strengthen familial bonds, The Madge invites you to embrace the joy of shared experiences, creating lasting memories with loved ones amidst the picturesque landscapes.

There will be one waterpoint at the finish on the Madge’s Delight.

Guardian’s Path – 40 km Route.

Experience the Guardian’s Path gravel ride, where adventure and protection intertwine.

Embark on an epic adventure and unleash your inner explorer along Guardian’s Path, a remarkable 40 km gravel route inspired by the renowned Guardian wine from Stettyn Family Vineyards. Just as the wine embodies strength and elegance, this route draws inspiration from the legendary creature known as the griffin which symbolizes power and majesty. In the Middle Ages, this mythical creature was revered for its ability to guard treasure and precious possessions, much like the Stettyn region itself—a true hidden treasure. Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring landscapes, as you follow in the footsteps of the griffin, leaving you inspired, exhilarated, and with a profound appreciation for the magic of Guardian from Stettyn Family Vineyards. Cheers to your inner guardian!

There will be one waterpoint on route and one at the finish on the Guardian’s Path.

Shackleton’s Quest – 120 km Route.

Embark on the Shackleton’s Quest gravel ride and conquer the untamed wilderness.

Experience the captivating tale of the Shackleton’s Quest, an extraordinary 120 km gravel route that draws inspiration from Sir Ernest Shackleton, and his remarkable journey through the Stettyn Mountains. This notable story stands as a heartfelt tribute to the 13 brave South African Air Force (SAAF) airmen who tragically lost their lives when their Shackleton MR 3 1718 crashed into the majestic Stettynskloof Mountain on August 8, 1963. Remarkably, this was the only Shackleton to be written off during its 27-year service in the SAAF, spanning from 1957 to 1984. Coincidentally, the same year that marked this devastating event also witnessed the laying of the foundations for the Stettyn Wine Cellar, forever linking these two significant moments in history. Adding to the intrigue, the Shackleton aircraft was powered by four Rolls-Royce Griffin engines, a testament to its power and reliability.

Pedal through breath-taking landscapes that have witnessed both tragedy and resilience, feel the adrenaline as you follow in Shackleton’s footsteps conquering the Stettyn Mountains which is testament to the indomitable human spirit and a celebration of the enduring stories that shape our lives. Write your own legendary tale along this extraordinary gravel cycling route.

There will be 5 waterpoints on route and one at the finish on the Shackleton’s Quest.

Day 2 – Sunday, 3 December 2023

RAM Rampage – 30 km Route.

Conquer the RAM Rampage gravel ride and unleash your inner wild rider.

Embark on a thrilling 30 km gravel ride adventure through the vineyards of Stettyn Family Vineyards, where the legendary RAM rum is crafted. Centuries ago, intrepid explorers discovered a secret recipe infused with wild RAM botanicals. Inspired by this tale, join us on a quest to uncover hidden treasures with an unforgettable ride that encompasses the spirit of exploration.

There will be one waterpoint on route and one at the finish on the RAM Rampage.

Bąbelki Bliss – 15 km Route.

Introducing the Bąbelki Bliss gravel ride – a journey of heritage and discovery.

A sparkling and effervescent 15 km adventure that will ignite your senses and leave you in a state of pure bliss. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this trail as you pedal through enchanting landscapes. Just like the name itself, derived from the Polish word for bubbles, this route captures the essence of celebration and joy. Embrace the strong Polish background that infuses the trail with a sense of heritage and tradition, where every pedal stroke is a toast to life’s sparkling moments bringing bubbles and bliss together.

There will be one waterpoint at the finish on the Bąbelki Bliss.

Additional Services

Booking is essential to avoid disappointment! Bookings will be taken via Goolge Forms, once you complete the form you will receive an email with your booking and payment can be made via EFT. Please note payment must be made to confirm your booking. 

Glamping:

Each tent sleeps 2 people included is: Tent, ground sheet, 2 stretchers, 2 mattresses, a light and 2 chairs. All you need to bring is your own bedding!

R1300 for 2 people.

Limited spots available, booking essential to secure your spot.

Camping Spot: R300 per camping spot. One car per spot. Limited spots available, booking essential to secure your spot.

Bike Workshop:

Package 1: Bike wash & lube – R150

Package 2: Bike wash, lube & minor race check service – R350  

A Bikeshop will be there all weekend for any spares, repairs, or bike TLC you may need. 

Nanette Olivier Physical Therapy:

Sport Massage: R250 for 30 minutes

Nanetteoliviersportmassage.co.za

Friday Night Steak Braai: R165 per person

Saturday Night Spit Braai: R175 per person

Camping:

Camping grounds will open at 14h00 on Friday, 1 December 2023.

Camping and glamping spots will be allocated, and you will receive your details at registration. You can park your car next to your camp area.

Remember to come prepared, there is no facilities! There is no electricity in the camp spots. Warm showers and toilets will be provided in the camping area.

Go to Event Page. Edited June 29, 2023 by Pedal Power Association
Error

[RossTopher]

Has anyone been able to enter for this thing. Seems the link goes to an unsafe site

[Nick]

It looks like the entry site's SSL security certificate expired yesterday. We'll pop the organisers a message.

[Bub Marley]

Event postpone till December.

 

[Jbr]

On 8/27/2023 at 2:10 PM, Nick said:

It looks like the entry site's SSL security certificate expired yesterday. We'll pop the organisers a message.

What’s wrong with co.za ssl certificates expiring constantly lately ? Been trying to track a parcel on the posts website that has an expired certificate, can’t remember but had a couple other ones in the last two weeks, you guys don’t have auto renew ? My AWS account just notifies me when my certificates renew (automatically)

[RossTopher]

5 hours ago, Bub Marley said:

Event postpone till December.

 

Thanks. Sent PPA an email and got a very quick response this morning. Think it may have jogged memories to make the postponement update. On Saturday the site still had 2 Sept.

 

Apparently there is an "adverse weather" concern for the weekend. 

[RossTopher]

On 8/27/2023 at 2:10 PM, Nick said:

It looks like the entry site's SSL security certificate expired yesterday. We'll pop the organisers a message.

Thanks Nick, much appreciated. 

[Yyyy]

is this a Gravel race or mixed terrain race?

[Shebeen]

17 hours ago, RossTopher said:

Thanks. Sent PPA an email and got a very quick response this morning. Think it may have jogged memories to make the postponement update. On Saturday the site still had 2 Sept.

 

Apparently there is an "adverse weather" concern for the weekend. 

no there isn't, someone made that up!

 

[RossTopher]

39 minutes ago, Shebeen said:

no there isn't, someone made that up!

 

my thoughts exactly. Reckon the event was forgotten about, no marketing, an entry page that wasnt maintained, and no updates until after asking about the site.

weather apps don't show dodgy skies, and no such story from Race to the Sea which is in a similar area

 

[milky4130]

When I checked weather earlier in the week there was rain shown for Thursday into Friday nothing Saturday and then again on Sunday. The event is a 2 day gravel event where you can opt to only do the one day or both & they were also expecting the families to camp from Friday night through to Sunday, so with that in mind they cancelled but I think it could just be the poor numbers that pre-entered that was the deciding factor.

[Bub Marley]

I also checked the weather and it was rain for just Sunday but I see that’s changed now. The official reason they gave was they wanted it to be a camping experience and the weather would not allow this to happen.

 

I do think they jumped the gun on the announcement as the weather actually looks good for the weekend. I also think having it the same weekend as Race to the Sea & Vines to Views was not the smartest idea so that could be the reason for the change.

[MalcolmP]

Jar of Dirt gravel event - Anyone got an idea of the amount of climbing there will be in the Saturdays 40 km ?

Edited November 15, 2023 by MalcolmP
Made error

[Jbr]

Funny they haven't updated the ads

[Bub Marley]

Wonder if they will allow late entries here. Might be a last minute decision as to whether I do this or not.

[bleedToWin]

Well, now with Paarl Cycle Tour cancelled this weekend just became free for all the roadies.