[Event] Jar from Dirt Gravel Weekend

[Pedal Power Association]

Event Name: Jar from Dirt Gravel Weekend
When: 30/11/2024 - 01/12/2024
Where: Stettyn Family Vineyards, Mount Eland Township, Western Cape
Category: Gravel

Get ready to embrace the dirt and uncork the adventure at the second annual Jar from Dirt Gravel Weekend, the ultimate gravel event presented by Pedal Power Association in collaboration with Stettyn Family Vineyards taking place on Saturday and Sunday, 30 November & 1 December 2024 at the beautiful Stettyn Family Vineyards between Worcester and Villiersdorp.

Experience the thrill of gravel cycling through open roads, scenic vineyards, and untamed landscapes. This year we have added 3 Trail Run routes, a weekend for the whole family. 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, running 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.

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 will open soon . Once the limit is reached, no more entries will be taken (from August, all July entries will go into the draw) we will draw a lucky winner to win a case of wine from Stettyn Family Vineyard (if you don’t drink, an alternative hamper will be given), the earlier you enter the more months you go into the draw to win and stand a better chance to win. Winners will be contacted via email and announced on social media platforms.

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 to enjoy. There will also be a free secure bike park available to safely store your bike while you enjoy the hospitality after your race. All entrants will also get a free massage. There will be a bikeshop for any last minute fixes or spares. 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, steak night and spitbraai on offer. Booking is essential online through the entry process to avoid disappointment! Please see details further down.

Entry Fees & Start Times:

PPA Members get a R50 discount, please ensure you put the coupon code PPA50 when you check out for the discount to be applied.

Day 1

Bąbelki Bliss – 15 km – 07h30: R200 PPA Member and R250 Non-Member

Guardian’s Path – 40 km – 07h15: R300 PPA Member and R350 Non-Member

Shackleton’s Quest – 120 km – 07h00 : R500 PPA Member and R550 Non-Member

Day 2

RAM Rampage – 25 km – 07h45: R250 PPA Member and R300 Non-Member

Stony Rhythms – 80 km – 07h30 : R400 PPA Member and R450 Non-Member

Madge’s Delight Trail Runs:

6 km – 08h25: R100

10 km – 08h20: R150

15 km – 08h15: R200

Please take note of the following for the Gravel Routes (not applicable to the Trail Runs):

*If you are not a paid up PPA Member or CSA license holder you will be required to take out a CSA Day License.

**If you don’t have a permanent RaceTec / FinishTime MTB timing board, you will be required to purchase one which you can use at any event timed by FinishTime.

***PPA Members get a R50 discount, please ensure you put the coupon code PPA50 when you check out for the discount to be applied. All coupons will be verified for paid up PPA members.

Registration:

Friday, 29 November 2024: 15h00 – 18h00 at Stettyn Cellar

Saturday, 30 November 2024: 06h00 – 07h30 at Stettyn Cellar

Sunday, 1 December 2024: 06h30 -08h30 at Stettyn Cellar

Timing:

Timing for the gravel ride 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. If you don’t own a RaceTec / Finish Time MTB Board you will be required to purchase a permanent board for R140 that can be used at all FinishTime timed events in the future.

Timing for the trail run will be done by your race bib, ensure you place your race bib on the front of your shirt and ensure it is visible when coming over the line.

Route Information:

DAY 1 – Saturday, 30 November 2024

Bąbelki Bliss – 15 km Route. Start time 07h30

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.

Guardian’s Path – 40 km Route. Start time 07h15

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. Start time 07h00

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 The Shackleton, and the 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, 1 December 2024

RAM Rampage – 25 km Route. Start time 07h45

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.

Stony Rhythms – 80 km Route. Start time 07h30

Exploring the Stone Trail.

Roll and Roar along the Stone Trail! Embark on a gravel cycling journey that’s as serene as a river’s whisper. As you ride the Stone Trail, you’ll embrace the gentle undulations of the terrain, much like the contours of smoothed river stones. Feel the connection as your tires tread lightly on this path, tracing the stories of ages past. This route is your invitation to create your own story, much like nature has etched tales on ancient stones. So, gear up and let the Stone Trail be your serene sanctuary, where every pedal stroke leads to tranquility and triumph.

There will be 3 waterpoints on route and one at the finish on the Stony Rhythms.

Madge’s Delight Trail Runs – 6 km, 10 km and 15 km Routes. Start time from 08h15

Embark on the Madge’s Delight Trail Runs and run through a nostalgic journey of scenic beauty.

Introducing Madge’s Delight, a breath-taking 6 km, 10 km and 15 km trail run routes 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. These routes, 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.

Additional Services

Booking is essential to avoid disappointment! Bookings will be taken via the entry process,

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!

R1500 for 2 people.

Limited spots available, booking essential to secure your spot.

Camping Spot: R500 per camping spot for the whole weekend. One car per spot. Limited spots available, booking essential to secure your spot.

Friday Night Steak Braai: R200 per person

Saturday Night Spit Braai: R200 per person

Camping:

Camping grounds will open at 15h00 on Friday, 30 November 2024.

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.

[bleedToWin]

Not sure how I feel about the "take part in only one day or spend the weekend" approach for some reason...

[milky4130]

On 7/24/2024 at 9:07 AM, bleedToWin said:

Not sure how I feel about the "take part in only one day or spend the weekend" approach for some reason...

I just did the one day last year & drove in & out on the day. You live even closer than I do so it's a no brainer. Bit if camping is your thing then its not a bad option either. Route is also lekker non technical so perfect to clock miles of off road training/racing.

[Bub Marley]

I also did this last year. Was a lekker route but there was like 10 of us in total.

 

Hopefully more interest this year. 

[milky4130]

It's the end of the season time of the year so understandable that numbers will be low. But it's on the map now so expecting numbers to increase.

[bleedToWin]

Eerily quiet on this front...

[Akon]

On 7/29/2024 at 2:00 PM, Bub Marley said:

I also did this last year. Was a lekker route but there was like 10 of us in total.

 

Hopefully more interest this year. 

Seems like only 4 this year 🙃:
bleedtowin, milky, you and me!

[Bub Marley]

Not riding this year unfortunately. 

[milky4130]

Last year I had Ironman And DC Fitness still when I took on this event in a fatigued state. This year I’m again in the fatigue boat but with zero riding fitness. Chances of me rocking up are slim.

[milky4130]

On 11/29/2024 at 1:02 PM, bleedToWin said:

Eerily quiet on this front...

Congrats on the win

[bleedToWin]

On 11/30/2024 at 11:53 PM, milky4130 said:

Congrats on the win

Thank you. Really nice venue and a route with a lot to offer. Looks way easier on paper than it actually is. Hope the event can grow, but they may need to consider moving to a different spot on the calendar...