[Event] The Big 5 MTB Challenge

[Big 5 MTB Challenge]

Event Name: The Big 5 MTB Challenge
When: 15/02/2025
Where: Imbuko Wines, Wellington, Western Cape
Category: Mountain Bike

Imbuko Family Vintners, in collaboration with Canetsfontein, will host “THE BIG 5 MTB CHALLENGE” on February 15, 2025, at Imbuko Wines.

In this unique challenge, riders will endure a total ascent of 3,000 m over 77km, making it the ultimate one-day event to test your strength and fitness only four weeks before the 2025 ABSA Cape Epic. The Big 5 MTB Challenge aims to be the only South African race that tests riders on an international level regarding hill climbing. We aim to grow the The Big 5 MTB Challenge in becoming THE benchmark event to test skill and endurance to compete in the ABSA Cape Epic and other international mountain bike races.

The route was designed by Pieter Van Wyk, who worked on the route design team of the ABSA Cape Epic for many years. Five major climbs (Big Five) will be the main challenges in the race and will take riders through the iconic single tracks of the surrounding mountains of Wellington.

Riders can enter as solo, male or female. 

The Big 5 MTB Challenge - Beat the Unbeatable…

Go to Event Page.

[Sulli]

Can't wait to head back up to the Cliffhanger trail!

[babse]

Penciled this 1 in on the calender/budget for 2025!

 

Missed the last 2 editions since this trail has been included...

[Bub Marley]

Not sure what happened here but I was scrolling the website and somehow mistakenly hit the enter now button. And then somehow clicked pay. 
 

So yeah, after toying around waiting to enter the last 2 years and then opting out, I’ve finally entered for this one. I’m already kukking my pants. 

[openmind]

It’s a fantastic event, an incredibly rewarding route, even without the cliffhanger. But it’s a big day out. And fit a chainring 4 teeth smaller than usual - thank me later   

[Bub Marley]

31 minutes ago, openmind said:

It’s a fantastic event, an incredibly rewarding route, even without the cliffhanger. But it’s a big day out. And fit a chainring 4 teeth smaller than usual - thank me later   

Tbh I’m okay with the climbing. Will just go at my own pace and take them one at a time. 
 

It’s the descending that is the biggest concern to me especially the cliffhanger descent which is like 13km long. I’ve never descended that long in one go so shoulder fatigue is a concern and hands as well.