[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. 

[Bub Marley]

Okay so if the weather is anything like it was this past Saturday, i am pretty much screwed. Let’s just pray to the weather gods for some decent temperatures. Tall ask i know in February and in wellington.

[babse]

3 hours ago, Bub Marley said:

Okay so if the weather is anything like it was this past Saturday, i am pretty much screwed. Let’s just pray to the weather gods for some decent temperatures. Tall ask i know in February and in wellington.

Both previous editions I did had moderate temps, hoping that trend continues in a few weeks time.

Look on the positive at least saturday past helped with heat acclimatising depending how long you were out there...

[milky4130]

5 hours ago, Bub Marley said:

Okay so if the weather is anything like it was this past Saturday, i am pretty much screwed. Let’s just pray to the weather gods for some decent temperatures. Tall ask i know in February and in wellington.

should be a couple of streams to cool down in along the way

[Bub Marley]

17 minutes ago, milky4130 said:

should be a couple of streams to cool down in along the way

Not gonna lie, I was so tempted to jump into that river on Saturday. And then I just thought, the more time I waste here, the more time I have to spend in the sun. Then proceeded to waste 15min at the last water point anyway.

[babse]

21 minutes ago, milky4130 said:

should be a couple of streams to cool down in along the way

used once before no?

[milky4130]

5 minutes ago, babse said:

used once before no?

yeah the mountain pool at the Scouts Club, you past it early in the morning then again when you return later, there is a water point there so it's going to be tempting to past up on the opportunity. 

@Bub Marley on my last outing there I opted for the quick dip and within 10mins or so I caught back up to the group I was riding with, so no time was lost, cooling off allowed me to go faster for the final stretch back to the finish venue where as the guys I was riding with went slower as they cooking.

[Bub Marley]

34 minutes ago, milky4130 said:

yeah the mountain pool at the Scouts Club, you past it early in the morning then again when you return later, there is a water point there so it's going to be tempting to past up on the opportunity. 

@Bub Marley on my last outing there I opted for the quick dip and within 10mins or so I caught back up to the group I was riding with, so no time was lost, cooling off allowed me to go faster for the final stretch back to the finish venue where as the guys I was riding with went slower as they cooking.

Will keep that in mind.

[Bub Marley]

Looks like 35 degrees on Saturday in Wellington. Will probably feel like its over 40. 

[babse]

On 2/10/2025 at 11:17 AM, Bub Marley said:

Looks like 35 degrees on Saturday in Wellington. Will probably feel like its over 40. 

Eish that heat isn't decreasing...

 

Will continue with my race strategy to go full gas from the gun to try finish early. Maybe it'll work on my 3rd attempt ☠️🙈

[Bub Marley]

11 hours ago, babse said:

Eish that heat isn't decreasing...

 

Will continue with my race strategy to go full gas from the gun to try finish early. Maybe it'll work on my 3rd attempt ☠️🙈

I see they allowing you to carry over your entry to next year as well. Seriously considering taking up that option.