Rhodes Extreme MTB Race in Rhodes

The Rhodes Extreme (formerly the Rhodes Challenge) is an extreme multi-day high-altitude team MTB stage race based on a ‘clover leaf’ out of Rhodes Village in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg Highlands. Surrounded by crystalline rivers and magnificent mountains, the three-stage race takes place over two days on the September Heritage Day long weekend and is the ideal getaway for avid mountain bikers and outdoorsmen seeking alpine adventure.

Rated in the book ‘Best Mountain Bike Rides in South Africa’, the Rhodes Extreme is the ‘grandfather’ of the MTB calendar. This is one of the most adrenalin-filled rides in Africa – a ‘must do’.

The new 2009 format is believed to be the highest MTB stage race in South Africa and includes:
• ‘Thin Air’ - 40km, mainly single track
• ‘Night-light’ night ride - 15km, festival ride around the village
• ‘The Grandfather’ (previously the Rhodes Cycle Challenge) - 85km, extreme alpine ascent

2010 will see the introduction of a stunning 75km single-track route that will take riders over river crossings, sandstone cliffs and mountain tops without their wheels touching a road. Due to capacity constraints in Rhodes Village, 2008 and 2009 finishers will attain preferential entry status and be assured of race invitations to the 2010 event.

Declared a Conservation Area in 1997, Rhodes Village is reminiscent of a bygone era, thanks to its Victorian heritage. Tucked away in the Eastern Cape Highlands on the southern-most tip of Lesotho, the village exudes the timeless charm and quiet of yester-year. ‘Off the bike’ activities include snow skiing and boarding, fly fishing, hiking, horse riding, trail running, wing shooting for Greywing Francolin, hunting, walking, San rock art cave tours, alpine flora, 4x4 trails, star gazing, shopping for local ceramics and textiles or simply relaxing with a coffee and absorbing the village atmosphere.

Contact - Race administration
Willem Jansen: 082 789 5519 or 045 971 9144
Please Note: Dates for this event to be confirmed.