Die Burger Mountain Bike Challenge in Stellenbosch

Now in its 7th year, Die Burger MTB Challenge takes place on Saturday, 28 July 2012 and will be hosted at the Markötter Fields (Paul Roos Gymnasium) in Stellenbosch. The event, which is renowned for its challenging and picturesque routes, will also be held in association with the Simonsberg Conservancy and will boast four scenic routes to cater for all levels of riding.

The Routes:
Meurant Botha of Dirtopia, who has been designing and maintaining mountain bike trails for over ten years, says that the four routes will pass through more than 20 wine farms, giving riders the opportunity to tackle some of the best and most beautiful trails in the country.

The 60km route will traverse several local mountains and is not for the faint hearted. Riders can look forward to some serious climbing, technical descents and lots of single track. While the winner is expected to finish in approximately three hours, the average participant will take between four and five hours to complete the demanding course.

The 42km is a tough challenge and not for beginners, which will mirror the 60km route up until Delheim Wine Estate from where they will head back towards the R301 and Stellenbosch.

The 30km route follows a relatively flat course towards Spier Wine Estate and is perfect for those who think the 15km will be too short, but don't feel like tackling the climbs of the 42km. This is usually one of the most popular routes of the event.

The 15km has proven itself as perfect for novices and follows a shortened version of the 30km route with identical start and finish sections.

"For the second year there will be a 75km Ultra route, which is open by invitation only and to a limited field of about 200 riders, thereby attracting the best of the best in the mountain biking fraternity," adds Botha.

Entries will close on the 16 July, or as soon as the 3500 entry limit is reached.

Contact: Dirtopia Trail Centre on +27 (0)21 884-4752 for further event enquiries.