Single-track enthusiasts can look forward to a spectacular offering at the 2022 edition of the Muratie Mountain Series. With more than 30 km of single-track the event aims to continue the development of these routes and expose the incredible network of Dirtopia’s trails in the region.
This event takes place on 31 July with the start and finish location at the stunning Muratie Canvas venue. The vineyard setting with Table Mountain in the distance and the Simonsberg towering as backdrop makes for a world-class attraction.
Dirtopia’s partnership with Muratie has a long history with the first trails constructed in 2005, culminating in the relocation of the Trail Centre in 2022. The warm hospitality of Muratie, coupled with the Melck family’s love of nature and trails, create the perfect environment for trail enthusiasts and this must-do event.
The expansive single-track network connects neighbouring wine estates and thanks to special permission the Mountain series route accesses sections highlighted by multiple ABSA Cape Epics. Fifty percent of the route cannot be accessed under the current route and permit offering and these trails are specially cleared for the race.
With an expected elevation of around 1 850 m, the route is certainly challenging, but thanks to the contouring single-track climbs the majority of these metres are easily overcome. The official “bail-out” option is at 27 km giving riders a 34 km offering with around 1 000 m of climbing. Three water points for the 48 km is on 15 km, 25 km and around 39 km – please see the route profile on Dirtopia’ s website.
Route designer Meurant Botha wears many hats. The bearded, grey-haired mountain biker and founder of Dirtopia, Amarider and the Spur League has vast race-director experience. With a career now spanning four decades, he is considered the original trail builder with multiple local and international projects under his belt. With three of those decades spent in the Simonsberg valley, this route network can be described as the crown jewel of his work.
“The Mountain Series is a celebration of trail riding, stitching together over 20 years of trail building in the region to create a mountain biker’s race. The fact that most of the routes are not open daily will make for a spectacular day out,” says Meurant. While the first Mountain Series rides were invite-only projects during the pandemic, we can open this latest edition to our maximum capacity of 250 riders.
Dr Rijk Melck, Managing Director and co-owner, says: “We are proud to host the Mountain Series and are excited to welcome the trail riding community to the farm and experience our famous Muratie hospitality.”
To ensure there is some healthy competition, the men and ladies’ winners each receive R3 000 cash while a host of prizes can be won in various categories, including e-bikes.
Each participant receives a bottle of Muratie wine, branded headband, complimentary coffee on arrival and samples from Squirt and PVM. Well-stocked refreshment stations, including cold drinks and a range of savoury snacks and fruit, will ensure that the energy levels are maintained.
A free bike wash completes the offering while you enjoy the hospitality and live music at the Muratie Canvas. Note that family & friends are welcome to join you at the venue.
The wine tasting centre will be open and please book ahead to reserve seats for meals at Muratie’s Farm kitchen.
For all the information visit the event website www.muratieseries.co.za.
