The upcoming 10th annual Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience promises to deliver exciting route enhancements guaranteed to captivate riders from start to finish in Stellenbosch on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November.
“We’re excited to mark a decade of mountain-biking excellence at the 2023 Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience,” said Michael Meyer, managing director of Stillwater Sports and event founder. “This 10th anniversary celebration will be one for the history books. Stellenbosch’s extensive network of world-class and exclusive trails have and always will be the event’s foundation. However, this year we plan to really shake up the vibrant town by bringing the MTB Party home.”
According to Meyer, the marathon is ideal for everyday riders who are fit and possess good technical skills. The first stage will consist of a 50 km route that boasts a total ascent of 1 250 m. The terrain will consist of hard-packed open climbs, manicured and flowing trails with a fair number of technical sections to keep riders honest. Iconic sections will include the magnificent views at Lanzerac, the Eerste River trails and G-Spot as well as new exciting sections like the short single track at Lanzerac and local route builder Kim Lord’s bridges in Dornier.
Stage 2 of the marathon will feature a 48 km route that has a total ascent of 750 m. The trails start off technical, but soon evolve into miles of smooth single track.
The stage highlights include the aeroplanes at the Stellenbosch Airfield, brandy tasting at the Van Ryn Distillery and pizza at The Wine Pod, traversing Vredenheim and getting close to the farm’s wildlife.
Stage 1 of the half-marathon will feature a 31 km route with a total ascent of 680 m. The ride is weekend warriors that like technical riding. Riders don’t need to be very fit, but training is recommended.
The stage boasts mostly farm roads with very little flat sections. Iconic sections will include the floating bridge at Mont Marie and Dornier’s trails.
Stage 2 of the half-marathon will treat riders to a 36 km route and a total ascent of 500 m. After one early climb and technical descent it will be an open flat road and easy single track.
The route includes glimpses of aeroplanes and wildlife, brandy tastings and pizza.
- For more information or to enter, send an email to entries@stillwatersports.com or visit www.stillwatersports.com.
