Following the tragic loss of mountain-biking pioneer and Dirtopia founder Meurant Botha and his close friend JP van Zyl, the Muratie Trails Marathon, scheduled for Sunday 5 October, has been cancelled.
In its place the Dirtopia Trail Centre will host a Trail Celebration Weekend at Muratie Wine Estate from 07:30 to 13:30 on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October.
The well-known cycling duo died in an accident near Calvinia on Saturday 13 September (“Tributes pour in for S’bosch MTB pioneer“, Eikestadnuus, 18 September).
Cyclists, runners and hikers are invited to enjoy the trails and celebrate the lives of two passionate trail builders who helped shape mountain biking and outdoor culture in South Africa.
The estate’s trails will be open on both days at a cost of R100 for an MTB permit and R75 for a hiking or running permit. A guided MTB ride will be held at 08:30 on Sunday.
Donations are welcome in support of trail-building and maintenance.
All funds raised over the weekend will go towards permanently opening the last piece of single-track built by Botha, with signage in his honour, while also supporting Dirtopia’s trail maintenance team.
For enquiries send a WhatsApp message to 078 343 3572.
