A mountain bike event like no other. There is no start or finish. No short route or long route. In fact, no set route at all. Just you, your bike and any of the selected trails around SA. Big MTB Year is the brainchild of the team at EcoBound events. The same team behind some of the stalwarts of the mountain biking calendar (‘Trans Baviaans’ and ‘To Hell and Back’, to name just two).
They’ve put together a great video explaining the concept and how it all works. Take a look.
How does it work?
- The aim, to see how many top selected trails you can ride in a single year.
- The awesomeness, you can do it anytime at your leisure.
- No crowds, no panicky starts, just do it when you want and at your own pace.
- Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere.
- Race against yourself, your equally obsessed MTB friends or take it on as a challenge.
- Whatever turns your wheels.
- To participate, download The Big Year App for your Apple or Android device and subscribe.
(From the event website)
What does it cost?
- The entry fee is just R199.00 which is paid when you download the app
- Note: This does not include applicable access fees to the selected trails
It’s a unique concept and a fantastic way to promote the multitude of MTB trails around the country. Sure, it will take some time and money to get to each and every selected trail, but if the entry gets you to explore even one new trail in the year we’d consider it worthwhile.
You can also discuss the event and share your Big MTB Year in the dedicated forums right here on The Hub.
That too or in app purchases like how many of the successful games do it now, look at Plants vs Zombies 2 for example.. Make entering the competition an in app purchase for those who want to enter it. I would probably enter it under such a model as I would have had a feel for the app and seen that there is a large user community and is actually quite fun.
It's really hard to get people to part with the cash upfront, look at Strava, people laughed at the R50 p/m subscription for pro in the beginning but I know many people which are now pro subscribers after first using the app for a year or so for free.