Staalwater MTB offers four distances to riders on one day

The ninth edition of the Staalwater MTB Challenge will take place from The Caledon Casino, Hotel, Spa and Entertainment on the 19th of August 2018. Presented by Bike Hub, the event returns to the one day only option with four mountain bike distances: 15km, 40km, 60km and a new 75km route option. The 60km having more singletrack and the 75km more of a gravel grinder route.
A Trail Run will take place on the same day with an easy 15km route.

The late August date coincides with vast fields of yellow canola blossoms and lush green wheat fields, making for a visual feast not to be missed.

The host, The Caledon Casino, Hotel and Spa offers panoramic views of the Klein Swartberg Mountains, conveniently located only an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Both mountain bike and trail running events offer routes for amateurs to advanced mountain bikers/trail runners so bring the whole family for a fun-filled Sunday! The Overberg region with its stunning scenery, diverse landscape and quiet dirt roads is fast-becoming a favourite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Those looking for a getaway can spend the weekend at the Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa with an array of activities from great dining to gaming and after a day of running or cycling enjoy the restorative powers of the hot springs at the hotel spa.
Meurant Botha from Dirtopia, the organizers of the Staalwater Mountain Bike Challenge and Trail Run, says: “The Staalwater Challenge while giving professional riders a challenging race is also a fun-filled opportunity for those who simply want to enjoy a refreshing ride in beautiful surroundings with their friends and families. You don’t have to be super fit or fast to be part of it. We have different routes to suit different fitness levels. Bring your family and friends and participate in this great outdoor adventure experience.”

DATES: Sunday, 19August 2018
VENUE: The Caledon Casino, Hotel, Spa and Entertainment. Caledon, Overberg.

DISTANCES & ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS:
75km – GravelGrinder Elevation: 1175m

The 75km is a carbon copy of the 60km but is non-technical and eliminates the Katberg singletracks where the 60km route heads into the trails at the 28km. Riders traverse the Shaw’s pass road and loop around towards Tesselaarsdal before heading back and rejoining the 60km routes. Perfect for gravel bikes or mountain bikers looking for a scenic pedal without the twisty-turny stuff.

60km Elevation: 1014m

The 60km is similar to the 75km but includes the fun singletracks of the Katberg trail system between the 28km and 38km mark. Inexperienced riders tend to take a little strain here as the fast pace in the beginning will usually start to tell at this point.
After the singletrack, there are a couple of proper undulations before the final water point at 10km to go.

40km Elevation: 630m

The perfect non-technical loop with great views of the canola and Caledon district. Certainly not flat, but the climbs are on wide roads and it is easy to find your rhythm. 630m of climbing over this distance is not too much of a challenge so a fairly fit rider should complete the route comfortably.

15km Elevation: 203m

This loop has a bit of everything and is always well received by the beginners and youngsters. The climb up towards the finish near the finish requires a bit of energy so make sure you refuel at the waterstation.

Trail Run
15km: R140
Not a very steep or technical route, but beautiful scenery that takes you on farm dirt tracks in the area.
Mountain Bike Challenge
15km R140
40km: R220
60km: R270
75km: R350
Pre-entries receive a discount and something extra at registration. There will be refreshment stations on the routes and all finishers will receive a medal. Make sure you stay for prizegiving and the lucky draw!