![\"ccs-62657-0-29095000-1408968680.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-29095000-1408968680.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>\n<\/div>\nAccording to race director Wynand de Villiers of ASG Events, the spring race offers some of the most scenic riding in the province.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe views from the top of the mountain are absolutely breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see Sandton City and even Pretoria in the distance.\u201d<\/p>\n
De Villiers said the event lay particularly close to his heart, as it was the very first race he organised more than a decade ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn its previous incarnation as the Colorpress Eagle Ride, it took place in the Ruimsig botanical gardens, which is about 2km from our current venue.\u201d<\/p>\n
Begun as a fundraiser to protect the Black Eagle breeding pair that nested in the kloof above the gardens, both the race and the birds had survived and flourished, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, we present around 40 races annually but this is where I first discovered the absolute freedom and joy of pure mountain biking.\u201d<\/p>\n
De Villiers said the event now started and finished at the casino and traversed a series of neighbouring properties, including the well-known Laurentia Flower Farm and Hero Adventure Park King\u2019s Kloof.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the first opportunity for participants to ride the newly upgraded trails at the park and enjoy some exciting new sections.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said both routes were designed to offer flowing riding and a mix of challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe longer distance features a combination of technical single-track, jeep track and gravel roads, as well as a serious 500-metre climb and some fast-paced descents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Families and social riders would enjoy the shorter option, as it was not overly technical but still presented a good day\u2019s riding, he said.<\/p>\n