![\"ccs-2-0-60865300-1399025819.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-60865300-1399025819.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe annual three day Sappi Karkloof Classic MTB Festival takes place at Karkloof Country Club in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands from 9-11 May.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo credit: Anthony Grote\/Gameplan Media<\/strong><\/p>\n With the vast majority of the event\u2019s six races traversing the hills and valleys of Sappi\u2019s plantations in the Karkloof region, the organisers of the event \u2013 one of the largest and most popular mountain festivals in the country \u2013 are heavily reliant on the use of Sappi\u2019s land and appreciative of the company\u2019s endless support that has ballooned in recent years.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile mountain biking has existed on Sappi property for over 20 years, Sappi recently decided to become more actively involved in the sport and has embarked on a strategic path to facilitate the development of safe and enjoyable trail networks across our plantations, which serve mountain bikers, trail runners, hikers and other non-motorised trail users,\u201d explained Sappi Group Head: Corporate Affairs, Andre Oberholzer.<\/p>\n \u201cSappi assumed the official naming sponsor role for the Karkloof Classic MTB Festival last year as a logical exp<\/b>ression of our increased engagement with, and commitment to, mountain biking, particularly in the Karkloof region.\u201d<\/p>\n Without the support of one of the country\u2019s key forestry role players, the popular three day affair would not have been able to establish the reputation that it has of offering some of the best trails in the country for participants to enjoy.<\/p>\n The relationship is however a mutually beneficial one as Sappi too enjoys tremendous value from their association with the event.<\/p>\n \u201cIn a world that has rightly become far more aware of society\u2019s impact on our natural environment, it has become important for companies to help their stakeholders separate fact from fiction, misperceptions and myths,\u201d said Oberholzer.<\/p>\n \u201cOur role as a landowner, committed to the best global environmental management practices, is best showcased by inviting people to come and enjoy some time in our tree plantations and our conserved natural areas!<\/p>\n \u201cWe have therefore committed to supporting the trail custodians (clubs and bike parks) in their efforts to develop trails for competitive and recreational purposes by ensuring that internationally recognised best practices are also applied in this field and that trail networks are accessible to local communities and visitors alike; and also to support the development of competitive mountain biking in South Africa.<\/p>\n \u201cIn doing this we trust that our stakeholders will understand the fundamental commitment we make to being a responsible corporate citizen and that our products and our operations contribute to the building of a low carbon future,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n The ever-present threat of fire is another issue Sappi believes that working together with off-road enthusiasts, can aid in minimising and controlling. \u201cWe believe that closer relationships with the mountain biking community will assist us in reducing risks related to fire and illegal activities as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Both the organisers and sponsors of the 2014 Sappi Karkloof Classic MTB Festival are looking forward to yet another memorable mountain biking weekend as the wide array of events offers something unique to each of the MTB community.<\/p>\n