{"id":65465,"date":"2023-10-25T08:45:06","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T06:45:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/?p=65465"},"modified":"2023-10-26T10:33:36","modified_gmt":"2023-10-26T08:33:36","slug":"savanna-origin-of-trails-routes-set-to-live-up-to-the-reputation-of-being-sas-mtb-party-of-the-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/savanna-origin-of-trails-routes-set-to-live-up-to-the-reputation-of-being-sas-mtb-party-of-the-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Savanna Origin of Trails routes set to live up to the reputation of being SA’s MTB Party of the Year"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The upcoming 10th annual Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience<\/strong> promises to deliver exciting route enhancements that are guaranteed to captivate riders from start to finish in the beautiful town of Stellenbosch on both Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“We’re excited to mark a decade of mountain biking excellence at the 2023 Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Event Founder<\/em><\/strong>. “This 10th-anniversary celebration will be one for the history books. Stellenbosch’s extensive network of world-class and exclusive trails have and always will be the event’s foundation, however this year we plan to really shake up the vibrant city of Stellenbosch by bringing the \u2018MTB Party\u2019 home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Marathon <\/u><\/strong>is ideal for everyday riders that possess good technical skills. To get the most out of this route, you do need to be fit,\u201d advises Meyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 1<\/u><\/em><\/strong> of the Marathon <\/strong>will consist of a +-50km route that boasts a total ascent of 1250m<\/u><\/em>.<\/em> The terrain will consist of hard packed open climbs, manicured and flowing trails with a fair number of technical sections to keep riders honest. Iconic sections will include the magnificent views at Lanzerac, the Eerste River trails and G-Spot. New exciting sections include a short single track at Lanzerac and local route builder Kim Lord\u2019s bridges in Dornier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Course Designer, Corrie Muller<\/em><\/strong>, the stage isn\u2019t too technical, but it does hold many surprises. \u201cRiders must trust the trail builder and go with the flow. Don\u2019t forget November can be hot, so stop at the water points and hydrate well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 2<\/u><\/em><\/strong> of the Marathon<\/strong> will feature a +-48km route that has a total ascent of 750 meters<\/u><\/em>.<\/em> The trails start off technical, but soon evolve into miles of smooth single track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis stage has many highlights to look forward to including airplanes at the Stellenbosch airfield, brandy tasting at the Van Ryn Distillery and pizza at The Wine Pod to mention just a few,\u201d confirms Meyer. \u201cTraversing Vredenheim for the first time and getting close to the farm\u2019s lions and other wildlife on your mountain bike is guaranteed to be at the top of the highlights list.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cApart from the first descent into the Paradyskloof Plantation, Stage 2 is less technical than Stage 1,\u201d says Muller. \u201cLook forward to experiencing the \u2018lesser ridden paths\u2019 of Stellenbosch. You will get to enjoy a lot of beautiful scenery that under normal circumstances is not accessible to the public. Enjoy every minute.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Chris Hitchcock via PhotoSport-ZA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stage 1<\/u><\/em><\/strong> of the Half Marathon<\/strong> will feature a +-31km route with a total ascent of 680m<\/u><\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Half Marathon is ideal for weekend warriors that don\u2019t prefer technical riding,\u201d confirms Meyer. \u201cYou don\u2019t necessarily need to be very fit, but again to get the most out of the event training is recommended. Stage 1 will boast mostly farm roads but with very little flat sections. Iconic sections will include the much-loved floating bridge at Mont Marie and Dornier\u2019s trails.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe tried our best to steer clear of the technical stuff, but this is Stellenbosch, so always be on the lookout,\u201d warns Muller. \u201cKim Lord`s beautifully designed arch bridges in Dornier are sure to be a hit on this stage. My advice to riders is to start within yourself, you will need your climbing legs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 2<\/u><\/em><\/strong> of the Half Marathon<\/strong> will treat riders to a +-36km route that features a total ascent of 500m<\/u><\/em>. After one early climb and technical descent, look forward to an open flat road and easy single track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHalf Marathon riders will also be treated to glimpses of airplanes and wildlife, brandy tastings and pizza,\u201d says Meyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll get close to Vredenheim\u2019s wildlife just after the brandy tasting at the Van Ryn’s Distillery. So don\u2019t be brave here,\u201d laughs Muller. \u201cEnjoy the water points on this stage, but don\u2019t underestimate the ride back after Vredenheim. The road is flat but there are sections that are washed out and sandy. You might lose your sense of humor a bit but keep your eyes on the prize as an ice-cold Savanna awaits you on the finish line.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Participants in the Savanna Origin Of Trails MTB experience in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape Province of South Africa on 20 November 2022.\nPhoto: Chris Hitchcock via PhotoSport-ZA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

EVENT INFORMATION<\/u><\/strong>:  <\/strong>2023Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Affectionately dubbed \u2018SA\u2019s MTB Party of the Year\u2019, the Savanna Origin of Trails is an individual 2-Day MTB Stage Race that highlights the beauty and splendor of Stellenbosch. Mountain bikers will be treated to a vast network of world-class and exclusive trails while celebrating the origin of SA mountain biking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Date:<\/strong><\/td>Saturday 18 November 2023 \u2013 Sunday 19 November 2023<\/td><\/tr>
Start and Finish Venue:<\/strong><\/td>Coetzenburg Stellenbosch University<\/td><\/tr>
Start Time:<\/strong><\/td>08:00<\/td><\/tr>
Event Format:<\/strong><\/td>Two-Day Stage Race for individual riders<\/td><\/tr>
Categories, Distances & Entry Fee:<\/strong><\/td>Full Marathon<\/strong> Age:  18+<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
 <\/td>Distance Day 1:  +-50km<\/td><\/tr>
 <\/td>Distance Day 2:  +-48km<\/td><\/tr>
 <\/td>Entry Fee: R2100.00<\/strong> Additional Tented Accommodation:<\/em> R1500.00<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
 <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/td>Half Marathon<\/strong> Age:  18+<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
 <\/td>Distance Day 1:  +-31km<\/td><\/tr>
 <\/td>Distance Day 2:  +-36km<\/td><\/tr>
 <\/td>Entry Fee: R1900.00<\/strong>Additional Tented Accommodation:<\/em> R1500.00<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
 <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Entries Close:<\/strong><\/td>Monday 06 November 2023 or once full capacity has been reached<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The entry fee includes:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n