The 7th annual Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience is set to take the City of Oaks by storm from 30 November to 1 December and will treat mountain bikers to a 2-day experience like no other.

Stage One overview

Stage One will start in Die Laan (Stellenbosch) and finish at the Blaauwklippen Wine Estate. Boasting a 1400m ascent, the Marathon’s terrain will include pine plantations, iconic downhill single tracks, fast sections and a floating bridge.

“This route is ideal for intermediate riders that possess a fair amount of fitness,” says Corrie Muller, Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience Route Designer.

Stage One of the Half Marathon will consist of easy single track in Jonkershoek, open flat sections, bike park-style G-Spot trails and Blaauwklippen’s new tracks. This route boasts 600m of ascent and is ideal for all mountain bikers. It’s easy flowing, with minimum technical sections.

The Fun Ride will start at the same venue as the Marathon and Half Marathon. Featuring 220m of ascent, the route will go up to Coetzenburg where riders will get to experience the lower lines of G-Spot. After this section, the route is basically straight and flat into Eden Forest where more lower-lying trails await. It ends with the last fun bits in the new Pine Avenue section before Blaauwklippen’s home run.

Stage Two overview

Stage Two of the Marathon and Half Marathon will start and finish at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate. The Marathon Route will boast a 1150m ascent and feature vineyard trails, Fynbos tracks and single tracks.

An entirely new stage, iconic sections include a secluded valley that has never been open to mountain bikers and of course the much-loved G-Spot section. This stage is easier than Stage One.

Stage Two of the Half Marathon is also brand new, boasting a 550m ascent and includes vineyard trails and flat single tracks.

Double the fun

“The individual 2-day MTB Experience, the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience will treat riders to the best trails on offer in Stellenbosch,” explains Michael Meyer, Managing Director Stillwater Sports Management.

Affectionately dubbed the ‘MTB Party of the year’, the event is open to mountain biking enthusiasts of all ages.

Trail runners can also join in on the fun by taking on the Savanna Origin of Trails Trail Run on Sunday. Entrants can look forward to challenging, yet fun and rewarding routes with spectacular views.

For more information or to enter, contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045, email entries@stillwatersports.com or visit www.stillwatersports.com.

Photo credit: David Tarpey