An impressive lineup of ambassadors from Giant and Liv Bicycles, will kick off the action at South Africa’s MTB party of the year, the 10th annual Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience that is set to make its much-anticipated return to the stunning City of Oaks on the weekend of Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November 2023.
Amongst the esteemed list of ambassadors are renowned mountain biker Oli Munnik, avid trail rider and full-time photographer Max Sullivan, Enduro specialist Jason Boulle, and professional mountain biker Mariske Strauss.
“The Savanna Origin of Trails is a world-class event, that is perfectly timed to unite weekend warriors and professional riders in celebration of mountain biking and the spectacular trails of Stellenbosch,” states Luke Lockhart-Ross, Marketing Manager at Dragons Sports. “Being the Bicycle Partner for this event is a true privilege, as it provides us with an ideal platform to connect with the cycling community. In 2023, numerous Giant and Liv ambassadors will join the Savanna Origin of Trails, embodying our brands’ human-centric approach. Instead of vying for the lead, they will traverse the field, capturing videos, snapping photos, engaging with fellow riders, and offering assistance to those in need. Riding a bike is all about enjoyment, and we aim to remind people of that, especially after a long year. Let’s hit the trails, savor the thrill, and revel in the MTB Party of the year!”
According to Oliver Munnik, the Savanna Origin of Trails strikes the perfect balance. “The event offers a rewarding route and a fantastic post-ride vibe. We often forget that we can participate in an event without the pressure to race it, but rather take it easy and enjoy the scenery. This event reminds us of that. My aim will be to spend a bit more time at the water points than I typically do. I can’t wait to experience the post-ride stoke.”
After spending several years in Stellenbosch as a student, Max Sullivan is excited to make a return to the trails this November. “I fell in love with the trails,” Sullivan affirms. “Having moved away from competitive racing for a while, this event perfectly aligns with what I seek. It’s about relishing the journey, sharing laughter, forging new connections, and savoring the moments at the water stations. I look forward to experiencing the route to its fullest, one pedal stroke at a time.”
According to Jason Boulle he always has a good time when it’s on two wheels. “The Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience essentially boils down to two days of riding some of the finest MTB trails in the Cape with friends, so naturally, I couldn’t resist signing up,” says Boulle. “Racing has its merits, but it’s essential for all of us to remember that the core reason we ride our bikes is for the sheer enjoyment of it! I look forward to making some top-class memories and new friends, while sharing the stoke with people on the trails.”
In her role as a Liv ambassador, Mariske Strauss has found the means to pursue her dreams and embrace her passion. “Participating in the Savanna Origin of Trails has been on my wish list for as long as I can remember, and now the moment is finally here,” Strauss exclaims. “I love that riders are encouraged to enjoy the route, scenery, and experience, instead of racing. We sometimes get so wrapped up in the racing side of things that we forget why we started riding in the first place. I can’t wait to ride all my favorite trails jammed into one amazing event. My goal is to have an absolute blast.”
EVENT INFORMATION: 2023 Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience
Affectionately dubbed ‘SA’s MTB Party of the Year’, 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.
| Date: | Saturday 18 November 2023 – Sunday 19 November 2023 |
| Start and Finish Venue: | Coetzenburg Stellenbosch University |
| Start Time: | 08:00 |
| Event Format: | Two-Day Stage Race for individual riders |
| Categories, Distances & Entry Fee: | Full Marathon
Age: 18+ |
| Distance Day 1: +-45km | |
| Distance Day 2: +-48km | |
| Entry Fee:
· R2100.00 · Additional Tented Accommodation: R1500.00 |
|
| Half Marathon
Age: 18+ |
|
| Distance Day 1: +-29km | |
| Distance Day 2: +-31km | |
| Entry Fee:
· R1900.00 · Additional Tented Accommodation: R1500.00 |
The entry fee includes:
- Exclusive First Ascent Rider Jersey
- Finisher Cotton Tee
- Finisher Medal
- Spectacular on route experience
- Access to world class routes that are usually not open to the public.
- A light breakfast with coffee on both days.
- A scrumptious lunch on both days.
- Complimentary drinks and refreshments.
- Well stocked water points (on route and in the race village)
- Entertainment (on route and in the race village)
WIN a Giant Stance 2 mountain bike at the Savanna Origin of Trails in 2023: One lucky Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience entrant will go home with a brand-new Giant Stance 2 mountain bike to the value of R31 090.00 on Sunday 19 November 2023. All paid entrants stand a chance to secure this remarkable prize. The process is straightforward – just visit the Giant Bicycles activation in the festival village at Coetzenburg Stellenbosch University over the weekend, follow the simple guidelines, and, of course, be present at the prize-giving ceremony on Sunday in case luck is on your side.
Charity Support: The Savanna Origin of Trails proudly supports the Stellenbosch Trail Fund (STF), a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) entirely funded by donations from local trail users and corporate sponsors. Since 2011, STF’s aim has been to create, improve and maintain hiking, biking and running trails in and around the Greater Stellenbosch
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For more information or to enter the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience please email [email protected] or visit www.stillwatersports.com.