Rekindle your love for mountain biking at the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience

Seen here:  Mountain biking enthusiasts enjoying the spectacular Stellenbosch routes at the 2017 Origin Of Trails MTB Experience.  Photo Credit:  Tobias Ginsberg
Seen here:  Mountain biking enthusiasts enjoying the spectacular Stellenbosch routes at the 2017 Origin Of Trails MTB Experience.  Photo Credit:  Tobias Ginsberg

Mountain biking comes home the weekend of 24 and 25 November 2018 with South Africa’s premier 2-day MTB Experience, the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience, celebrating its 6th anniversary in Stellenbosch!

An individual 2-day MTB Experience, the Origin Of Trails routes highlight the beauty and splendor of the City Of Oaks.  Mountain bikers can look forward to the “once a year opportunity” to experience a vast network of world class trails and can choose between a:  Fun Ride (1-day), Long Route (2-days) and Short Route (2-days).

EVENT INFORMATIONOrigin Of Trails MTB Experience

STAGE ONE:    Saturday, 24 November 2018

Distance: +-55km (Long Route)

+-30km (Short Route)

+-10km (Fun Ride)

Start & Finish: Coetzenburg Sports Fields (Stellenbosch)
Start Time / Long Route: 07:00 in seeded batch starts
Start Time / Short Route: 07:40
Start Time / Fun Ride: 08:20

Long Route:  “This route is ideal for mountain bikers that are accustomed to spending time in the saddle,” says Corrie Muller, Origin Of Trails Route Designer.  “It might sound daunting, but the 1550m vertical ascent is needed to ensure that riders have the maximum single track experience.  Although we focused a lot of our attention on eliminating unnecessary climbs, this stage is by no means flat.  Stage One also boasts 18.5km of pristine single track heaven.”

Iconic sections to look out for during Stage One of the Origin Of Trails Long Route will include:

  1. Canaries in Jonkershoek
  2. Mont Marie and its spectacular floating bridge.
  3. G-Spot
  4. The last 2 kilometres will be on the 2018 World Cup XCO Track

Short Route:  “One of our main goals in 2018 was to make the Short Route less challenging and more enjoyable,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director Stillwater Sports.  “We are happy to announce that this year the Origin Of Trails Short Route will feature less climbs with improved flow.  As a result this route will be faster.  With an emphasis on having fun, you do not need to be super fit to enjoy this event, but a fair level of fitness will ensure that you get the most out of your experience.”

STAGE TWOSunday, 25 November 2018

Distance: +-58km (Long Route)

+-27km (Short Route)

Start & Finish: Coetzenburg Sports Fields  (Stellenbosch)
Start Time / Long Route: 07:00 in seeded batch starts
Start Time /  Short Route: 07:40

Long Route“Two long climbs await riders on this stage,” confirms Muller.  “Riders can look forward to a combination of fast, rocky single track and long climbs.  This year Stage Two boasts a bird’s-eye view of Banhoek.  The old favorite, Skyfall and its smaller buddies will give riders a whopping 5km descent into the valley below.  Heat is always a possibility in November.  Be sure to spare some energy for the last climb.  Remember this is the last stage, be sure to enjoy every minute.” 

Short Route“Stage Two of the Origin Of Trails Short Route will feature two open, easy climbs,” continues  Muller.  “Any technical obstacle will have a suitable B-line.  Riders can look forward to a fun experience, without having to risk injury.  Iconic sections to look out for will include Mont Marie (with a nice splash at the end) as well as the world renowned G-Spot.  Remember the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience is SA’s MTB party of the year.  Take your time and enjoy the beauty, rekindle your love for this amazing sport.” 

ENTRY FEES:    

Option 1:  Long (+-55km and +-58km) R1200.00 – Includes: a Specialized peak cap on Day 1 and lunch on both days.
Option 2:  Short (+-30km and +-27km) R1100.00 – Includes: a Specialized peak cap on Day 1 and lunch on both days.
Option 3:  Fun Ride  (+-10km) R150.00 – Includes:  breakfast

Other exciting offers to look forward to:

  • Bartinney Wine Tastings at Registration and on route
  • Wildekrans Méthode Cap Classique Tasting on route
  • Fun sponsor activations on route and competitions
  • Lucky draw prizes
  • Live entertainment (Sat & Sun)

EVENT INFORMATION:    Origin Of Trails Trail Run 

Date: Sunday, 25 November 2018
Start & Finish: Coetzenburg Sports Fields (Stellenbosch)
Distance & Entry Fee: 12km – 15km (Long) / R150
5km (Short) / R100

CHARITY SUPPORT – The Origin Of Trails proudly supports Aitsa and the Stellenbosch Trail Building Fund.  The Fund is committed to continuously developing the trails in Stellenbosch, further sealing the town’s reputation as a global mountain biking destination.

Like our Facebook page:  Stillwater MTB Events

Follow us on Twitter:  @OriginOfTrails

For further information on Aramex South Africa please visit www.aramex.co.za  For more information or to enter the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience please visit www.stillwatersports.com, contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045 or email [email protected]

ISSUED BY:                                   Newsport Media

ON BEHALF OF:                          Stillwater Sports