Countdown to SA’s MTB party of the year begins

Photo Credit:  Tobias Ginsberg
Photo Credit:  Tobias Ginsberg

SA’s MTB party of the year, the 6th annual Origin Of Trails MTB Experience will take Stellenbosch by storm this coming Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 November 2018.

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).  This year trail running enthusiasts will join in on the action on Sunday when they take on the Origin Of Trails Trail Run which features a +- 15km route and 5km route.

“One of our main goals in 2018 was to make the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience 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.”

“The 2018 route experience will be further enhanced with the introduction of the Big Box Junction close to the finish line,” continues Meyer.  “A valued partner of many Stillwater Sports events the Big Box Containers are versatile, functional and add to the experience of each event.  Stationed in the festival village riders will make their way through and/or over the Big Box Junction just before they cross the finish line.  This is sure to be a treat both for riders and spectators alike.”

EVENT INFORMATION:  Origin Of Trails MTB Experience & Origin Of Trails Trail Run

Date:    Saturday, 24 November 2018 

Venue: Coetzenburg Sports Fields (Stellenbosch)
Event: Stage One / Origin Of Trails MTB Experience
Start Time: 07:00 – Long Route / +- 55km
  07:40 – Short Route / +- 30km
  08:20 – Fun Ride / +- 10km

Date:  Sunday, 25 November 2018 

Venue: Coetzenburg Sports Fields (Stellenbosch)
Event: Origin Of Trails Trail Run
Start Time: 06:45
   
Event: Stage Two / Origin Of Trails MTB Experience
Start Time: 07:00 – Long Route / +- 55km
  07:40 – Short Route / +- 30km

 RACE PACK COLLECTION:      

Date: Friday, 23 November 2018
Venue: Coetzenburg Sports Field, Stellenbosch
Time: 12:00 – 18:00
 
Date: Saturday, 25 November 2018
Venue: Coetzenburg Sports Field, Stellenbosch
Time: 05:30 – 06:00

CHARITY SUPPORTThe 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.

SPECIALIZED BIKE up for grabs:  One lucky Origin Of Trails MTB Experience rider will take home an awesome Specialized Stumpjumper FSR ST to the value of R30 000 the weekend of Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 November 2018 compliments of the event’s bicycle partner.  We will post a riddle to social media.  If correctly solved, riders will know where to take a photograph on route during Day 1.  These photographs need to be shared to Instagram.  Don’t forget to tag @specializedza.  The winner will be announced during prize giving after Day Two.

WIN with Aramex SA:  Aramex SA, the courier partner of the 2018 event, will give away a prize to the whopping value of R5000.  To stand a chance to win, Origin Of Trails MTB Experience long and short route riders will receive an armband with perforated bike number when they collect their race packs from the Coetzenburg Sports Field (opposite the netball courts) on Friday, 23 November 2018 (between 12:00 – 18:00) and on Saturday, 24 November 2018 (between 05h30 – 06h00).  The perforated bike number needs to be placed in the Aramex box that will be stationed somewhere on the Stage One route.  Keep a look out!

FALKE Foot ZoneAll entrants (runners and mountain bikers) are invited to visit the Falke Foot Zone once they’ve crossed the finish line for a free Falke leg and foot massage.  All riders taking on the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience long and short route will receive a pair of Falke socks in their race packs.

RUNNER’S RESTThe team from Runner’s Rest will be in action at the 2018 Origin Of Trails MTB Experience and Origin Of Trails Trail Run (Friday to Sunday).  Runners Rest is a Specialist Running store that focuses on catering for the individual needs of runners.  Services include performing a well-developed analysis routine through which numerous factors are considered including running form, balance characteristics, history of injuries, training terrain and personal distance goals.  Runner’s Rest strives to match the correct product to each client’s specific needs. Be sure to visit the Runner’s Rest Stand for a Free Foot Analysis!

Best Dressed CompetitionOne lucky rider will win his/her weight in beer with Flying Fish Chill Lite.  All that you need to do is “dress to impress” on Saturday, 24 November 2018.  The rider with the most memorable outfit will be announced during Prize Giving on Sunday, 25 November 2018. 

Live MusicCelebrating its 6th anniversary in Stellenbosch on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 November 2018 the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience will boast live performances by two prominent South African bands:  BrotherBrother (on Saturday) and Stone Jets (on Sunday).

Like our Facebook page:  Stillwater MTB Events

Follow us on Twitter:  @OriginOfTrails

For more information or to enter the Origin Of Trails Trail Run and/or 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