One of Stellenbosch’s most exciting family-oriented mountain bike events, the Fedhealth MTB Challenge welcomes Root44 as a new venue on Saturday 09 and Sunday 10 September 2023. As the location changes, so do the routes, promising entrants an adventure like never before!
“Root44 in a dream venue for adventurous families that enjoy the outdoors,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “We can’t wait to treat mountain bikers, young and old, to a fantastic experience on and off the bike. The Fun Ride (+-15km) features a total ascent of 300m and will consist mostly of open farm and vineyard roads with three sections of easy, non-technical single track. This event is not technical, and is guaranteed to be a fun filled, relaxed experience. Iconic sections will include the magnificent views at Stellenrust Wine Estate and the trails at Alto Estate and Ernie Else Wines.”
“Featuring a 580m ascent, the Half Marathon (+-30km) will consist of flat farm roads with long stretches of easy single track in the middle sections,” confirms Meyer. “Riders that are used to this distance, won’t find this route to be technical. There are no sudden surprises or drop-offs. Dornier’s 7km single track is guaranteed to be a favourite. This event is suited both to adults who prefer the more relaxed part of mountain biking and the more competitive teenager. A word of advice, on a rainy day the trails might be slippery. Rather push your bike if it does not feel safe under the wheels.”
“The Marathon (+-60km) is for the more serious mountain biker,” continues Meyer. “With a total ascent of 1200m, this route includes open farm roads, smooth single track, and more technical riding at Mont Marie. The first 10km are mostly flat, before the climb towards the top of Mont Marie starts. Our route designer likes to say that ‘a technical heaven awaits’. Thereafter the Dornier loop and upper Blaauwklippen Valley awaits with landowners agreeing to open their gates for the most scenic ride. Next up is what will feel like an endless descent towards Stellenzicht Wines and into the full trail network of Alto Estate and Ernie Els Wines. The last few kilometres will be flattish. The fun sections at Mont Marie and the views at the top of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley are guaranteed to be route highlights. This route is ideal for fit mountain bikers who possess a fair amount of technical skill.”
In closing Meyer adds: “Irrespective of the distance chosen, entrants are guaranteed to have a mountain biking experience to remember at the 2023 Fedhealth MTB Challenge. With our Festival Village nestled at Root44, non-mountain biking family members and supporters are catered for as well. We can’t wait to welcome mountain bikers of all ages, family members and friends to the Fedhealth MTB Challenge in September.”
