The bushveld's fastest single-track race!
After five years of meticulous track building, Sondela operations manager Melgard Meyer has created an absolutely stunning mountain bike course at the well-known nature reserve north of Pretoria, culminating in the advent of the first Sondela Mountain Bike Classic, which will be presented by ASG on 7 and 8 July this year.
Situated only 45 minutes north of Pretoria on the N1 Highway, Sondela Nature Reserve has been a popular bushveld getaway for many years - running on an high occupancy rate - and it's now been made available for a mass participation mountain bike event which is set to become a major stop-over on the local cycling calendar.
In the main event on Sunday, 8 July, two distances are on offer - 40km and 80km. It's a 40km track of which more than 80 per cent takes place on smooth, fast single track. It's exhilarating with the total ascent on the 40km course only 190 metres! Riders who would like to do 80km must complete the course twice.
At times it feels as if one gets tunnel vision on the almost endless flowing single track sections on which you can wiz along at more than 30km/h. It really is an experience to behold and the perfect winter ride to keep the legs going.
Sondela boasts stunning facilities as well as ample parking right next to the start/finish area.
The event will start and finish inside the Sondela caravan park and riders will be able to use all the neat ablution facilities when they attend the event. Numerous vendors will sell all sorts of eats and drinks and a beer garden will provide the necessary post-race hydration for riders after their trip amongst the wonderful bushveld surroundings.
Riders will spot various game species, including Warthog, Impala, Zebra, Wildebeest, Nyala and Eland and they'll be hydrated by vibrant staff at the three sponsored waterpoints on the route.
The Classic on Sunday will start at 9:00, which will not only give the day time to warm up before riders set off, but it also affords riders the opportunity to drive to the venue on the N1 highway from Johannesburg or Pretoria on the morning of the event.
Sondela have reserved the entire lush caravan park for mountain bikers who would like to sleep over for the weekend. To book your spot please see reservation details below.
Because of the high occupancy rate at Sondela, chalet accommodation is open to the general public over the race weekend, which means mountain bikers who'd like to book in these luxury self-catering units have to get cracking as soon as possible.
Melgard, a self-confessed mountain-bike addict, set out to create a riding culture at Sondela five years ago. In the process he has cut more than 80km of mountain bike tracks on the splendid 4700 hectare farm. He is an absolute perfectionist and it shows in the trails, which have been handcrafted to offer the best possible - meaning quick and flowing - experience on a mountain bike.
While the Sunday's events are reserved for those geared to a more racing attitude to their bikes, Saturday, 7 July offers an array of mountain biking activities for the family and the not-so-serious wheel wobblers.
Saturday will feature a kiddie's race for 3-6 year olds on a specially built "trail" with ramps and cool berms while 7-11 year-olds can try their hand at the 5km circular smooth single track MTB course. There will also be a fun night adventure ride for kids.
The kids will be accompanied by skilled riders who will be spread on the course. There are a few interesting prizes up for grabs in the kids event. Typically a youngster, who crosses the finish line in tears, will receive the award for the toughest rider on the day. And a special surprise awaits the child who finishes last and the youngest competitor.
A 20km family ride also features on Saturday, which affords Sunday's serious racers to do a twirl with their loved ones among the beautiful Sondela surroundings.
Of course it's all accompanied by great entertainment and famous Sondela hospitality. The resort boasts a heated pool and many scheduled activities for kids, which include "kleilat"-throwing, quad bike rides, tug of war and excursions to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and farmyard. Kids who get up early enough can even help milk the cows!
Proceeds from the Sondela Classic will go to the Sondela Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Medals to all finishers and big lucky draw prizes are on offer at the prize giving, sponsored by RCI, Sondela and ASG.
The resort has won numerous awards for excellence and there is little doubt that their newest venture, in partnership with ASG Events, will reflect this same culture of excellence.
Sondela MTB Classic - Quick Facts:
Date: 7-8 July 2012
Time: 9:00
Distances: 80km, 40km 20km, kiddie's rides (500 metres for 3-6 year-olds and 5km for 7-11 year-olds, night ride)
Entry fees:
80km: R200
40km: R140
20km: R100
Kiddie's rides: R30
Programme:
Registration:
Sondela: Friday 6 July 14:00 - 18:00
Sondela: Saturday 7 July 7:00 - 12:00
Sondela: Sunday 8 July: 7:00 - 9:00
Saturday 7 July:
9:00 - 20km start
11:00 - kiddies 3-6 year-olds
12:00 - kiddies 7-11 year-olds
18:00: Kiddies night ride
Sunday 8 July:
9:00 - 80km start
9:15: 40km start
14:00: Prize Giving
Categories:
3-6 yrs: scooter hooters
7-11 yrs: jack & jills
12-15 yrs: teenie bopbers
16-19 yrs: jong & jeukerig
20-29 yrs: plenty twenties
30-39 yrs: dirty thirties
40-49 yrs: naughty fourties
50 : old farts & tarts
For further info on Sondela and directions go to www.sondela.com
Cyclists who have entered the event qualify for a 30% discount on accomodation in the caravan park on any day in the lead-up to race weekend.
Simply email your confirmation of entry together with your accomodation request to us to qualify for the discounted rate.
