Race director Darren Herbst said organisers had gone to great lengths to provide elements that would satisfy any mountain biker at the Paarl MTB Classic.
“There are so many stand-out features on both the 60km and 30km routes, I almost don’t know where to start,” he said ahead of the event, which takes place at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate this Saturday.
Herbst said the longer route, which has a tough climb just 4km after the start, was not for the faint-hearted.
CAPTION: Participants in the Bestmed Paarl MTB Classic will take on a unique and varied route from Rehbokskloof Wine Estate on Saturday. Photo: Capcha Photography
He said it was definitely the climb of the 60km as it went all the way to the top of the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve and he was confident that it would provide a great challenge for participants.
“But it is a relatively small price to pay for gaining access to the beautiful view of the Boland below.”
This year participants will have the opportunity to ride through virgin territory as organisers ASG Events, in partnership with the City of Drakenstein, have secured access to new pieces of land.
One of these is the property on which Blacksmith’s Kitchen – one of Paarl’s more popular restaurants – is situated.
“The nice thing about this area is the different kinds of terrain it provides,” said Herbst.
“Where we pass through Blacksmith’s there are a few single-track descents, contour roads that wind through vineyards and the cobbled section where you get to pass right by the restaurant.”
He said although the routes were always a work in progress, this addition added even more variety to a course that already offered so much.
“The owners of the restaurant are big fans of mountain biking so it was a great fit really and we’re very excited to work with them.”
He said other new sections included the first 4km of the route, the single-track along the Spice Route and recently built trails at Rhebokskloof and in the reserve.
“Those who are coming from slightly further afield, and who may not have ridden here regularly, will find that it’s jam-packed with proper mountain biking features such as single-track, great views and varied terrain.”
He added that a handful of local riders may have ridden some of the trails prior to the event but the routes were laid out in such a way they would still be different.
