The SANParks Honorary Rangers in the Karoo Region, in conjunction with Karoo National Park, are hosting the second annual Sylvester Mountain Bike Challenge over the weekend of 22 – 24 June. The event has grown substantially since the inaugural one last year – as it now comprises of a three-day mountain bike tour and an 11km trail run. There will also be shorter, fun and easier event for parents and their little ones.
The three-day tour cyclists will kick off at 3PM on Friday 22 June at the Park’s Reception area with a 4km time trial – something that will naturally excite spectators where they will get to see how the cyclists manoeuvre through narrow pathways. The rest of the event (Saturday and Sunday) will take place at Grantham (45km from the Park on the Oukloof road towards Fraserburg). All the distance events will begin and end at Grantham, where there will also be food on sale.
The following events take place on Saturday 23 June:
91km MTB (only a section will take place inside the Park)
50km MTB (outside the Park)
19km MTB (easy for beginners outside the Park)
11km trail run (inside the Park)
8km fun cycle/walk (for parents with children outside the Park)
Activities taking place on Sunday 24 June:
70km MTB (only a section will take place inside the Park)
43km MTB (only a section will take place inside the Park)
Cyclists participating in the tour over the three days thus have the following distances:
Long distance – 4km time trial, 91km MTB and 70km MTB
Short distance – 4km time trial, 50km MTB and 43 km MTB
All participants will receive a medal. There will be a number of lucky draws including a prize to the value of R14 000 which any person who participates in Saturday’s events can win.
Cyclists participating in the mountain bike tour need to enter electronically on www.cycleevents.co.za before Monday 18 June so that the time trial roster can be finalised. All other participants can either enter electronically or at the Park’s reception on Friday 22 June between 10AM and 5PM. They can also still enter the Saturday and Sunday mornings from 7AM until 08:30AM before the days’ events kick off.