On Sunday 2 April, about 100 technically skilled mountain bikers gathered for the first Dirtopia Enduro at Uitkyk Wine Estate to ride the Simonsberg trails in the Conservancy.
Photo credit: Mark Sampson
The climb to the top of the Never say Never Ending Again trail brought them close to the start of the first three stages. Riders can choose which stage they want to do first, as they are timed one at a time with Trail Tag readers that give live timing when they start & finish each stage. Then they climb back up the hill for the next stage and stop at the refreshment station where they can socialise in their own time.
Times of four stages in total are added to pick the winner of the day.
Elite mountain biker Theo Erlangsen proved to be the fastest of the day, beating top names like Stefan Garlicki, Gary Barnard and Johan Potgieter by only a few seconds. Rika Olivier was no surprise as the ladies winner, while Enrique van Rooyen was first in the Juniors. Even Ariane Luthi came to try it out. Full results can be found on www.trailtag.co.za.
The men’s podium. Photo credit: Mark Sampson
The Enduro events are geared for mountain bikers that enjoy singletrack and are fit enough to ride uphills, but more importantly like riding downhills fast. Therefore adrenalin junkies like downhillers enjoy this discipline, but ladies participation is growing and young riders are enjoying it too.
Although there are prizes for the top males & females and medals for all, the event is about pure mountain bike riding. Product sponsors include Sram, Leatt, Csixx, Giant bicycles and Falke socks, and media partner Bike Hub also plays a vital role.
On the same day, the Trail Run Challenge was held, giving runners options of 25km, 15km and 9km and attracting about 350 runners to the same venue.
Photo credit: Mark Sampson
With six events scheduled until November, mountain bikers that enjoy the Enduro concept have a lot to look forward to. Dirtopia’s Enduro events makes room for new comers to the discipline with fun trails to ride at all the events. Other venues include Welvanpas, Helderberg trails, Delvera and Delheim. Upcoming dates: 10 June, 13 August, 3 September, 12 November. See www.dirtopia.co.za for entries & info.
Photo credit: Mark Sampson
Overall men:
Theo Erlangsen
Stefan Garlicki
Dan Dobinson
Vet Men
Gary Barnard
Julien Louw
Andrew Savage
Sub Vet Men
Daniel Dobinson
Johann Potgieter
Cornelius Hansen
Masters Men
Dale Barnard
David B Hartley
Craig Fussell
Overall Women
Rika Olivier
Rachelle De Charmouy
Deleen-Marie Steyn
Junior Men
Enrique van Rooyen
Lliam Owen Barnes
Shane Smith
Good to see some gravity coverage!