The winter weather played along last weekend, 28 & 29 July when hundreds of trail runners and around 1800 mountain bikers enjoyed the Winelands around Spier wine farm.
Well-known local event company, Dirtopia has been event partners with Adventure Shop for 13 years, with the goal to attract outdoor enthusiasts to the cape town in winter. This year, the focus was on family outdoor fun and everyone certainly enjoyed the beauty that Stellenbosch and surrounds have on offer.
The weekend started with a Farm Run on Saturday morning with three distances and trail runners could enjoy the hospitality at the Spier Farm Kitchen afterwards with live music, kids entertainment and lucky draws. The mountain bikers had a chilly Sunday morning and it was clear why organisers said they reached full capacity, as the access roads to the parking area was limited.
HB Kruger and Marietjie Lutz won the 50km feature of the event. Kruger completed the race in 1:54:01, beating Ryan Kellerman by just over two minutes. Nico Pfitzenmaier completed the podium. Ferreira won the women’s race in 2:25:15, finishing ahead of Nikki Biesheuvel and Carike Lambrechts in second and third respectively. Vincent Buter (48:45) and Nienke Mostert (55:18) won the respective men’s and women’s 22km race.
But the event highlights were the well-stocked and vibey refreshment stations and the facilities afterwards with hot showers, food trucks, beer on tap and wine sales. The farms in the area poured sparkling wine on route and snacks included fruit and banana bread plus cooldrinks like Coke & Powerade. A Giant mountain bike was won in the lucky draw as well as local wines and accommodation vouchers.
The organisers have indicated that the event would like to build on the success in 2019 with plans of improvements already under way. For the results, visit www.trailtag.co.za and for more on the event www.stellenboschmtbchallenge.co.za
The next events to enter for is listed on www.dirtopia.co.za with the Staalwater MTb Challenge in Caledon being the next fun family outdoor event with four mountain bike distances and one trail run.
