Second annual Fairtree Simonsberg Contour promises even better riding

After the devastating fire of January 2016, the inaugural Fairtree Simonsberg Contour MTB stage race overcame serious challenges and presented riders with a premier winelands riding experience. In February 2017, Fairtree Capital in collaboration with the Simonsberg Conservancy, landowners and Stellenbosch event organisers Dirtopia, will present riders with the 2nd edition of ‘The Fire Ride’ where riders will get a chance to experience the recovering Simonsberg Conservancy.

The 2017 event is set to take place on the 4th & 5th of February 2017.

The Fairtree Contour has been created to continue the development of mountain biking routes and expose the incredible network of single-track trails on the SImonsberg Mountain. With over 25km of mountain single-track, connecting more than 10 wine estates, the region is set to become a hotspot for mountain bike trail riders.

Dirtopia has spent the last 3 years developing new routes on Delheim and Muratie wine estates. These trails are now operated in partnership with the landowners and the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy being the primary beneficiary. The conservancy represents more than 20 farms around the mountain and is currently focused on a multi-million rand alien clearing project to return large tracts of the mountain to fynbos and renosterveld.

In terms of routing; route designer Meurant Botha says riders can look forwards to even more new trails for the 2017 race. Primarily, last year’s rerouted stage 1 will be redesigned to incorporate more of the Simonsberg with the emphasis on making it the faster, easier route of the two. Sunday’s Queen Stage returns with new trails to eliminate one or two of the lung-busting vineyard climbs and replace them with flowing trails. The trail team is set to start construction in October, gearing up for a hot summer of building.

While the final route will be launched later this year, riders can expect daily stages of 55-60km each with around 1500m of elevation. Botha emphasised that the focus will be on a fun, trail experience, a perfect opener for the stage race season. The daily 40km option allows less fit trail fanatics to enjoy the riding experience.

There is no better time to be out in the winelands as harvest season will be in full swing in surrounding vineyards.

Each participant will receive the following:

• Event t-shirt
• Goody bag
• Morning coffee, breakfast snack and daily lunch buffet
• Daily bike wash & lube service

BOS Sport will continue as the events hydration partner. Riders can look forwards to enjoying the BOS range at the refreshment stations and finish area. The refreshment stations were a huge hit with the riders in 2016, fully stocked with a wide range of savoury snacks and fruit.

Delvera Farm, well known for its family friendly atmosphere, will be the host venue where visitors can expect to kids entertainment, showers, a massage service, craft beer and of course tasting the region’s award winning wines.