Entries grow for MTB fest

ENTRIES are streaming in for the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival on 1 and 2 June, confirming the popularity of this weekend of mountain biking and trail running event.

Now into its 26th year, the trails that wind through the plantations and countryside of the Karkloof, have earned an enviable reputation. They are known to mountain bikers across the country as fast and flowing, offering rewarding views at the end of each tough climb while at the same time being technically challenging enough to make each ride memorable.

The Karkloof Club is also the epicentre of the province’s passionate Enduro community, and has been responsible for the creation of some of the most thrilling descents that are linked for this unique race format that attracts the gravity thrill-seekers.

The 60km Sappi Karkloof Marathon has developed a respected reputation in the South African MTB community, and the stellar field has seen the class of Max Knox, Brendon Davids and last year’s champion Julian Jessop gracing the top step of the podium.

Intermediate riders find enough of a challenge in the 40km aQuellé Half Marathon, which course designers are taking to new corners of the Karkloof trail network that boasts over 200km of managed trails, jeep track and single track.

In keeping with the family ethos of the event the club always lays on the very manageable 20km and 10km aQuellé Family Ride to allow every member of the active family to get in on the action.

After three years of steadily increasing support, some of the best trail runners in the region will stand shoulder-to-shoulder on the start lien line for the 18km Karkloof Trail Run that gets under way early on the Saturday morning, often as the typical mist starts to burn off in the Karkloof valley, followed thirty minutes later by the 9km option.

Camping at the Karkloof club remains an option for athletes and their families keen to make a weekend of the opportunity in the Karkloof, while others opt for B&B accommodation in one of many Karkloof establishments, offering more defence against the chilly winter evenings.

Normal entries are open and close at 11pm on 26 May while late entries will be taken until midnight on 29 May. Registration will take place at the Karkloof Club on Saturday, 1 June from 5.30am to 11.45am and Sunday, 2 June from 5.30am to 9.45am.

Visit: www.karkloofmtb.co.za.

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