Mountain bikers will have a chance to stretch their legs and shake off the winter cobwebs with the first of the spring races near kicking off soon.
The Pennypinchers Silverstar Mountain Bike Challenge offers true mountain biking in the heart of suburbia with spectacular views of the City of Gold.
Race organiser Wynand de Villiers believes it is this scenic contrast that makes it one of the most picturesque routes in South Africa.
“Although you’re very close to the city, you truly feel part of nature and will be spoilt with unsurpassed views and great riding terrain,” he says.
On 6 September the out-and-back route takes riders from the casino through a series of neighbouring farms that include the well-known Laurentia Flower Farm and onto the King’s Kloof trails.
With the Hero Adventure team having taken over King’s Kloof, the seventh edition of the West Rand race will be the first opportunity for riders to enjoy the trail upgrades that have been under wraps until now.
According to route director Darren Herbst, the existing trails have been remoulded with some new additions as well.
“For a number of years the route hasn’t changed much and I think that’s what makes this event so special,” says Herbst.
“It’s all about experiencing awesome routes with memorable features, a great atmosphere and the feeling of accomplishment when you finish. People come and ride the event to relive that experience year after year.”
With the advent of Hero Adventure Park King’s Kloof, he says the trails were sure to be of an even better quality than in previous years.
He says his team expects more than 1 500 riders to turn out for the event, which once again would comprise the 40km feature race and 20km short-course options.
“There’s a definite demand for fun, family-oriented races. Events are about escaping from everyday pressures and I think we all want to take part in races that make us forget about the work week and stress. ”
As route director, Herbst says his personal objective is to offer something for everyone.
“There are most definitely cyclists who look for certain types of distances and difficulty, and we try to cater for that.”
Registration takes place from 10am to 4pm on the Thursday before the race at Cycle Lab in Fourways and between 10am and 4pm the following day at Leewee’s Cycles at Featherbrooke Village Shopping Centre.
Enter at www.asgevents.co.za before 31 August. No late entries will be accepted on race day.
