Paarl Mtb Challenge & South African XCM Champs event

1 May 2021 sees the 1st edition of Paarl’s official Mountain Bike Challenge

Although the event is open to All cyclists as we have a variety of different route options , The Paarl Mtb Challenge has also be awarded the hosting rights for the South African Mountain Bike XCM National Champs , and will be incorporated into the event



A WORLD CLASS ADVENTURE CITY
The historic town of Paarl in the Western Cape is a well-known tourist destination in South Africa . Known for some of the best wine , restaurants ,historical sites and the location of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in 1990 to name a few .
Over the last 3 years Paarl has also started to grow in popularity as an adventure destination . With Hiking and Canoeing to name a few of the great outdoor activities on offer in Drakenstein . But the development of a network of trails for Trail Running and Mountain Biking seem to be one of the biggest drawcards to this amazing adventure destination . The Paarl Adventure Trail Network consists of close to 200km of custom built trails in the area . The variety is unequalled with virtually every imaginable type of terrain and discipline . XCO , Marathon , Downhill , Enduro , Touring and Adventure are all on offer within the network .Add a long list of great venues and attractions on route . Paarl is a must visit for any adventurer .
So with the perfect mix of trails , great attractions and venues . It provides the perfect recipe for the return of the Paarl Mountain bike Challenge.

OUR MISSION
The Paarl Mountain Bike Challenge will showcase the very best of Paarl on a bike. Sublime trails , Amazing features ,Great views and some of the best off the bike experiences .After all, who doesn’t love to have fun in vibey upbeat race villages boasting lots of entertainment, stacks of fun activities and a range of artisan culinary delights.
Whether you are up for tough racing , a family adventure or a great day out with mates ,we have made sure this event will not disappoint

ROUTES
May we feel is the perfect time to present this event . For the Professionals and hard core races it is the perfect opportunity to hone those skills and racing focus just before big events like the Cycle Tour and Cape Epic
For the Adventurers weekend warriors and newbies we have focused hard to make every distance something really special for all entrants . THIS IS NOT an event where the big distances get all the good stuff and the shorter distances are just slapped together . Each distance has been meticulously planned to ensure the best possible experience . The Riding terrain on and Around Paarl Mountain is truly something special and will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.



DISTANCES:

• 20km Weekend Warrior – ( 187m elevation )
• 40km Adventurer ( including E-Bike Group) - (914m Elevation )
*. 60km MTB ( including E-Bike Group ) - ( 1380m Elevation )
• 85km Hard Rock – ( 2100m Elevation )

ENTER NOW : https://www.entryninja.com/events/70302-paarl-mtb-challenge


Hospitality
Paarl is known for its “ Hospitality “ and this is what each competitor and supporter will experience in spades . The waterpoints , filled with delectable eats and drinks from locals who provide a true “farm Style Hospitality “ . The Support along route is also something special as many of the farms will be harvesting and experiencing the joyous atmosphere of the folks harvesting is very special.

Off the bike ,a world filled with great food , amazing drinks , entertainment and activities await all competitors , supporters. And family . Whether you are coming out for the day with mates or bringing the entire family along for a day of adventure – Paarl has a long list of great supporter points along the route that you will be able to cheer your guy /girl on and have a great time doing it .



All For a Great Cause
The Paarl and Hero Adventure Trail Project has developed one of the most extensive Trail networks in Paarl that focuses on the true enjoyment of the outdoors and community development . With tourism , sport development and job creation the main focus of this project , through the development of 200km of Trails for Cycling , Running and Hiking in Paarl . This Project not only provides a great escape and adventure for locals and visitors on a daily basis ,but supports no less than 3 sport development programs , running a skills development program that is creating jobs for the local community and providing a marketing platform for local venues and attractions .

Although attracting visitors to the network on a daily basis is the main focus , Events are not only a passion but a way to assist with the funding of these great projects . ALL the profits of this event will go directly to the Hero and Paarl Adventure Trail Project to assist with the development , growth and maintenance of these projects . What better reason to enter an event than knowing your support has directly benefitted the very project and community that makes the event possible to enjoy .


Accommodation

If you are coming out for the weekend. Paarl has a host of great Guest Houses and accommodation to suit all tastes visit www.paarlonline.com for a list of great accommodation and other activity options
Entries : https://www.entryninja.com/events/70302-paarl-mtb-challenge

Race Distances on offer
We have 4 distances on offer come 1 May.
• 20km
• 40km
• 60km
• 85km
• There are also 2 E-Bike categories on the 40km and 60km distances
Entries are very limited and ONLY Available online, so enter now so not to miss out . NO on the Day entries or number collections.
https://www.entryninja.com/events/70302-paarl-mtb-challenge

If you want more info on the routes and activities over the weekend, view the interview with Event Organizer Darren Herbst and Route Manager Duan Stander below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3gU_dGSl5g

Entries
Important to note that the event is open to the general public to enter and enjoy any of the distances (Age Dependent). The South African XCM Champs also form part of the greater event and will have their own start times and groups, but everyone will enjoy the exact same routes and features. It is vital to take a careful look at the routes and ensure you select a distance for your ability and fitness level, the routes are not flat jeep track routes, they are packed with great features and oodles of Single-Track with climbs and technical sections in places. If you would like to upgrade or downgrade your distance, please email [email protected] who will be able to assist

All competitors wanting to compete in the SA Champs Categories need to have the appropriate, valid CyclingSA License and it is up to you to ensure you are entered in the correct category. General competitors need at least a day license
Categories, Distances and Start Times for race day 1 May 2021(Times may change if necessary):
85km Route
• Elite Men – 85km – 07:00am
• Elite Women – 85km – 07:05am
• Sub Vet Men (30-39) – 85km – 07:20am
• Veteran Men (40-49)- 85km – 07:23am
• Public entries (open) – 85km – 07:25am
• Public entries (open) – 85km – 07:30am

60km Route
• Junior Men (17-1 – 60km – 08:00am
• Master Men (50-59) – 60km – 08:03am
• Sub Vet Women (30-39) – 60km – 08:05am
• Veteran Women (40-49) – 60km – 08:08am
• Junior Women (17-1 – 60km – 08:11am
• Public entries (open) – 60km – 08:25am
• Public entries (open) – 60km – 08:28am
• E-Bike Group – 60km – 08:45am
40km Route
• Youth Men (15-16) – 40km – 09:30am
• Youth Women (15-16) – 40km – 09:33am
• Master Women (50-59) – 40km – 09:36am
• Grand Master Men (60+) – 40km – 09:45am
• Grand Master Women (60+) 40km – 09:47am
• Public entries (open) – 40km – 10:00am
• Public entries (open) – 40km – 10:03am
• E-Bike Group – 40km – 10:15am
20km Route
• Public entries (open) – 20km – 10:30am
• Public entries (open) – 20km – 10:33am

Covid Requirements
It goes without saying that if you have any symptoms a few days before the event, ensure you have a test and confirm you are negative before even collecting your race number.
Attached is a Covid Questionnaire that you are required to print, fill out and sign on the date you collect your number. You need to hand in this form at Number collection. Without the signed form you will not receive your number!!!
• Masks compulsory at all times (only removed once on race route)
• Your Temperature will be taken again at the start and if within range you will be allowed into start chute on the morning
• Social distance at all times on the farm and wear masks. No congregating around the start/finish chute.
• Please try to arrive shortly before start time to avoid crowds

Number Collection
Entries are only going to be accepted online and there will not be any late entries available. Number collection will be held at the Specialized-Paarl Store (Pieter Hugo St, Courtai, Paarl) on Thursday 29 April (10:00am – 17:00pm) and Friday 30 April (10:00am – 18:00pm). No number collection or substitutions on the day of the event.

Please Note - Number Board Rules:
• Boards are the property of the organizers, and must be returned after your race
• You may not cut or trim your board, make holes in it or add any stickers
• It must be visible from the front, and tied down with 2 cable ties top and also 1 at the bottom






Host Venue (Start/Finish) – Spice Route Destination. Suid-Agter Paarl Road. Paarl
Although the routes go through over 50 different properties around Paarl, the host for the start and finish is Spice Route Destination. Please ensure you park in a clear safe area where other visitors can easily access the roads and clear from any parts of the race route. There are a host of Restaurants and artisans at Spice Route that you can enjoy before or after your race, but please make sure you contact Spice route to make a booking at one of the venues due to Covid restrictions. We are also asking people to not all congregate at 1 venue, but try to visit one of the many venues around the route. See our social media for a list of great venues along the route that will all be open to enjoy and see cyclists on route.

Route Info
As mentioned above, please make sure you take a look at the route brief and profiles and ensure your fitness and ability is at a level for your desired distance. Our Route teams have worked hard to design routes that are filled with adventure and showcase all this amazing area has to offer. But this also results in more variation, elevation and technical sections in places.

Route Marking
Because most of these trails are part of the Paarl Adventure Trails Network, you will come across various color marking along the routes. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE NOTE OF THE PERMANENT ROUTE MARKERS! For the Event we will be using White Boards with Black Arrows. these route markers are temporary and will either be on the ground, against trees, on fences ….. . The Split points for the various distances are also temporary White Correx boards with Black Writing on. DO NOT FOLLOW ANY OTHER MARKINGS. Added to this we are putting down chalk arrows along the trails as a confirmation (weather dependent). There will not be marshals on route to show you where to go due to covid, the limited marshals are only on route as an extra safety measure. It is up to you as a competitor to ensure you follow the correct route markers and know where to go. we also advise you to download the route file for your device as a extra measure ( please keep checking route files for any updates as route changes are very possible). Please check our social media Page for a pic of exactly how the route markers look



Route Files Links (please note these may change if necessary)

The below link will give you access to detailed routes as well as profiles and enable you to download the routes for your devices
https://www.trailforks.com/event/4901/
important to note that the 1st 700m of each distance is a neutral zone until you cross the tar road

Waterpoints
Because many of the distances share sections of the routes, there are more waterpoints along the routes

85km Route
• WP 1 : 4.2km ( on Spice Route Farm )
• WP 2 : 10.4km ( Top of “The Wall” )
• WP 3 : 27km ( Specialized Paarl )
• WP 4 : 34km ( In the Reserve at 85/60/40 Split )
• WP 5 : 50km ( Kirsten Farm and Entrance to Rhebokskloof )
• WP 6 : 62km ( Rhebokskloof Wine Estate )
• WP 7 : 73km ( Bistro 44 )
60km Route
• WP 1 : 4.2km (On Spice Route Farm)
• WP 2 : 18km ( Specialized Paarl)
• WP 3 : 25km (In reserve at 85/60/40 Split)
• WP 4 : 32km ( Kirsten Farm and Entrance to Rhebokskloof )
• WP 5 : 40km ( Rhebokskloof Wine Estate )
• WP 6 : 51km (Bistro 44)
40km Route
• WP 1 : 15km (On Spice Route Farm)
• WP 2 : 30km ( Specialized Paarl)
• WP 3 : 35km (In reserve at 85/60/40 Split)
20km Route
• WP 1 : 15km (on Spice Route Farm )


On route Support and Feeding
It is Vital to note the following:
No Support or feeding from outside is allowed for any competitor, this applies to the S.A Champs Categories as well. This instruction if from Cycling South Africa and due to Covid. Competitors need to use race waterpoints or carry their own food and drinks. Competitors also need to ensure they have the necessary supplies to attend to any technical issues on route themselves.


Emergency and pick up
Due to the vast amount of Single track and varied terrain it is going to be very
Difficult to get to certain places , so it is vital that you take extreme caution on the single track and at obstacles , there are a number of places on route that have erosion , loose sand and rocks . so be aware . If you have an EMERGENCY please activate your MY SOS on your phone ( you will receive the link in the week ) and this will send your location to our medical staff . There is also an emergency number you can contact 0828084109

IF you have a technical , you are tired or just don’t want to continue PLEASE DO NOT activate the emergency , it is up to you to stay on the route and make your way to the next waterpoint where you can either call someone to collect you , or wait for a sweep vehicle . Important to note that the sweep vehicle might take a long time to arrive so please be patient . our priority is safety on route and that comes 1st .


Cut Off Times and Points
Due to the terrain and varied start times we will strictly have to enforce Cut Off times on all distances. these Cut Off times need to be adhered to, if you continue after the cut off you will be DQ and will not receive any support from the event.
• Cut Off 1 : Specialized Paarl – 12:00pm
• Cut Off 2 : In the Reserve WP4 at 85/60/40km Split – 12:30pm
• Cut Off 3 : Rhebokskloof Wine Estate Waterpoint – 12:30pm
• Cut Off 4 : Bistro 44 Waterpoint – 13:15pm

Timing
Timing will be done by Great Time http://www.great-time.co.za
Boards handed out at number collection.
Please Note - Number Board Rules:
• Boards are the property of the organizers, and must be returned after your race


We have also created a Strava event that you can join to be eligible for a few segment prizes on the day https://www.strava.com/clubs/333952/group_events/803172

Prize Giving
Because of Covid we are not able to have a formal Prize Giving . Prize Giving for each distance will take place on the grass area at spice route within 30 min of the 1st 10 riders crossing the finish line of each distance and confirmed by CSA and Great time . It is important to note that winners need to be present to collect their prize as well as medals and colours. if you are not present you will forfeit the prizes (no other person may collect on your behalf)

Summary of Weekend Schedule
• Online Entries close 26 April or once entries are full (whichever comes soonest)
• 29 April Number collection : Specialized – Paarl 10:00am – 17:00pm
• Spice Route Goodie Bag Voucher active from 29 April – 2 May
• 30 April Number Collection : Specialized – Paarl 10:00 – 18:00pm

1 May
• 06:00am : Spice Route destination opens
• 06:00am : Barley and Biltong open for coffee and snacks
• 06:45am : Start Block Opens for temperature control
• 06:50am : Start block opens for 85km Elites
• 06:55am : Rider Brief
85km Start Times
• Elite Men – 85km – 07:00am
• Elite Women – 85km – 07:05am
• Sub Vet Men (30-39) – 85km – 07:20am
• Veteran Men (40-49)- 85km – 07:23am
• Public entries (open) – 85km – 07:25am
• Public entries (open) – 85km – 07:30am
60km Start Times
• Junior Men (17-1 – 60km – 08:00am
• Master Men (50-59) – 60km – 08:03am
• Sub Vet Women (30-39) – 60km – 08:05am
• Veteran Women (40-49) – 60km – 08:08am
• Junior Women (17-1 – 60km – 08:11am
• Public entries (open) – 60km – 08:25am
• Public entries (open) – 60km – 08:28am
• E-Bike Group – 60km – 08:45am
40km Start Times
• Youth Men (15-16) – 40km – 09:30am
• Youth Women (15-16) – 40km – 09:33am
• Master Women (50-59) – 40km – 09:36am
• Grand Master Men (60+) – 40km – 09:45am
• Grand Master Women (60+) 40km – 09:47am
• Public entries (open) – 40km – 10:00am
• Public entries (open) – 40km – 10:03am
• E-Bike Group – 40km – 10:15am
20km Start Times
• Public entries (open) – 20km – 10:30am
• Public entries (open) – 20km – 10:33am

Competition and Supporting the Hero Legacy Project
As Organizers our objective for hosting this event is 2 fold:
1. To Showcase our amazing City, Paarl is a area filled with so many special places, attractions and activities. Adventure runs deep through the blood of all the residence, and this shows when visiting Drakenstein and you experience the vibe and culture of the area. Our Goal is to find ways to support locals through tourism and getting people to come and experience all Paarl has to offer.
2. The Hero Legacy Project is a community initiative in Paarl that supports kids through sport and social upliftment , The Project is truly heartwarming and it is a honor for the Paarl MTB Challenge to be able to support this initiative with you the competitors : https://paarladventuretrails.co.za/hero-legacy-project/


How Can you Help
It’s simple. when visiting Paarl get out and explore all the amazing venues and attractions, try something new and make an effort to support the local businesses.
Then Share your experience on and off the Trails by Tagging the event and using the Hashtags. Help us show the world what a special place Paarl is
• #Paarl, #PaarlAdventureTrails #Samtbchampspaarl
• Facebook: @PaarlAdventureTrails , @Paarlmtbchallenge @visitpaarl
• Instagram: @Paarladventure , @Paarlmtbchallenge
You stand a chance to win some amazing prizes


Please note all covid government regulations apply and so does the indemnity , you take part and visit the venue at your own risk , social distancing 2m and masks at all times .
it is advisable to book place to eat at one of the 5 resturants or picnic areas at Spice Route

You will receive a race brief a few days before the event will all details , final start times as well as the covid form with you have to bring back signed ( hard copy ) no form no entry NO EXCUSES !!!

Contact:

Enter Now : www.paarladventuretrails.co.za
More Info : [email protected]
Tel : 0760225141 / 0833842976