RIDERS FROM ALL OVER SOUTH AFRICA CRANKED IT UP AT #CRANKCHAOS 2017
Over 150 riders from all over South Africa and beyond wound their way up 3222m to Afriski Mountain Resort for #CrankChaos from the 26 – 29 October 2017.
#CrankChaos is a four-day festival and the ultimate playground for fun riders, gravity junkies and endurance enthusiasts alike. From check-in, riders were taken care of, from Redbull & Maluti Beer stocked fridges to gift bags ready and waiting for you on your bed.
Going for a ride couldn’t be easier, all participants had to do to gain access to multiple cross-country, enduro and downhill trails was gear up and hook onto the mountain bike uplift. Gifting them with over 200m in vertical gain in under 7 minutes. You could just head out onto the escarpment for a ride or enter into one of the fun or competitive events throughout the weekend.
Off the bike, everyone took some time to kick back, relax in their cabins or head to the Sky Restaurant to grab a complimentary meal. When asked what riders loved best about the festival, the answer was… “The vibe!”
“CrankChaos is all about the inclusive nature of the event, where every type of rider is welcome. There’s a special atmosphere created when you connect with other like-minded minded people, focused on enjoying riding no matter what shape, size or format it comes in.
We had riders from Cape Town to the UK, some here to test their technical skills or increase their fitness, just try out some of the latest gear, enjoy the view or just to try something new. ” comments Peter Peyper, Operations Manager at Afriski Mountain Resort.
There were both fun and timed events throughout the weekend with R80 000 worth of prizes and goodies from FOX, International Trade, Skull Candy, Motorex, Evoc, Pure Nutrition, Oakley, Csixx and Ogio up for grabs.
Altitude XCO Eliminator riders battled it out around a custom-designed 400m XCO course, the flat-out speed and incline made extra challenging in the altitude. The 400m course ran past the Sky Restaurant, giving spectators an up close and personal view of the competitor’s jockeying for position. In the end, the results came flying in as follows.
Men
- Wessel Botha
- Armand Du Toit
- Albert Moffat
Women
- Marli van Eeden
- Henike Wielputz
- Yolandi Steyn
Juniors
- Keagan Brand
The Fox Enduro consisted of three stages and was the perfect opportunity to showcase and experience the stunning Basotho landscape. It kicked off with a gentle, flowing introduction on stage one and two. The comfort was short lived as stages changed to rough and tough trails, technical features complete with 2m “Hero Drop”, sheer slopes and tight switchbacks. The enduro culminated in a long descent down to a pop-up party at the finish. Complete with cold Maluti’s, Redbull tent and a sunset view of the highlands.
Men
- Theo Erlangsen 12:23
- Martin Zietsman 12:36
- Robert Frost 12:41
Women
- Beani Thies 15:09
- Louise Kotze 15:33
- Sonja Engelbrecht 16:16
Juniors
- Jasper Barrett 13:15
- Kyle Brand 15:03
- Ike Klaasen 15:10
The Downhill Eliminator kept competitors on their toes, it was luck of the draw as the selected a downhill track out a Mokorotlo (a traditional Basotho hat). Four competitors would race simultaneously on four different tracks; skill, fitness and carrying speed through the numerous corners were the big deciders on who crossed the line first. One by one riders were knocked out and ultimately the following riders were awarded the DH Eliminator crowns.
Men
- Frank Meyer
- Martin Zietsman
- Barry Futter
Women
- Beani Thies
- Nikki Alvin
- Louise Kotze
Juniors
- Jasper Barrett
- Ike Klaassen
- Kyle Brand
People underestimate what the altitude does to the lungs and legs. Making the average climb a true test of fitness. The bravest, strongest and fittest riders lined up to take on #CrankChaos Hill Climb where the only rule was to get as far as you could without touching a foot to the floor. These are the riders had the power to take home the prize.
- Keagan Brand
- Martin Zietsman
- Beani Thies
The Afriski Goldilocks is 10,3km of some of the most scenic contour trails. Riders enjoyed the winding engaging trail and tough little popper climbs as they wound their way down to the valley for the Goldilocks Strava Challenge. Fastest time on Strava decided the winners and the QOM & KOM’s went to…
- Wessel Botha 26:02
- Louise Kotze 33:51
- Keagan Brand 37:21
Greg Minnaar, a partner and big fan of CrankChaos, was unfortunately not able to attend CrankChaos this year, due to an ill-timed knee injury at the recent Enduro World Series in Spain. Although not there in body, Minnaar was there in spirit, with a personal message sent and aired for the riders at the FOX Enduro finish line.
#CrankChaos will be back in 2018. If you’re looking for a weekend filled with dusty bikes, unforgettable views and endless smiles, keep an eye out for the opening dates on www.crankchaos.com or follow us on the #CrankChaos or AfriSki Facebook pages.
