Bestmed Paarl MTB Classic
Date: 20 May 2017
Website & entries: https://www.asgevents.co.za/paarlmtb/
Enquiries: eventsupport@asgworld.co.za or 076 830 5578
The third edition of the Bestmed Paarl MTB Classic is scheduled for Saturday 20 May 2017 and presents an unequalled off-road experience, traversing the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve and some of the beautiful wine farms and orchards below the mountain as well as some wonderful single track at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate and the Taal Monument.
The event, presented by the City of Drakenstein in conjunction with ASG Events, starts and finishes at the prestigious Rhebokskloof Wine Estate.
Entrants can choose to participate in the 30km or 60km events.
60km (1700m ascent)
- From the gun at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, you will head through open gravel road terraces and vineyard roads for the first 4km. This will give everyone a chance to warm the legs up and settle into their placing before meeting the first climb of the day.
- At just over 3km long and almost 300 meters of vertical ascent, which includes the famous Google Road, this climb is not for the faint hearted, but keep your head down and keep moving. We have placed the first water point of the day halfway up just to give you a breather. The climb is all on jeep track and with more than enough traction it’s all about just keeping a steady pace.
- Once up Google Road you will head out of Hero Rhebokskloof and into the Paarl Mountain reserve where you will experience a gravel roads on the top that will leave you spellbound at the scenery and views.
- At 15km riders turn right into Spice Route on a heart pumping decent that will put a smile on even the grumpiest faces as you make your way down to the ever-popular CBC brewery and water point 2 where ice cold drinks and complimentary CBC beers will be on offer.
- Once you have enjoyed a drink riders head through the famous Spice Route, Fairview and Diamant vineyards on what seems like heaven until the 19km mark.
- At 19km you will look left and notice a narrow jeep track that to some might seem extends up into the heavens – welcome to “Backs Peak”. For 1.5km this killer will test every fibre in your body. You are bound to hear moans in agony from riders lower down and shouts of joy from those at the top. This is a new section and we’ll create a strava based prize on it. Riders who make it all the way to the top without dismounting will have serious bragging rights and stand the chance of winning a pair of Rudy Project eyewear.
- Once at the top the route heads straight past the Taal Monument and down a great little playground of jumps and berms onto the main access road to Paarl Mountain.
- The next water point is at the Victoria Dam before you make your way around and up to the Tower on top of Paarl Mountain.
- From the Tower, it’s a short gravel road back into Hero Rhebokskloof where all the climbing will be rewarded.
- For the next 10km you will experience a rush of fast single track, flowing trails, and exhilarating descents as you make your way down the Shiraz single track.
- At the bottom, you head right and join the short distance route knowing you have conquered the difficult stuff and can now relax a little as you make your way though some vineyards trails at JDK, Joubertsdal and Pearl Vineyards.
- After a few more twists and turns you will head into Pearl where water point 5 awaits at one of the best restaurants in Paarl – Blacksmiths Kitchen.
- After taking a break you can rest assured that the remaining 10 km back to Rhebokskloof will be along the lower slopes of the mountain and filled with great scenery and even a playground for those eager to test their skills along the jumps and berms before the finish line.
30km (700m ascent)
The event starts in front of the Rhebokskloof Restaurant and competitors will line up for a day filled with spectacular trails and jaw dropping views.
- From the gun riders head through open gravel road terraces and vineyard roads for the first 4km. This will give everyone a chance to warm up the legs and settle into their placing before meeting the first climbing challenge of the day.
- At 4km the first climb of the day will ensure that you are “welcomed” to Paarl Mountain in no uncertain way. You will have to work for the achievement of reaching the first water point at 8km and the honour of experiencing one of the best views in the Cape Winelands.
- Once you catch your breath you immediately head into what has been rated as some of the best single track in South Africa. Hero Adventure Rhebokskloof is known for their Pinotage and Shiraz single track and you will get to experience the best of it. Be careful as there are tricky sections and you need to keep your wits about you.
- Once you have made your way down and around to the Eastern side of the mountain you will make your way through some of the finest wine farms in the Cape Winelands, including JDK, Joubertsdal and Pearl Vineyards. This stretch of trail is a new section and you will get to enjoy a variety of terrain which includes forests, dams, and vineyards.
- At 14km riders take a left turn onto the Paarl Mountain access road that goes up the mountain. This short section will again test the legs but fortunately only for 600meters before popping into the single-track descent to water point 3 at Blacksmiths Kitchen. Here you will get to enjoy a drink and snack at one of the best restaurants in Paarl.
- From Blacksmiths Kitchen, you can relax and enjoy the last 10km of enjoyable gravel roads, jeep track and a couple of playground sections on the lower slopes on the mountain back to Rhebokskloof and the finish line at the restaurant.
Please note that there are a few technical sections so be careful. If you are not comfortable rather dismount and walk. There are also several rollers and berms along the trail which are fun to ride.