Building up to the 5th annual Fedhealth MTB Challenge that will take place at Boschendal Farm Estate (The Retreat) on Saturday 07 September 2019 and Sunday 08 September 2019, Raymond Travers, a keen mountain biker from Gauteng, reminisces about his first Fedhealth MTB Challenge experience in 2018. The experience left him wanting more.
“Music legend Sting once sang ‘I’m an Englishman in New York’ and I kind of felt that way while riding the Fedhealth MTB Challenge in 2018,” laughs Travers. “To me mountain biking seems different in the Cape compared to Gauteng. The vibe at the events is different, the racing is different and the routes are very different. For the last two years I’ve enjoyed the 25 – 45km races. I feel comfortable at this distance as it seems to suit my riding style, fitness and endurance. Because I strive to be the best technical rider that I can be, I lean towards the slightly more technical races. I definitely felt as if I was treading on foreign soil when I entered the Fedhealth MTB Challenge.”
“I actively used social media to find friends that had entered, or would be at the event,” admits Travers. “My race started calmly, but I found it to be relatively easy going so by the four kilometre mark I started easing on the throttle. I passed a few riders, and then a few more. The real fun started when I found myself among a group of junior XC riders. These young racing snakes were gunning it as only they can.”
“The route featured a good mix of uphills, downhills, district roads, soft sand, loose rocks, mud, dips, sharp turns, rapid ascents and sublime single track, making me a happy mountain biker,” continues Travers. “I crossed the finish line in just over an hour and a half, very happy with my first Fedhealth MTB Challenge experience. The organisation was great, but we’ve come to expect that from Stillwater Sports. The post-race vibe in the race village was incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed the event.”
EVENT INFORMATION:
One of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, Boschendal Farm Estate (The Retreat) will host the 5th annual Fedhealth MTB Challenge on Saturday, 07 September 2019 and Sunday, 08 September 2019.
Saturday, 07 September 2019
A highlight on the SA mountain bike calendar, the kids event caters for ages 0 – 13 with junior MTB enthusiasts choosing between a: 500m (0-5 years), 1.5km (6-9 years) and a 5km (10 – 13 years) event.
| Event & Time: | Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Event: not timed· 500m / 0 – 5 years of age / 10:30· 1.5km / 6 – 9 years of age / 11:00· 5km / 10 – 13 years of age / 11:30 |
| Entry Fee: | R100 |
Sunday, 08 September 2019
| Time: | 08:00 |
| Event: | +- 60km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Marathon) |
| Entry Fee: | R375 per rider (excludes CSA License) |
| Time: | 09:00 |
| Event: | +-30km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Half Marathon) |
| Entry Fee: | R275 per rider (excludes CSA License) |
| Time: | 10:00 |
| Event: | 15km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Fun Ride) |
| Entry Fee: | R175 per rider |
FREE ENTRY: Fedhealth members can enter free of charge – simply by typing in their membership number when entering online!
EXCITING NEWS: All entrants will receive an exclusive event t-shirt (Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Event included) while medals will be awarded to all finishers!
Entries Close on Tuesday, 03 September 2019!
Facebook: Fedhealth Medical Aid / Stillwater MTB Events
Twitter: @FedhealthMTB / @Fedhealthmed / @Stillwater_MTB
Website: www.stillwatersports.com
For more information or to enter the Fedhealth MTB Challenge, contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045, email entries@stillwatersports.com or visit www.stillwatersports.com
