Riders in for a treat at the Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails

Riders in for a treat at the Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails

Stellenbosch (Western Cape) – Renowned for showcasing the best mountain biking (MTB) routes on offer in the magnificent City Of Oaks, mountain bikers taking part in the 4th edition of the Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails on Saturday, 03 and Sunday, 04 December 2016 are in for a treat.

“Our focus has always been on the routes,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.  “Stellenbosch is a MTB mecca boasting with a myriad of magnificent trails that aren’t always accessible to the MTB community.  We are proud to continue giving mountain bikers the once a year opportunity to relish in these trails and experience mountain biking like never before at the Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails. Since its inception in 2013, the Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails has been a proud supporter of the Stellenbosch Trail Fund.  Working in cooperation with the Trail Fund, we look forward to once again hosting a MTB experience like no other in the beautiful town of Stellenbosch.”

Founded in 2011, the aim of the Stellenbosch Trail Fund is to create, improve and maintain all hiking, biking and running trails in and around Stellenbosch.  A portion of every entry fee will go directly towards trail building and local organizations aligned around these trails.

EVENT INFORMATION:

An individual two day MTB stage race, the Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails combines a vast network of world

class trails with beauty and exclusivity.  Entrants are given a “once a year” opportunity to experience a spectacular

combination of single-tracks in the pristine setting of the Stellenbosch Winelands.

      Stage One:         Saturday, 03 December 2016

 

Distance & Climb: +-60km (1620m climb) or +-35km (830m climb)
Total Single Track: 18.1km
Start Time: 07:00 in seeded batch starts, starting with 60km race
Start Venue: Hofmeyer Hall, Church Street, Stellenbosch
Finish Venue: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Water Point 1: Jonkershoek Gate / 16.7km on route
Water Point 2: Jonkershoek Gate / 29.3km on route
Water Point 3: Mont Marie Restaurant / 50.3km

 A premier wine and hospitality destination, Blaauwklippen Wine Estate will be the finish venue of Stage One and the start and finish venue of Stage Two of the 2016 Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails.  “We can’t wait to welcome riders to the finish at Blaauwklippen after each stage,” says Nanette Cloete, Hospitality Manager at Blaauwklippen.  “Blaauwklippen is not just a wine or a market area or a bistro, it’s a lifestyle.  For this reason we are really excited to partner with the Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails.  Entrants can look forward to beautiful scenery and experiencing the incredible cuisine and wonderful wines on offer at our Tasting Room.  With wide open spaces, friendly goats and alpacas and a fun-filled jungle gym, Blaauwklippen is a fantastic and welcoming place for the whole family.”

Stage Two       Sunday, 04 December 2016 

 

Distance & Climb: +-60km (1480m climb) or +-32km (750m climb)
Total Single Track: 19.3km
Start Time: 07:00 in seeded batch starts, starting with 60km race
Start & Finish Venue: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Water Point 1: Botmaskop / 15km on route
Water Point 2: Klein Bethlehem / 33km on route
Water Point 3: Botmaskop / 44.5km on route

 

Set on the dramatic slopes of Botmaskop alongside the Helshoogte Pass overlooking the picturesque Banhoek Valley in Stellenbosch, Bartinney Skyfall is an iconic section on the Stage Two route.  According to Rose Jordaan, Bartinney Owner, the Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails goes through the Banhoek Conservancy where the trails are usually only accessed by permit holders through private land.  “The iconic views and crafted trails make the event really special.  Iconic sections include ‘Luiperd se Fyndraai’, Nik Naks and Bartinney Skyfall that has gained huge acclaim for its beautiful 2km piece of manicured ‘single-track-heaven’ dropping down  70m through flowering fynbos.  I am a keen mountain biker and am attracted to the sport because of the ability to venture into places you can’t ordinarily get to.  Entrants are in for a treat.”

ENTRY FEESRiders can choose between three entry options.

 

Option 1:  Long (65km and 60km) R1050.00
Option 2:  Medium (65km and 30km) R950.00
Option 3:  Short (35km and 30km) R850.00

     Win with MTO at the Pennypinchers Origin Of TrailsMTO will be running an exciting “selfie” competition during Stage One of the Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails.  To stand a chance to win a one year pass into Jonkershoek or any of MTO’s trails, entrants need to take a selfie at the top of the MTO Monster Climb and share it to the MTO Facebook page. The five riders with the most creative photographs will win the prize.

 

Lucky DrawOne lucky entrant will go home with a Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail 29er. The lucky draw will take place after Stage Two during Prize Giving.  The winner needs to be present to claim his/her prize.

 

     Follow us on Twitter:  @OriginOfTrails

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