This annual Mountain Bike Race aims to bring as many enthusiastic cyclists as is possible to our beautiful Paarl Valley. Organized and managed by the members of the Paarl Rotary Club, under the auspices of the Pedal Power Association (PPA), the proceeds from this event go towards sustaining our many charitable projects.

This event has been voted by PPA as the best/most improved event for the last 5 years. Thanks to all our loyal cyclists for voting for this event!

Date: Saturday 20 August 2016
Venue: Backsberg Wine Estate

 

Race Distance and Starting Times
MTB CHALLENGE

– 40 km route to start @ 08h00       
– 30 km route to start @ 08h30
– 15km route to start @ 09h00   
– Children’s Race 4km to start @ 09h15

NOTE:  Some route changes may occur. All children u/12 must be accompanied by an adult and will only be allowed on the 4km and 15km routes.      
The prize giving will be at 12h00 and cut-off time will be at 12h30.

 

Family Activities at Backsberg for Race Day
Our aim for the mountain bike race is to make the day as enjoyable as possible to all the riders as well as their families.  We have therefore arranged for the following activities during the day:     

•   Jumping castle for the kids

•   Wine tasting

Backberg Restaurant will be selling various food and drinks that can be enjoyed by race participants and supporters.

 

Race Entries
Online registration will be the only method to register for the race, so make that technology work for you!   Entries to this very popular race will be limited to 900 only.  All entry payments to be made through the secure link below and no EFT facilities will be available. Entries for which no payment has been received can unfortunately not be regarded as a valid entry.

Online Entries are  OPEN and close at midnight on 17 August 2016.

Click Here for the Online Entry LINK

PLEASE NOTE: Late entries will be accepted on the morning of the race at the venue from 06h30. 

Entering online assists with the preparations and administration for the race.  Remember to bring your proof of payment slip with you on the day of the race.  When registering please fill in a valid e-mail address.  We will only use this to send you a receipt for your registration.

Remember to bring and wear your PPA MTB fun ride number. No helmet, no ride. No transponder, no time. All cyclist wearing a transponder will be electronically timed by Racetec.

 

Costs for the Race
  Route                                    Entries (Non-Members)                      Entries (PPA Members)

  40km                                              R180                                                              R150
  30km                                              R170                                                              R140
15km                                               R140                                                              R110
4km                                                R50                                                                R50

All late entries on the morning of the race will be R240 (except for the 4km race that remains R50)

 

Route Descriptions  
This fun family day on Backsberg, who’s celebrating their 100 th year, will give you the opportunity to experience some of the best scenery and views in the area and surrounds. All routes start on Backsberg and crosses a number of neighbouring farms, including Neil Joubert Wines, with virgin single track and private land opened up just for the event  The roads are 80% jeep track with some single-track and open roads in between.

The 40 km , whilst not as tough and difficult as last year as it does not go to the top of Kanonkop, still have 2 steep climbs and riders need to be experienced.
The 30 km also need a bit of experience and includes one long climb.
The 15 km is geared for novices and beginners.
The kiddies’ 4 km ride is an undulating route on and around the wine estate.

The routes include virgin single-track and private land which has been opened up just for the event. PLEASE NOTE: There are BEEHIVES on the course. Please carry ANTIHISTAMINE with you if you are allergic to bee stings.

A Bike Wash facility will be on the farm free of charge.

What they do with do with your Entry Fee

The Backsberg MTB Challenge is one of three main fundraising events arranged by the Rotary Club of Paarl (the other two being a Road and MTB race in February and a Wine Auction in May).  All proceeds from this cycling event are used for the benefit of projects supported by Paarl Rotary. The support of our main sponsor, Backsberg Wine Estate, provides us with the opportunity to minimise the impact of the costs relevant to this type of event. Without their continued support, our impact in supporting worthwhile charity projects will be greatly diminished. We can only ask that all cyclists contribute to our projects by supporting and enjoying this event.  Here are some pictures of
just some of the many projects where we are involved

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