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Savanna Origin of Trails puts the “Fun” back into mountain biking

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Stage One of the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience took place at Coetzenburg Stellenbosch University today (Saturday 19 November 2022). Photo: Chris Hitchcock

Stage One of the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience got underway at the Coetzenburg Stellenbosch University on Saturday 19 November 2022. Cementing itself as SA’s MTB Party of the Year, mountain bikers were reminded why they ride.

“The Savanna Origin of Trails is marketed as a fun event. Stage One definitely lived up to its reputation,” says Robyn Wijnbeek (Stellenbosch). “I live in Stellenbosch. It’s fun to race in your backyard. I know the trails quite well. Botmaskop is always a hard start, but the trails there are super fun. I really enjoyed the stage. The vibe was amazing, and the water points were really cool. Going into Stage Two, I’ve never ridden at Spier, so it’s going to be something new for me. I’m looking forward to doing something different.”

Ryal de Waal (Stellenbosch) crossed the finish line first in the Half Marathon. “It’s the afterparty that attracts me to the Savanna Origin of Trails,” laughs de Waal. “The route was great. The little bit of rain that fell this morning ensured that it wasn’t dusty. I know it’s the ‘MTB Party of the year’, but it’s just in my genes to race. I always ride as hard as I can. Tomorrow I will do the same.”

Starting and finishing at Coetzenburg Stellenbosch University, Stage One of the Marathon included five moderate climbs with very little flat sections. Iconic farms traversed on the day included Lanzerac, Coetzenburg, Stellekaya, Mont Marie, Chaloner Estate, Dornier and Vriesenhof. This stage boasted exciting new trails in Botmaskop, large sections of single track that aren’t accessible during the year, the well-known floating bridge at Mont Marie as well as the iconic G-Spot.

Stage One of the Half Marathon consisted of open roads and fun single track. Mountain bikers got to experience trails at Coetzenburg, Stellekaya, Mont Marie, Dornier and Vriesenhof. The trails at Dornier and the floating bridge at Mont Marie were definite route highlights. This stage was not very technical but did include quite a bit of climbing.

PUB RIDE and Rider Party: The Stage One fun is not yet over. At 17:30 riders will go on a Pub Ride, which will start at Coetzenburg Stellenbosch University. Three of Stellenbosch’s favorite pubs; De Akker, Casa Cerveza and Gino’s, will be visited. Riders will enjoy complimentary dinks, with live music at De Akker and Casa Cerveza before heading to Gino’s for the official rider party where award winning South African Stand-Up Comedian Dalin Oliver will be ready to entertain the crowds.

NEXT UP: Stage Two / Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience

Date: Sunday 20 November 2022
Start and Finish Venue: Coetzenburg Stellenbosch University
Start Time: 08:00
Distance:

Full Marathon
Age: 18+
Distance Day 2: +-48km

Half Marathon
Age: 18+
Distance Day 2: +-31km

CHARITY SUPPORT: The Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience proudly supports the Stellenbosch Trail Fund.

DRESS UP COMPETITION: Stage Two of the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience (Sunday 20 November) will be Dress Up Day. The two best dressed riders (x1 male and x1 female) will receive R10 000 in cash as well as ten cases of Savanna (each). For more information visit https://www.stillwatersports.com/news/r20-000-up-for-grabs-in-the-savanna-origin-of-trails-best-dressed-competition/

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For more information on the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience please email entries@stillwatersports.com or visit www.stillwatersports.com.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.