Obviously, the majority of the entrants for the 2017 Fedhealth MTB Challenge on 16 and 17 September will be from the Western Cape. It’s a high-quality event now in its third year that caters for mountain bikers of all ages and abilities and it’s organised by Stillwater Sports, one of the most respected mountain bike events companies in the world.

Not surprisingly, the Fedhealth MTB Challenge has already attracted a large pre-entry field.

But what about mountain bikers from other parts of South Africa? Is the Fedhealth MTB Challenge weekend worth the time, cost and effort to travel to from afar?

 

The two-day festival has moved to a new venue from 2017 – Boschendal in the Franschhoek Valley. Boschendal is best known for producing world-class wine, but the reality is that in recent years, it’s been developed into a diversified facility. Not only is it a working farm, it’s a highly-rated hospitality and functions destination, with a range of accommodation options and a selection of high quality dining establishments. In addition to that, the owners have invested heavily in the building of a mountain bike trails network that’s getting excellent reviews from beginner through to experienced mountain bikers. Simply put, if you don’t live in the Western Cape, trails worth travelling for…

 

“We held a TREAD Experience there last October – three days of quality mountain biking, skills training, relaxation and great dining. A few of our guests flew down from Johannesburg and we drove down. It was so worthwhile. Boschendal has a so much to offer mountain bikers, especially those with families. It’s the perfect venue for a family weekend mountain bike event,” said Sean Badenhorst of TREAD Skills.

The singletrack at Boschendal has been carefully crafted by Bennet Nel (of Jonkershoek fame) and Pieter van Wyk (of Welvanpas fame), two of the best trail-builders in the country. The location, with ample mountainside slope and flatter valley ground, makes it a perfect place to build trails that offer generous flow and which are challenging and rewarding for all levels of rider.

 

Much of the Boschendal trails network will be used for the Fedhealth MTB Challenge routes, but the longer 60km marathon will also incorporate the superb trails in the neighbouring Banhoek Conservancy and on adjacent mountain bike-friendly landowner turf.

The first 1000 entrants will receive a complimentary commemorative event t-shirt and all entrants in the 15km, 28km and 60km events will get a goodie bag. There’s free post-event massage for all entrants and a Fedhealth Kids Zone with child minders to ensure parents get time to enjoy the riding. Fedhealth members get a free event entry and access to the Fedhealth VIP Zone.

To find out more or to enter, visit Fedhealth MTB Challenge 

 

 

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