While its widely known as the MTB Party of the Year, the Savanna Origin of Trails is a lot more than just fun on mountain bikes. Actually no, it’s mostly just fun on mountain bikes! But it does have more than that one reason to enter. Here are 10 reasons why you need to accept your invitation asap.
Paid partnership with Stillwater MTB Events
Two days of MTB heaven
Travel the world with your mountain bike and it will be hard to find anywhere that can beat Stellenbosch as a mountain biking destination. Seriously. The routes selected for each day of the Savanna Origin of Trails form part of a trails network that’s internationally regarded as one of the best in the world.
It really is at the end of the year
There are not many mountain bike events after mid-November each year, which really does make the Savanna Origin of Trails an ideal way to ensure you close out the current year on a high note and derive some motivation to get ready to ride through summer! The 2024 edition is on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November. But be ready to soak up the fun from Friday 15 November…
It supports the local trails
The Stellenbosch Trail Fund is a community organisation that builds and maintains the world class trails in and around the town of Stellenbosch. Most of these are free-to-ride trails, so donations to STF are essential. A portion of the proceeds from the Savanna Origins of Trails MTB Experience goes directly to support the STF.
There’s a bonus pub ride
The introduction of a pub ride in 2022 was so well received that the organisers have added it as a permanent feature for the Savanna Origin of Trails. On Saturday evening, the Pub Ride, which is included in the Tented Camp entry package, sees a guided social ride into Stellenbosch with pub stops for drinks and dinner before the guided return ride to the race village.
No calendar clash
By November, most mountain bike disciplines have wrapped up their National Cups, Championships and Series. So, there’s no excuse of a calendar clash with any other race when you ask your friends to join you at the Savanna Origin of Trails. It’s an event that all mountain bikers can enjoy.
Incredible scenery
There are high quality mountain events all over South Africa, but not all of them come with the incredible scenery that you get at Savanna Origin of Trails. Surrounded by stunning mountains, the Savanna Origin of Trails route winds its way through indigenous and plantation forests as well as lush green vineyards to deliver a visually stimulating feast from start to finish.
Unmatched party vibe
A relaxed, party vibe is now a major feature of the race and some even dress up to take that to the next level. In fact, there’s a R10 000 prize for best-dressed male and female! Long stops at water points to take a few sips of an alcoholic beverage and a commitment to focusing on a good time, not a fast time, has become part of the culture of Savanna Origin of Trails.
Amazing food
The entry package includes meals. Not run-of-the-mill basic stuff but really good quality, carefully sourced food that’s both nourishing and tasty.
Podiums & prizes
While the atmosphere is more relaxed, the Savanna Origin of Trails is still a race. There are official results and times and a podium presentation. There are also prizes for various achievements, including the best-dressed male and female!
Superb race package
Besides two stimulating days of mountain biking on marshalled, marked routes that include world class singletrack, your entry fee gets you an exclusive First Ascent cycling jersey, a cotton race-finisher t-shirt, a finisher medal, a light breakfast with coffee on both days, a scrumptious lunch on both days, complimentary drinks and refreshments, well-stocked water points on the route and in the race village and entertainment on the route and in the race village. And professional first-aid medical support should you require it…
Distances & Categories
Full marathon (+-50km per day)
Full marathon E-Bike (+-50km per day)
Half marathon (+-35km per day)
Half marathon E-Bike (+-35km per day)
Don’t delay! Get your entry secured so long for the 2024 Savanna Origin of Trails. Here’s the entry link.
And check out the video summary of the 2023 edition here.
