If mountain bike events were hairstyles, the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience would be The Mullet: Business at the front; party at the back. Although acknowledged as the MTB Party of the Year, the iconic race still includes an element of seriousness. This edition sees the event celebrate its 10th anniversary and here are 10 reasons why it’s so popular.
Paid partnership with Stillwater MTB Events
It really is at the end of the year
Traditionally a November event, the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience is usually the final annual mountain bike stage race in general and one of the final mountain bike events in particular to take place in the Western Cape – and South Africa for that matter. 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 2023 edition is on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November. But be ready to soak up the fun from Friday 17 November…
There’s a bonus pub ride
Look it doesn’t count towards overall time, but it does count! The introduction of a pub ride last year was so well received that the organisers have added it as a permanent feature for the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience. 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 MTB Experience. It’s an event that all mountain bikers can enjoy, not just stage-race specialists…
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 MTB Experience form part of a trails network that’s internationally regarded as one of the finest on the planet.
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 MTB Experience. Surrounded by stunning mountains, the 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
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 MTB Experience. It stems from top professional racers, already in their off-season, wanting to be a part of the event without the pressure of chasing a podium place and it’s filtered through the field over the years. A relaxed, party vibe is now a major feature of the race and some even dress up to take that to the next level.
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. A bad meal can ruin an experience and the organisers and sponsors of Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience know this, which is why they ensure the food is amazing!
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.
Podiums & prizes
Even if they say they aren’t, South Africans are competitive. And while the atmosphere is more relaxed, the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience is still a race. There are official results and times and a podium presentation. This is important for South Africans – and for those riders that finish on the podium, it’s everything! There are also prizes for various achievements, including the best dressed male and female!
Fantastic 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…
While you’re deciding if you want to aim for the business end or the party end; or tackle the full distance or the half distance option, get your entry secured so long for the 2023 Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience. Here’s the entry link.
And check out the video summary of the 2022 edition here.
