There’s under a month left until the 2022 edition of one of South Africa’s original mountain bike stage races. Spar Sabie Xperience returns to its autumn date from 30 April until 2 May and promises to once again be a long weekend to remember with three days of spectacular trails on the slopes and through the forests of Sabie.
Paid partnership with Spar Sabie Xperience
Just a 4-hour drive from Joburg and Pretoria, Sabie remains one of South Africa’s legendary mountain biking destinations. The trails network has been expanded to offer some of the best riding in the country, which is all part of the Spar Sabie Xperience experience!
Small-town hospitality is what you can expect because Spar Sabie Xperience doesn’t have a tented village and instead encourages participants to book accommodation in the town. There’s accommodation to suit all budgets in the area, from campsite to five-star resort luxury. The race brings everyone together and there’s a category to suit everyone.
Team Challenge: 2 riders, 3 days, 165km, 3830m | Categories: Open Men (19-29); Sub-Vet Men (30-39); Master Men (50+); Open Women (19+); Mixed (19+).
Solo Challenge: 1 rider, 3 days, 165km, 3830m | Categories: Men; Women
Team Lite: 2 riders, 3 days, 120km, 1200m | Categories: Men; Women; Mixed
Team Solo: 1 rider, 3 days, 120km, 1200m | Categories: Men; Women
Established in 2004, Sabie Xperience is one of the oldest stage races in the country. It was originally held over four days in December, but summer rain was always a factor, so the organisers moved the event to late April/early May, a dryer time of year; and reduced it to three days in duration. National lockdown regulations forced the organisers to move the 2021 edition to November, but it’s now back at its regular calendar slot.
“The Spar Sabie Xperience is the premier mountain bike stage race in Mpumalanga. The race is an annual highlight for the town of Sabie and for many mountain bikers that return year after year. After the disruptions of the Covid-19-related restrictions, we are eager to regain the momentum the race has enjoyed for almost two decades,” said event organiser, Denzil Lawrie.
“We have once again prepared some incredible routes for this year’s event and are looking forward to not only seeing our repeat entrants, but newcomers who may be looking for a different mountain biking experience and a family long-weekend getaway at the same time,” he added.
For the first time the event will have access to the York trails. Usually off limits for the general public, York has agreed to open its highly rated trails exclusively for the 2022 Spar Sabie Xperience. This adds a new dimension to the route and even the most loyal participants can expect a very different route experience this year.
The long weekend dates ensure ideal timing for those looking for a fresh, family-friendly mountain biking experience. The organisers have included the best bits of singletrack in the area in the event’s route which offers a blend of steady climbing, exhilarating descending and spectacular views of the Mpumalanga section of the Drakensberg mountain range, including a number of beautiful waterfalls. And yes, eBikes are welcome.
The festivities around the race are designed to cater for family members and supporters and include a fun-themed free-entry kids race each day, daily live entertainment and daily flea market, which includes craft beer, gin bar and a kids play area.
For more information and to enter, head to the Spar Sabie Xperience website here.
