TSITSIKAMMA
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS JACQUES MARAIS
MTB CHALLENGE
MAY 2014
Tsitsikamma undoubtedly rates as one of SA’s favourite mountain biking regions, and autumn is a perfect time to go make tracks in these fantastic forests
O
n any given weekend you have at least a dozen MTB races to choose from, but money cannot buy the tranquillity and top-class trails which comes as part of the deal at the MERREL Tsitsikamma MTB Challenge. That is the beauty of the race as well as the region: you can either go solo along an endless network of routes, or crank with the pack within the unmatched scenery of this ‘place of sparkling waters’. Do yourself a favour the next time you’re passing this way; turn off the N2 as you cruise past Storms River, and crank into the primal forests rising up on either side of the highway. Spider-webbing through these ancient trees and pine plantations, you will find a range of rollicking mountain biking and trail running routes, so make a point of exploring. The MERREL Tsitsikamma MTB Challenge event itself is based at the popular Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure Centre near Storms River Village, and riders can opt to ride anything from an easyover 28km, a challenging 42km or a gritty 70km route. Everything goes, from forest, fynbos and coastal cranking, with constantly changing views and terrain around every corner.
#getoutside!
For more info on the MERRELL Tsitsikamma MTB Challenge, check out www.merrell.co.za or go to www.tsitsikammamtb.co.za Find al the results at www.mountainevents.co.za
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