Makers Landing, the Waterfront’s ...
Seafood Fest: For foodies, chefs and sustainable fishing
For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels for useful news, daily local champions | |
![]() | 072 350 2062 |
![]() | Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point |
![]() | www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe |
![]() | now@capetownmagazine.com |
![]() | CapeTownMag |
![]() | CapeTownMagazine.com |
![]() | capetownmag |
It’s cold outdoors but these routes will test your fitness and heat you up. The Stellenbosch MTB Challenge and Farm Run takes place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July at the beautiful Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.
Entries are limited to 2000 riders and all finishers get a special commemorative medal. The picturesque routes offer waterpoints with food and drinks and even bubbly and chocolate. There will also be tech zones to support riders in case of mechanical difficulties.
THE VENUE AND ROUTES
Well-known route designer, Meurant Botha of Dirtopia, has been involved in mountain bike routes and events at Spier since the late nineties.
The 22km event is perfect for children and beginners (kids under 10 must ride with an adult) with less than 300m of climbing on mostly open dirt roads and tracks. You’ll ride through vineyards, orchards and large stretches of fynbos and can expect beautiful views of the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains.
The 50km event for intermediate riders (from age 15 and up) doesn’t go through the town this year. To make up for it, Botha has added routing on the southwestern side of the course, including more riding in the Vlaeberg area as well as a wine tasting at one of the refreshment stations. With around 800m of climbing, the route can be considered fairly easy and non-technical. See the updated schedule and times online.
THE POST-RACE CARNIVAL
At the finish carnival, there’ll be live music by local artists, Acoustic Vibe, and stalls selling food, wine and beer. Kids entertainment includes a jumping castle, soft toys and face painting. The prizegiving area is on the lawn in front of the farm kitchen deli. The lucky draw offers prizes including a Giant Bicycles mountain bike.
WATCH: ACOUSTIC VIBE
STELLENBOSCH FARM RUN
The Stellenbosch MTB Challenge takes place on the Sunday, but trail runners can also enjoy this beautiful winelands area on the Saturday. There are three trail distances to choose from: 20km (elevation: 230m), 11,5km (elevation: 150m), 7km (elevation: 80m). All finishers get a medal, timing is optional and allows you to see live results online. Plus, Discovery Health members can earn Vitality points.
The refreshment station will offer Powerade, fruit and jellies or nuts and drinks at the finish. There will be massages at the finish and a kids play area. The top three males and females get prizes in each distance.
Stay until the end because lucky draw tickets are handed out before prize-giving to the remaining participants to win goodies from Falke, Capestorm, Spier Wine Estate and others.
TAKING PART
Entries close on Wednesday 24 July or as soon as the entry limit is reached. For the Stellenbosch MTB Challenge, the 22km route costs R190 and the 50km route costs R330. Tickets for the Stellenbosch Farm Run on Saturday cost R130–R220 and can all be booked online.
You can also order a unique once-off event long sleeve T-shirt or hoodie with your entry.
For more information, contact the organisers directly on +27(0)82 809 9878 or admin@dirtopia.co.za. Parking at Spier is free of charge and there will be designated areas for participants controlled by security.
---
Helmet, lights, action: A night ride or run for everyone at Hero Night Series in Paarl.
Grab your bike and check out these awesome cycling routes.
If you’re bored of the gym, try out these exciting ways to stay fit.
While you’re in the area, have a look at some other things to do in Stellenbosch.
How many have you tried of SA’s best wine?
Try some at these top wine tastings in the Cape.
---
Supercharge your event? Our Events Support Programme gets results. Contact support@capetownmagazine.com or +27 (0)21 422 2444.
Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, ‘burbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and get quick access on the go by adding us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.
Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.
Makers Landing, the Waterfront’s ...
Seafood Fest: For foodies, chefs and sustainable fishing
Try these daily happy hour specials at ...
Drink a cocktail or share a beer bucket while watching the buzz of Long Street
Drumstruck at Silvermist! African drum ...
Drumstruck is back from Broadway and playing for a limited run in Cape Town
Cape Town has its own drink. Here’s ...
Cape Spritz is Cape Town’s summer drink – here’s why + where to try it
Meat appreciation platter at a ...
3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience
Spirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...
Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts
Holistic food + drink at this healthy ...
Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view
8 things you didn’t know about this ...
Boozy milkshakes, pinchos, wildlife watching + more
Unconventional vegan dishes at this ...
From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts
5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...
Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...
Our team’s top picks at the Waffle ...
Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike
What’s on at The Galileo Open Air ...
The Galileo screens at the famous botanical garden every Wednesday to Friday
Book out this distillery for your next ...
Make your own at Distillers Union + get beer and pizza at Sweet River Brewery
Jiva Spa Special: 3 massages x 30 mins ...
Select 3 treatments from 7 options, from head massage to deluxe pedicure
Bombay Brasserie offers sumptuous ...
Taste 7 unique dishes (+ a surprise) at Taj Cape Town’s signature eatery
Kids Party Idea: Take a ride on the ...
BOOK Now and let the outdoor adventure begin!
Kids party Fridays at Scootours at ...
Kids and friends race on Monster Mountain Scooters
3+ ways to get your breath back and ...
Classes, courses, retreats on conscious breathing run by the trainers leading the global ...
Play Cape Town’s original live escape ...
Be a pirate, detective or prisoner at HintHunt Africa every Friday (closes late)
Get Irie On The Sunset Deck At Strolla ...
Weekend sunsets at Strolla mean live DJs and reggae (Rivertones)
(Re)treat yourself at this wellness ...
Recharge at the family-friendly Retreat Yourself festival
Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails