Bridgestone’s challenging Route 66 Mountain Bike Experience is back for the seventh year running.
The event, which has been gaining popularity since it first took place in 2011, will be run over three days from 17 to 19 February.
Bridgestone’s marketing general manager, Patrick Leslie, said: “Riders always speak warmly of the event. It’s the perfect platform for all levels of mountain bikers to officially kick off the race season.”
The main three-day event starts and ends at the Thatch Café at the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, at the Cradle of Humankind, west of Joburg.
Rob Jackson, organiser of the event, said that the route is still a gruelling trail through some of the most challenging terrain the cradle has to offer.
Riders can choose from one of three events. For those with ambitions of taking on some of the “big ones” later in the year, the three-day Route 66 mountain bike experience is the perfect event – three days of tough challenges.
This is open to solo riders or teams of two riders.
Day one is a 80km ride, followed on the next day by a 75km route, and the final day is a fast 60km sprint, starting at Maropeng, to the Thatch Café at the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.
For the solo rider not yet up to the challenge of a full three days of racing, there is the Weekend Experience consisting of the 75km and 60km on the Saturday and Sunday.
For corporate and leisure solo riders seeking a taste of competitive mountain biking without the commitment – and physical stress of a three-day affair, there is the calmer Route 66 Mini Experience, a one-day ride.
For more information visit www.route66mtb.co.za.
