Karkloof Classic Mountain Bike Festival

The Mr. Price Karkloof Classic Mountain Bike Festival, set to take place from 9 to 11 May 2008, is in its second year and has already proven itself to be one of the prime mountain bike festivals in South Africa. Set in the beautiful Karkloof Valley outside Howick, KwaZulu Natal, The Karkloof Classic Mountain Bike Festival offers three days of exhilarating riding on innovative trails in a picturesque setting. Add to this the promise of great entertainment and incredible goodie bags, and it is clear that no mountain bike enthusiast would want to miss this awesome event.

Friday 9 May kicks off with a 20 km Night Race, which will take competitors along a challenging and exciting track through forests and across rivers. Saturday morning will see riders tackling a cross country course that will put mountain biking skills to the test. Inexperienced riders who would like to try their hand at cross country riding are also invited to participate in this race.

Saturday afternoon will focus on the Cycle Sprint Shoot-Out. The winners of this challenging race will be decided by a process of elimination over a series of laps around a course dotted with obstacles and jumps. The top three winners will be awarded prizes. The day draws to a close with entertainment provided by Castle Lite.

The highlight of the Mr. Price Karkloof Classic Mountain Bike Festival is the Mr. Price Classic Marathon, which will take place on Sunday 11 May. Starting at 8:00 am, competitors can look forward to the excitement of 75 km of some of South Africa’s most picturesque and challenging mountain bike terrain. With a first prize of R10,000 as well as a number of incentive prizes, the Mr. Price Classic Marathon is expected to attract a very competitive field.

The Aquelle 40 km Half Marathon offers a less demanding alternative to the grueling 75 km marathon. The limited entry field of 700 riders will depart in batches to spread the field out, and competitors can look forward an interesting and challenging route.

Sunday also offers a 30 km dirt road ride, which will allow riders to enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of the Karkloof Valley as they navigate dirt roads, gravel and 4×4 tracks. After the marathon competitors have set off, the entire family are invited to enjoy the leisurely 10 km Family Fun Ride.

Clearly, there are many good reasons for mountain biking enthusiasts, family and friends to head for the Mr. Price Karkloof Classic Mountain Bike Festival in KwaZulu-Natal for a weekend of South African fun in the sun.