24HRS OF OAKVALLEY 19/20 JANUARY 2013

AROUND THE CLOCK MOUNTAIN BIKING AT OAK VALLEY THIS MONTH.

For the third year, Dirtopia will be presenting a 24Hour MTB team relay event at Oak Valley Estate near Grabouw during the 19^th & 20^th of January.  Dirtopia has done 14 twenty four hour events since 2003, but this venue seems to offer a lot for the riders & campers alike.

These endurance events have become very popular under riders, as more mountain bikers are realizing how much fun it is to include night riding in an event, while camping with fellow riders & friends over a weekend.  It is a very social event which caters for riders of all levels and even non-riders can join in the fun by supporting the participants at the transition zone.

Limited Solo riders are allowed, as the main 4 man team category includes Open, Mixed, Veteran & Schools.  There are also a fun category of 5-8 riders for the not so serious rider, as it is not required to ride for the full 24hour period.

The loop of 11km has around 250m of climbing, 2/3 singletrack and over 1/2 of that is forested! This lap make for a better race and tactics play a much greater role for the racers.  The longer loop will mean that novices in the fun teams will stay within the lap constraint parameters much easier and means more rest for team members.

The 24Hours of Oak Valley takes pre-entries only and it closes on the 15^th of January. The event starts on Saturday from 12H00 until Sunday the 22^nd of January till 12H00. Gates for camping & registration opens early Saturday morning.

Entryfees vary per category, but start from around R240per rider which includes camping, riding, goodybag, drinks, medal and charging stations for lights & batteries. Non-riding campers and spectators welcome!Spectators will pay a R25 day fee to enter the event area and extra campers will pay R60 for Saturday night, but official support crew (two per team or Solo) are allowed to camp free.

Presenting sponsor, Spur Steak Ranches will provide the burgers and other facilities include showers, flushing toilets, massages and coffee & drinks for sale.  Bring the kids – they’ll love playing on the lawns and jumping castle.  Campsites are not reserved, and work on a first come, first served basis.

For the not so brave, try the 3Hours of Oak Valley, it runs on the same course as the 24Hour from 09H00–12H00 on Sunday.  Entries for this event will only be taken on Sunday from 07h30 at the venue.

Go to www.dirtopia.co.za to enter and for more info email theteam@dirtopia.co.za or call Dirtopia Trail Centre on Tel: (021) 884 4752