News
Trail treat in store for 2014 Howick MTB riders
Howick – The popular Sappi Howick MTB Classic is once again set to offer the hundreds expected to head to the KZN Midlands’ event a memorable adventure through the renowned forests and trails of the region when this year’s event takes place on Sunday 1 June.
Hosted by the Howick Mountain Biking Club, the event is known for its large dose of world class single track whilst also offering a true, raw mountain biking experience without the frills and fuss of overly manicured trails.
“We live by and are very proud of our ‘raw and unplugged mountain biking’ motto,” explained race director Gordon beard.
“The 40km route of the Sappi Howick MTB Classic is a challenging route but a lot of fun and all the trails are in excellent condition at the moment!”
The event’s premier race, the 40km Sappi Howick MTB Classic, is unashamedly a tough test however it is still manageable for the regular MTB rider and both the views and cycling obstacles offer great reward throughout.
Kim Swart enjoys one of the countless stretches of single track heaven through Sappi’s plantations during the 2013 Sappi Howick MTB Classic and this year’s race on Sunday 1 June is set to offer participants a staggering 70% of the 42km event similar single track adventure.
Photo: Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media
“The course has both technical and not so technical sections, which offers a little something for everyone and, with the scenery of the area and the quality of the trails, participants really are in for another classic Howick treat again this year.
“As much as 70% of the 40km route is single track and there is about 800 metres of climbing over the 42 kilometres of the longer route.
“Features such as Harry’s, Rock & Roll, New Track and Puff Adder Pass will undoubtedly prove extremely popular!” added Beard.
While the 2013 event was another great success, there were a few who missed out on some of the enjoyment after they got lost along the way and Beard has confirmed that route marking will not be a problem this time around.
“The route will definitely be far better marked than in previous years,” emphasized Beard. “The whole route will be clearly marked with orange day glow stickers and there will be arrows at all major direction changes, so it should be near impossible for riders to get lost this year!”
Title sponsors Sappi are thrilled to be on board again in 2014, further entrenching the forestry giant’s relationship with both the club and the region.
“It is a long standing relationship that we have enjoyed with the Howick MTB Club. Howick’s trails have flowed through our plantations for almost twenty years now and we are delighted to be involved in this year’s Sappi Howick MTB Classic again this year,” said explained Sappi Group Head: Corporate Affairs, Andre Oberholzer.
“Recently the relationship between Sappi and the club became even more formalized through our involvement with the event and we trust our support will help ensure the event’s sustainability and prosperity.
“We are also confident that the Sappi Howick MTB Classic will go a long way in helping showcase the region’s spectacular trails and we hope this will result in even more people making use of the trails throughout the year recreationally as well as during the event itself!” he added.
The trails that weave through Sappi’s plantations are not only enjoyed by numerous running, walking and cycling enthusiasts, but are regularly used at night by various wildlife who reside in the forests, furthering Sappi’s strong environmental passion.
“While the trails are enjoyed recreationally by people during the day, by night they become a highway of wildlife activity as various animals roam our forests after dark,” said Divisional Environmental Manager: Sappi Forests, Dr. David Everard.
“We often use the trails to set up camera traps throughout our plantations in order to track the wildlife that inhabit our plantations and there are heaps of porcupines, jackal, bush buck and many more animals that we have discovered thriving in our plantations.
Supporting the local community is something Sappi is passionate about and Oberholzer urged all out-of-town participants to make full use of their journey to the area on race day.
“Hopefully everyone who takes part in the event will then look to take in the scenic beauty of the region afterwards as well.
“The race is in the heart of the Midlands Meander and is an ideal opportunity to come to the area, enjoy the mountain biking adventure in the morning, visit the local restaurants in the area for lunch afterwards and then possibly even spend the afternoon doing the Meander!” encouraged Oberholzer.
The Sappi Howick MTB Classic offers a 40km, 20km and 10km race and takes place at Howick High School on Sunday 1 June. More info can be found at www.howickmountainbiking.co.za
RMB Change a Life Academy founder and seven time Dusi Canoe Marathon winner Martin Dreyer was one of hundreds of cycling enthusiasts who soaked up the great views of the 2013 Sappi Howick MTB Classic. More of the same is expected at this year’s race on Sunday 1 June. Photo: Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media
Author: Tee
Get ready for the ultimate family outing! South Africa’s legendary musical icons, Mango Groove will, light up the stage at Chris Saunders Park, on Friday 2 May, kicking off at 4pm.
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Tickets to this unmissable family event are a steal, priced between R100 and R250. With convenient, fully stocked bars for the adults and a delicious array of food stalls offering something for everyone, your taste buds will be as happy as your ears!
Date: Friday 2 May
Time: 4-10pm
Venue: Chris Saunders Park
Book your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable day of music and fun!
Tickets are available for purchase online at WebTickets.
Follow In The Park here for more upcoming music events. You do not want to miss out on the rest of the events they have planned for you!
Author: Shelley
It’s fresh, bright and chockfull of surprises! It’s the 2025 East Coast Radio House & Garden Show, and we’re talking fresh spaces. bright living! A giant breath of fresh air will sweep through the Durban Exhibition Centre when the Show rolls out from Friday 28 June to Sunday 6 July.
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Author: Shelley
Wackadoo!
Bluey is heading to Gateway in real life!
Get ready for an UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE at Gateway Thetre of Shopping from 29 April to 4 May and join them for a FREE Meet & Greet with Bluey.
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Author: Shelley
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