The AmaRider 100 Miler was created to become a primary fundraiser for AmaRider. And here’s why that’s important: AmaRider is a recreational trails advocacy group focused on improving trail opportunities on the African continent and proceeds of the event are channelled directly to trail projects. AmaRider is focused on improving trail construction standards around the country and assist various mountain bike clubs to ensure that their trails are safe and environmentally sustainable. But you don’t just have to enter the 100 Miler to support trail building, there are some good selfish reasons to enter too.
The inaugural event was held in 2009 and in the short years since then the AmaRider 100 Miler has grown to become one of the must-do-events on the South African mountain biking calendar. It’s not designed to test your technical abilities, the 100 Miler is all about ultra-marathon endurance.
Held in the beautiful Swartland (the bread basket of the Western Cape) during autumn, riders will be spellbound by the stunning scenery. Expect rolling wheat fields and undulating vineyards as the route heads South out of Malmesbury, from the start at Swartland Cellars, before turning in the foothills of the Paardeberg and heading north, circumnavigating Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel before heading back to Malmesbury.
The weather can play a major role in the difficulty of the ride, with previous years seeing riders take on challenging winds, mud and torrential rain. So watch the weather forecast to ensure you pack your race day kit appropriately.
While the elite competition is based on solo riders, riders can also form four man teams and enjoy a day out in the saddle with mates. The team results will be based on the fourth rider crossing the line, thereby encouraging teamwork and camaraderie.
The shorter route option of the 50 Miler (80km) starts at the halfway mark at Riebeek-Kasteel and ends with the 100 Miler riders at Swartland Winery. This event also provides an opportunity for keen riders to get a taste of endurance riding along with the trials of racing against the clock to finish before the cut-off.
The 100 Miler route has been developed with the co-operation of local farmers and landowners who gave permission for the organisers and mountain bikers to have access to their properties. This type of support forms the foundation of AmaRider as the organisation endeavours to bring new routes to riders and new riders to existing routes.
Sus the AmaRider 100 Miler
Date: 24 May 2014
Start Time: 07:30
Distances: 160km or 80km (the 50 Miler)
Cut-off Time: 10 hours and 30 minutes
Entry Closing Date: 19 May 2014
Entry Fees 100 Miler: R473 per person plus R50 for a temporary trail tag.
Entry Fees 50 Miler: R275 per person plus R50 for a temporary trail tag.
Bonus: Seeding event for Die Burger MTB Challenge 2014.
Website: www.amarider.co.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ama.rider
Twitter: @AMArider_ZA
