Explore KZN like never before
The Expedition attracted more than 1 600 riders last year in only the 2nd edition of the awesome event which presents an awe-inspiring route from Giba Gorge in Pinetown, through the Valley of a Thousand Hills to the Durban beachfront at Suncoast Casino.
Legendary Tour de France commentator Phil Liggett will act as master of ceremonies with former professional and SABC commentator Johnny Koen.
The Expedition has become known for its exceptional organizational effort among very tough and truly African surroundings which present riders with a unique mountain bike adventure that’s rivalled by very few other single day MTB events in South Africa.
The 70km race starts at Giba Gorge, certainly South Africa’s finest mountain bike park, and takes in a gradual 10km climb up to Hillcrest before dropping down into the Valley of a Thousand Hills on some sublime single track which takes riders almost all the way to Inanda Dam where the 40km route starts.
From Inanda riders track their way around the dam and then follow the great trails on both sides of the Umgeni River all the way to Durban, past the Springfield MotoX track and then onto the Windsor Golf course, exiting the golf course onto the last 3km of tar through Durban.
The Expedition provides mountain-bikers with an easy-as-you’d-like experience off the bike, but in the same breath representing the essence of the sport when they’re out there testing themselves against the naturally beautifully sculpted routes and nature’s elements.
Besides the stunning route, the event is backed up by Suncoast Casino as a world-class event host venue.
The 70km event starts at Giba Gorge at 6:00 while the 40km riders start at Inanda Dam at 9:00.
Both distances finish at Suncoast Casino and there is more than enough for family and friends to do at Suncoast while they wait for loved ones to finish their challenging mountain bike journey to Durban.
There are four waterpoints on route that will be well stocked, courtesy of 100 Plus. The timing will again be done by Elite Timing who is just one of a host of service suppliers who are collaborating to make the Expedition a world-class off-road event.
There are massive logistics involved on the route with various river crossings with the most spectacular undoubtedly the 600m silver pipe bridge, which presents itself around 20km from the finish.
It’s a truly exhilarating experience being suspended 70m in the air on a wooded latched bridge while you cross the river. The bridge is well marshaled and the marshals will help slower riders get across – especially riders who suffer from a fear of heights.
Need to Know:
- Dates: 14-17 November 2010
- Venue: From Giba Gorge, Pinetown to Durban Beach Front
- Contact: events@cyclingnews.co.za.
- To enter and for more information www.cyclelab.com
- Online entries close 8 November at 23:00
- KwaZulu Natal Accommodation: www.portfoliocollection.com