Life is short. Moments of pure joy can be fleeting. And in our busy day-to-day lives finding them can
\nbe difficult. That is why mountain biking is so unique. The unbridled exhilaration of racing downhill is
\nunapparelled. Grinding up an arduous ascent brings a sense of achievement at the summit. And even
\ncruising along an undulating track rejuvenates the soul through a deep immersion in nature.
\nRooibos MTB by Carmi\u00e9n takes all these elements of individual joy and adds the ability to share the
\nexperience with your family. Thereby making the memories all the more special. With routes
\nsuitable for riders as young as eight and activities at De Tol for all ages the event promises family
\nfriendly fun throughout.
\nDe Tol will be a hive of activity throughout the weekend, from Registration on Friday through to the
\npost-race festivities on Saturday afternoon. Situated near the summit of Piekenierskloof Pass, en
\nroute to Citrusdal, the old toll house is now a farm stall showcasing the wares of Carmi\u00e9n tea and its
\nsister companies. Not only will there be delicious meals to satiate post-race hunger pangs; but there
\nwill also be wine tasting by Piekenierskloof Wines and gin tastings, for the adults. While all-ages will
\nbe able to try their hands at a rooibos tea blending experience. Live music will ensure high spirits
\nthroughout the afternoon, while a children\u2019s play area will serve to keep the little ones entertained
\nwhile you relax post-race.
\nTo make the Rooibos MTB by Carmi\u00e9n more of an adventure you can take on the routes on your
\ngravel bike. Each of the routes, from the 18-kilometre short distance to the 80-kilometre marathon,
\nare gravel bike friendly with a mix of gravel roads, farm dual tracks and non-technical singletracks. If
\nyour idea of fun is not making life harder for yourself on the bike you will be pleased to note that the
\nevent is E-Bike friendly too. E-Bikers will also enjoy a separate start group.
\n\u201cThe, 55- and 80-kilometre, longer routes include a magnificent climb,\u201d promised Race Director
\nAlbert de Bruijn. \u201cIt\u2019s a clearly demarcated segment, with prizes for the Kind and Queen of the
\nMountain in both distances, which follows the historic Old Piekenierskloof Pass. From the bottom to
\ntop the 4 kilometre long climb gains 300 meters in elevation and provides both a significant
\nchallenge and breathtaking views.\u201d
\nFor all riders, analogue and electric alike, the routes\u2019 beauty will create on-the-bike memories. The
\npicturesque mountain landscapes of the region are augmented by sections of pristine fynbos,
\ngnarled old-growth bush vines, neat orchard rows, and fields of rooibos tea growing in the winter
\nsunshine. The two longer distances will descend from the heights of the Pass to the Kruismansrivier
\nValley \u2013 to the south \u2013 where fields of wheat, barley and canola are interspersed by paddocks of
\ngrazing sheep and cattle. All-told the riding promises a sensory feast, as each of the visual bonanzas
\nare accompanied by a riot of aromas as well as the sounds of the countryside.
\nIf this sounds like the recipe for making good memories, then count yourself in. Online entries to the
\n2024 Rooibos MTB by Carmi\u00e9n \u2013 which takes place on Saturday, 27 July \u2013 are open and limited late
\nentries will be available at De Tol on Friday, 26 July. To secure your spot visit www.rooibosmtb.co.za
\nor via www.entryninja.com. To share in the excitement in the lead-up to the race follow
\n@carmientea on Instagram and like the Carmi\u00e9n Tea Facebook page.
\n2024 Rooibos MTB by Carmi\u00e9n<\/p>\n
Date: 27 July 2024
\nStart\/Finish Venue: De Tol, Piekenierskloof Pass
\nDistances: 18km with 310m | 30km with 700m | 55km with 850m | 80km<\/p>\n
with 1\u00a0415m<\/p>\n
Entry Fees: 80km – R600 | 55km – R450 | 30km – R300 | 18km – R120.00
\nEnter Online: www.entryninja.com
\nWebsite: www.rooibosmtb.co.za
\nInstagram: @carmientea or @rooibosmtbbyCarmi\u00e9n
\nFacebook: Carmi\u00e9n Tea or Rooibos MTB<\/p>\n
supplied by Seamus Allardice<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"