Wartburg Spar MTB Classic 2010
| ‘Survival of the fittest’ was one of the cornerstones of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Not that this race is about survival, but being fit certainly would improve the levels of enjoyment. The link is actually in evolution, and how our little race has changed over the years and how mountain biking in general has matured as a sport. We thought that our low key approach combined with value for money mountain biking action would give us a certain ‘cult’ following. A rather large cult we discovered in 2009, where we had 1200 cyclists converge on Wartburg and swamp out our track. Not since the two eisbeins-for-the-price-of-one sale have we had such traffic in Wartburg. Suffice to say, our track fell short of the free-flowing ride we developed our reputation on… due entirely to congestion. Adapt or die, Darwin said. We have taken heed and made a number of changes which we hope will maintain the character of the race, and alleviate the congestion. Firstly, we have capped the race entries to 1700. ROAG has been one of the recent innovations in mountain biking which has made a massive difference to race organisers and has eased the process of entry for entrants. We will be running our race through ROAG, which will give us the benefit of pre-entry and batching. Using the ROAG batching system combined with the fact that absolutely all our single track has been turned into dual single track, will cure the congestion problems and return the smooth flowing single tracks to our neck of the woods. Another new innovation for our race has been adding a trail run to our quiver of race options. This is not aimed at the running purist, rather at the multi-sporting MTB enthusiast. Our popular add-on ride provides the hard-core ‘spoke folk’ the chance to add extra time in the saddle for the multi-day races following a little later in the season. We have a number of exciting new developments for primary school children. Our very popular Supa Quick 10km fun ride has been chosen to be the first leg of the SINGLE TRACK MINDED Primary School League brought to you by B-MAX. For more information please contact Ian Wilson on cell: 073 153 0986 or by e-mail: info@singletrackminded.co.za. This is going to raise the profile of this race considerably. In anticipation of this, Single-track Minded will be conducting a skills training course at Wartburg Kirchdorf School two weeks before the race to sharpen up the youngsters before race day. More news on this later, however, adults of all skill levels anywhere in KZN can contact Ian Wilson on (073 153 0986) for training courses at Giba Gorge in advance of the 2010 Wartburg Spar Classic. 
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Routes: NEW Trail run 10(ish) km (6h00 start). This is an unsupported trail run aimed at cyclists with a running problem. The idea is that the trail runners will have enough time to complete the run before setting off on one of the cycling options. Although we are not marketing it as a stand alone run, spouses who run but do not cycle are welcome to enter the run on its own. Running on single track is an awesome experience, and is well worth trying. No, you do not have to carry your bicycle. You just need a water bottle and a free spirit. Add-on The add-on is an option available to those who would like to get extra mileage in their legs before the longer multi-stage races later in the season. The idea is to race the 45km classic, then team up with some buddies and complete any of the routes available at your own leisure. Grab a drink, pack a picnic or scoff a burger or three before venturing out to get another dose of our forest single track. There are few requirements for the add-on other than being in a group of two or more, and doing the rides in the same direction as the race. Do not interfere with the guys still racing and be aware that whilst the route markers will still be up, the routes will be unmarshalled for the Add-On riders. Wartburg Spar MTB Classic: 45km The route passes through working farms, which means that sometimes we have to change parts of the route to fit in with this. Our route has matured nicely over the past number of years. It will remain about 80% the same as last year, with only a few forced changes. Gerald, our course designer has promised a few new challenges to keep your glutes in a clench. A new section of track has been cut, but because of the high clay soils along the cliffs, this option will only be used if conditions are reasonably dry. As usual, the highest point is at about 28km, and a fast rolling return will add to the enjoyment levels. The dual track will prevent the Classic riders from running into the Intermediate backmarkers, where the races share the same route. Spur Intermediate ride: 19.9km This ride is aimed at the recreational mountain biker, and does not have any severe sections in the route. The snakes will race it in about an hour or so, but for 80% of the field, it is an awesome ride that you can savour at your own pace. Racing is not for everyone. The ride combines farm roads with pine forest single track and manicured farmland scenery. Even in very wet conditions, the soils are fairly well drained and should not pose too much of a problem. Being less than 20km, a day licence is not a requirement, but ROAG registration is a requisite for all riders of all races. Supa Quick Fun ride: 10km We have chosen the flattest 10km route in the area but will try to spice the route up with some single track sections to give you a taste of the cool stuff. Being a part of the SINGLE TRACK MINDED Primary School League brought to you by B-MAX, means that there will be category prizes and heaps of giveaways. Hey, if you already have hair on your chest you are not going to be eligible for a prize here, but anyone is welcome to ride this gentle course. Build it Crash and Dash: 1km We have decided to have the kiddies 1km ride around the school fields at 12h00, just before prize giving so that everyone can support the youngsters. Perhaps we can get the main race winners to lead-out the Crash and Dash? Well, there is enough new stuff in line for 2010 to keep our ‘cult’ members interested. I guess it could be likened to kissing an old girlfriend; vaguely familiar, but with a strange element of novelty and excitement. It’s hard to explain, you going to have to come and ride for yourself.
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