Arminel Hogsback MTB Race Report

The weekend of the 11th – 13th December saw an amazing re-incarnation of the Hogsback MTB race now known as the Arminel Hogsback MTB Adventure weekend.
Kat Leisure’s Arminel Hotel got on board as one of the major sponsors, teaming up with Grace Keese the organiser, and let me tell you from firsthand experience: They have really upped their game and produced an event that I feel will definitely become one of the ‘Must-Do’ events in the Eastern Cape.
They did absolutely everything right. They had an amazing selection of routes taking riders into the depths of the Hogsback forests and up the mountains to ride alongside the iconic Hog One mountain. The route was perfectly selected to give a nice mix of forestry roads, smooth forest single track and rough rocky mountain trails where at times you might think you are actually riding in a flowing river! And you are constantly surrounded by awe inspiring views. Be it deep forests, valleys, waterfalls, views that stretch for miles and literally riding under towering rocky outcrops. Robbie Powel also braught his team of mechanics from Scott to maintain everyones bikes and fix any mechanicals...... free of charge!! How cool is that!

I will even go as far as putting my reputation on the line, and saying that I think this is one of the best all round marathon routes in the Eastern Cape! Just take a look at the photo gallery if you do not believe me.

The addition of a night race to the event really cemented the fact that this is a Mountain Biking Adventure weekend not to be missed. It is not often that the thing going ‘Bump’ in the night is you!!

The route marking was faultless, the marshals friendly, waterpoints well stocked and spaced, and a selection of prizes and lucky draws second to none!!
And to top it all, a portion of the proceeds from the race go towards a school for people with disabilities in the Hogsback area.

The only sad thing that affected the number of entrants this year was the unfortunate necessity to move the race date with very short notice. This came about due to the exceptionally dry winter experienced, causing the ‘fire season’ closure of much of the forest to be extended until November. Keep an eye on www.ecmtb.co.za to see what this year’s date will be for this adventure weekend.

Thanks to the organisers and the sponsors for putting together an amazing mountain biking event. I know I will definitely be there again in 2010, and will be bringing friends!
Click Here to see the results.
Click Here to see the event photo’s.
Click Here to see a video of this race.

If you would like to see more or order photo's go to www.markandrews.co.za