Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic

MARATHON / +- 65km
Total Climb/Ascent: 1433 m

The setting is in the Buffelspoort Valley, North-West Province of the country and must be one of the most beautiful Mountain Bike Routes in and around Gauteng / North – West provinces! The route offers an exciting variety between farming jeep tracks, untouched Magaliesberg Mountain trails and indigenous bushveld. The terrain includes gravel roads, jeep track, rocky single track & jeep track, soft sand sections and technical climbs and descents. About 20 km of the total route will be farming jeep tracks in and around Citrus, Blue Berry and Cherry Orchards, these sections are fast and non-technical.

The infamous Monster Climb is on the Maanhaarrand Pass road going all the way up to the highest point on Breedts Nek at 1765 m above sea level. The Monster ascent will test every cyclist going as the terrain on this section is loose gravel on a hard surface. The climb in itself is not super steep, but with various different lines (due to the amount of erosion) and step up sections it is a technical and challenging section of the race. The descent down the Monster is a bit of the old route until going down a brand new section into Kloofwaters Camp. This descent is technical with a lot of loose over hard surfaces and negative cambers to negotiate. Riders should go down well within their own technical limits and make sure they have plenty of grip on their front tyres!

The terrain after the Monster section is mostly gravel roads and jeep track until the 55 km mark, from here riders will negotiate a rocky and difficult climb to the top of a beautiful indigenous bushveld plateau. This part of the race might be the most challenging due to the technical ascent and most rider’s legs already feeling fatigued. Once on top there is one more technical descent going down from the plateau. This descent will be fast for those who are technically astute, but again it is not easy and will take a lot of concentration and picking of safe lines all the way to the bottom. Once on the valley floor, it is mostly jeep track all the way to the finish at ATKV.

There will be a few river crossings with one or two portage sections, the top athletes will be able to ride through these river crossings.

Some advice for riders: You need to be an experienced and fit mountain biker to take on full marathon! Do not underestimate the route compared to other events of a similar distance. Ride within your own technical ability and rather get off your bike if you do not feel comfortable going down or up technical sections – remember to give way to passing riders.

Half Marathon / +- 33km
Total Climb/Ascent: 711 m

The setting is in the Buffelspoort Valley, North-West Province of the country and must be one of the most beautiful Mountain Bike Routes in and around Gauteng / North – West provinces!
The route offers an exciting variety between farming jeep tracks, untouched Magaliesberg Mountain trails and indigenous bushveld. The terrain includes gravel roads, jeep track, rocky single track & jeep track, soft sand sections and technical climbs and descents. About 20 km of the total route will be farming jeep tracks in and around Citrus, Blue Berry and Cherry Orchards, these sections are fast and non-technical.

The terrain includes gravel roads, jeep track, rocky single track & jeep track, soft sand sections and technical climbs and descents. About 13km of the total route will be farming jeep tracks in and around Citrus, Blue Berry and Cherry Orchards, these sections are fast and non-technical.

This year we will bring in an exciting new section for the riders doing the 33 km route – the MINI Monster Climb! The ascent is shorter but steeper than the Monster climb that the riders in the 65km will experience. Most riders will not be able to ride the entire Mini Monster section as it gets too steep. Some of the racing snakes in the 33km will be able to open up a healthy lead if they can ride up all the way to the top! The climb will test every cyclist going up the Mini Monster as it is steep and rocky.

Once on top, the riders will find themselves on a beautiful indigenous bushveld plateau. This section will be fast and fun with no rocks to negotiate, until the descent down to the Valley floor. This descent will be fast for those who are technically astute, but again it is not easy and will take a lot of concentration and picking of safe lines all the way to the bottom. Once on the valley floor, it is mostly jeep track all the way to the finish at ATKV.
There will be a few river crossings with one or two portage sections, the top athletes will be able to ride through these river crossings.

Some advice for riders: It might not be the big Monster Route, but it is still tough and fun to do and is a nice stepping stone to the big one for the next year. This distance is unique, as it is perfect for younger athletes to race each other in a highly competitive environment. But it is also the perfect route for athletes new to the sport of Mountain Bike racing, as 70% of the route is very ridable and non-technical. It is a great opportunity to use as a stepping stone for the longer more challenging 65 km route. It is ideal to kick start your training regime if you have stayed in bed with the colder months creeping in going into winter!

Have fun and enjoy the race, the route goes up an exceptionally beautiful section of the Buffelspoort Valley and there are loads of opportunities to take selfies or great pictures!

Fun Ride/ +- 16km
Total Climb/Ascent: 271 m

The setting is in the Buffelspoort Valley, North-West Province of the country and must be one of the most beautiful Mountain Bike Routes in and around Gauteng / North – West provinces!
The route offers an exciting variety between farming jeep tracks, untouched Magaliesberg Mountain trails and indigenous bushveld. The terrain includes gravel roads, jeep tracks, and a beautiful bushveld single track that is non – technical. About half of the total route will be farming jeep tracks in and around Citrus, Blue Berry and Cherry Orchards, these sections are fast and non-technical.

Riders will enjoy cycling in a beautiful indigenous bushveld forest that is easy to negotiate and perfect for new riders entering the sport of Mountain Biking or for the whole family to take part together. There is one steep concrete climb that younger athletes will probably not be able to cycle up. But it is non – technical and easy to walk up! For the rest, the route is fun and fast!

There will be a 2 river crossing with one or two portage sections.

Some advice for riders: Pace yourself until you have crossed the tar road, thereafter it is downhill all the way!