Trail Run and Mountain Bike Race
17 May 2025
EDEN XCM SERIES
The MPC is very privileged to be included in the Eden XCM and Eden School XCM league series. We are excited to welcome you to our wonderful event! Remember to indicate on the entry form that you are taking part in the league series.
Mountain Bike Challenge 61.5km
(Incl. E-bikes and Tandems)
This route is only open to riders, once a year, during the Meiringspoort Challenge. The 13 De Rust farmers, on whose land the route is, are more than willing to accommodate the riders. Which is a huge privilege.
The 61.5km route is definitely for the more adventurous and experienced rider. There is a lot of jeep track. Ensure that your bicycle is well equipped. The circle route starts at the NG Church Grounds in De Rust. You will pass through the farms and Klein Karoo countryside. The best part is the full circle around the well-known Stompdriftdam, at the foot of the astonishing Kammanasie Mountain. Thereafter you will pass through the Kamanassie Blue Game Farm. Maybe Eland and Kudu are waiting for you under a huge tree. After an unforgettable adventure and three well-equipped water points, at the 18km, 29km and 40km marks, you are back in De Rust for a good rest. The route will be done in reverse to the previous year’s direction.
The best MTB challenge in the Klein Karoo! A mountain bike event not to be missed!
Mountain Bike Challenge 61.5km
Distance: 61.5km
Start time: MTB 07h50
E-bikes and Tandems 07H40
Cut-off time: 5 hours
Grade: 6.5/10
Elevation/Height: 1150m
Average slope: 3.5%
Max slope up/down: 30%
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Entry Fees
PRE-ENTRIES
CSA Lic Member: R400
E-Bikes: R400 (excl. temp license)
Unlicensed: R450 (incl. temp license)
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LATE ENTRIES
(Fri): R450 (excl. temp license)
(Sat): R500 (excl. temp license)
Temporary license: R50
Mountain Bike Challenge 41.5km
This is a new route, 4km longer then the previous route and only open to riders, once a year, during the Meiringspoort Challenge. The 6 De Rust farmers, on who’s land the route is, is more than willing to accommodate our riders. This is a huge privilege.
The 41.5km route is for the rider who wants to enjoy the open air and beautiful surroundings of lucern pastures and vineyards. There are two well-equipped water points, one at 15km at the foot of the Kamanassie Mountains and the second, with a spectacular view over Stompdriftdam at the 28km mark. Not to be missed! If you want to spend time in nature and to enjoy the beautiful Klein Karoo at its best, this route is definitely for you. The circle route starts and ends at the NG Church Grounds in De Rust.
Mountain Bike Challenge 41.5km
Distance: 41.5km
Start time: 08h10
Cut-off time: 3.5 hours
Grade: 6.5/10
Elevation/Height: 450m
Average slope: 2.5%
Max slope up/down: 10%
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Entry Fees
PRE-ENTRIES
CSA Lic Member: R350
Unlicensed: R400 (incl. temp license)
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LATE ENTRIES
(Fri): R400 (excl. temp license)
(Sat): R450 (excl. temp license)
Temporary license: R50
Mountain Bike Challenge 26km
This is a brand new route for the rider who wants to enjoy the fresh air of the Klein Karoo and the new distance is to accommodate all the youth riders.
The route is not technical at all and can be recommended for beginners, young and old. Both the mountain bike and Trail Run routes end at De Rust.
The route winds through the farms and you will get to see ostriches, livestock and other farm activities along the way. The route is a nice gravel road and not dangerous or difficult at all. There is plenty of time to appreciate the environment.
A well-equipped water point is available at Stompdrift dam at the halfway mark.
Mountain Bike Challenge 26km
Distance: 26km
Start time: 08h30
Cut-off time: 3 hours
Grade: 6.5/10
Elevation/Height: 333m
Average slope: 3%
Max slope up/down: 16%
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Entry Fees
PRE-ENTRIES
CSA Lic Member: R280
Unlicensed: R330 (incl. temp license)
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LATE ENTRIES
(Fri): R330 (excl. temp license)
(Sat): R380 (excl. temp license)
Temporary license: R50
REGistration
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This is a pre-entry event and can be done on-line.
Registration opens 1 February 2025 and closes Thursday evening 15 May 2025 at 20H00 or as soon as entry cap is reached.
Collection of the cycle bib number and timing chip will take place
on Friday 16 May 2025 17H00 - 19H00 at the Church grounds.
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Late entries Friday 16 May 2025 17H00 - 19H00. Admin fee R50.
and again on Saturday 17 May 06H00 - 07H00. Admin fee R100.
​​​Start chutes close 07h30.
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RACE RULES
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This race will be held under the rules and regulations of CSA.
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NO helmet, NO ride, NO GoPros permitted.
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Cyclists on all distances will need at least a CSA Membership.
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If you are not in possession of a CSA Membership, you will have to buy a day license (R50 each).
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Minimum age for 26km distance: 13 years and older​;​
41.5km distance: Age 15 years and older
61.5km distance: Age 19 Years and older
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A rider may receive technical assistance along the course from a fellow competitor but not from anyone outside of the course.
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No following vehicles apart from the sweep vehicles of the race organiser will be allowed on the route.
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If a rider is anywhere on a public road, general traffic rules must be obeyed.
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Start chutes close strictly at 07h30 on race day for the compulsory race briefing. Arrivals after this time will not be allowed to start.
MEDALS TO ALL FINISHERS.
General
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Start & Finish at NG Church grounds, De Rust.
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First aid is available on most of the route and at the finish.
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Ablution facilities will be available at start and finish.
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Race results available at finish and at www.meiringspoortchallenge.co.za
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Donations in aid of the Kleine Kuikens Kleuterskool can be made, voluntarily, along with entry fees.
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No substitutions will be allowed. No refunds
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Steak braai Friday night form 18h00 at the church grounds.
Race timing
A disposable timing chip will be issued at registration along with your cycle bib number.
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The chip must be securely attached to your bicycle as per instructions, being visible at all times.
NO CHIP, NO TIME, NO EXCEPTIONS!!
indemnity
By entering this event I undertake to be bound by the rules and regulations of the event including those of WA and ASA.
I warrant that I am in good health and aware of the risks and dangers of the physical nature of this sporting event, and do not claim ignorance of these risks and dangers.
I hereby accept that I participate in the event entirely at my own risk and I release and discharge, to the fullest extent allowed in law, the organizers of the event, all sponsors, persons and organisations assisting in the staging of the event, provincial and national athletics bodies and all local authorities from any responsibility, liability or costs relating to any injury, loss or damage of whatever nature, however caused,arising directly or indirectly from my participation in the event including pre- and post-race activities.
I further agree and warrant that if at any time I believe conditions to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation in the activity.