– Trans Elands MTB Marathon presented by ChemChamp –

“SA’s TOUGHEST 100 miler MTB marathon”

Race Date: 8 June 2024

Race Distances: 160km, 60km & 25km

Entry Fees (from 1 Jan 2024):
160km @ R1050 per Rider (solo) & R980 per Rider (teams of 2, 3 or 4),
60km @ R390 per Rider (solo only), 25km @ R240 per Rider (solo only)
 

Pre-Entries CLOSE 30 April 2024

 

NO late entries, rider substitutions, upgrades/ downgrades, team changes nor batch changes allowed at race registration nor on race day

No e-Bikes allowed in any of the race distances

The 2023 Trans Elands presented by ChemChamp was a huge success, very well attended and enjoyed by all. Despite the strong winds we still had a finisher percentage of more than 80% in the 160km extreme.

We received so much positive feedback, incl. the following:

“The Trans Elands MTB race is always such a great and well organised event. The 160km route is a proper challenge with long climbs and rolling terrain making you work all the time. Well done and thank you to the Trans Elands team for a great event!” – Victor from JBay

In 2023 with the 8th edition of the Trans Elands 160km “extreme” (“SA’s TOUGHEST 100 miler MTB marathon”), four riders (Andrew Cherrington, Sydney Rigby, Tracey Campbell and Wayne Magson) received the distinguished “Lex’s Big 5” award for having completed FIVE Trans Elands 160km “extreme” races, which means that to date a total of 18 riders have reached this remarkable milestone! Will you be next …to add your name to the Lex’s BIG 5 – Hall of Fame?

The 2023 Trans Elands 160km “extreme” was won by Rossouw Bekker (6:17:33) and the ladies’ race was won by Yolande de Villiers (7:03:01, her 5th win of the 160km “extreme”).
The overall record still stands @ 5:45:43 (Matthew Keyser) and the Ladies record @ 6:19:26 (Yolande de Villiers).

The 2024 Trans Elands 160km, 60km and 25km is scheduled for 8 June 2024.

The 160km “extreme” MTB marathon was founded by Lex Holmes, who sadly passed away on 31 December 2016. The great turnout of riders for the first five years of our event is evidence of firstly the influence that Lex has had over many years in mountain biking circles throughout the Eastern Cape and secondly the dedication and commitment of the new organising team to continue with and grow Lex’s legacy.

The 160km “extreme” with 3000m elevation gain is one of SA’s toughest one day mountain biking events. The event is a true test of a rider’s physical and mental capability, but with adequate preparation it is an achievable challenge.  To finish this “bucket list” event within the 12 hour time limit leaves one with a sense of reward which can only be described by riders who have achieved this feat. The Trans Elands 160km is the ideal tester for regular MTB marathon riders, perhaps the reason why so many riders have been returning year after year to tackle this event. The 160km caters for solo riders and team entries (of 2, 3 or 4 riders per team).

The 60km MTB marathon race distance was added in 2017 with great success, and acts as a stepping stone for those who in future years would like to tackle the 160km. The 5-hour time limit allows for riders of varying capability to take part in and complete this 60km event.

Riders of the 60km route (with +/- 800m elevation) will experience the breath-taking scenery of the Gamtoos River Valley, Mondplaas cattle farms and the Kabeljous River Estuary.  The 60km event caters for solo entries only.

The 25km MTB Marathon with +/- 250m elevation gain gives the whole family (RIDERS from 8 years and older) the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Gamtoos River Valley farmlands by MTB. The 25km event caters for solo entries only.

Event features include, but are not limited to:

  • 2-day 160km “extreme” TRAINING CAMP (free participation for 160km paid entries received by 31 Dec 2023)
  • AWESOME goodie bags for pre-entrants ONLY
  • PRIZE MONEY for top finishers
  • Race medals to all finishers
  • 5 adequately stocked waterpoints on the 160km route plus 2 on the 60km and 1 on the 25km respectively
  • Professional Photographers along the route
  • Professional Medical support
  • Mechanical support points provided on the 160km route
  • A good vibe, food and refreshments along the route and at the venue
  • Trans Elands is a CSA sanctioned event

 #LetsGetSomeAltitude

Trans Elands is a supporter of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, a non-profit organisation which aims to provide the best possible support for children and teenagers with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders and their families.

See http://www.choc.org.za for more info.

Trans Elands is pleased to have ChemChamp as our title sponsor. 

At ChemChamp, we are changing the way that chemicals and waste are managed, creating a sustainable future through leading-edge solvent recycling technology while significantly reducing operating costs for our clients. Now you can reduce your solvent waste by up to 95% and enjoy ZERO solvent waste to landfill.

See https://www.chemchamp.co.za/ for more info.