Life is short. Moments of pure joy can be fleeting. And in our busy day-to-day lives finding them can be difficult. That is why mountain biking is so unique. The unbridled exhilaration of racing downhill is unapparelled. Grinding up an arduous ascent brings a sense of achievement at the summit. And even cruising along an undulating track rejuvenates the soul through a deep immersion in nature.

Rooibos MTB by Carmién takes all these elements of individual joy and adds the ability to share the experience with your family. Thereby making the memories all the more special. With routes suitable for riders as young as eight and activities at De Tol for all ages the event promises family friendly fun throughout.

Carmién Tea

The routes are scenically diverse and the two longer distances provide significant challenges too, for the fitter riders. Photo by Oakpics.com.

De Tol will be a hive of activity throughout the weekend, from Registration on Friday through to the post-race festivities on Saturday afternoon. Situated near the summit of Piekenierskloof Pass, en route to Citrusdal, the old toll house is now a farm stall showcasing the wares of Carmién tea and its sister companies. Not only will there be delicious meals to satiate post-race hunger pangs; but there will also be wine tasting by Piekenierskloof Wines and gin tastings, for the adults. While all-ages will be able to try their hands at a rooibos tea blending experience. Live music will ensure high spirits throughout the afternoon, while a children’s play area will serve to keep the little ones entertained while you relax post-race.

To make the Rooibos MTB by Carmién more of an adventure you can take on the routes on your gravel bike. Each of the routes, from the 18-kilometre short distance to the 80-kilometre marathon, are gravel bike friendly with a mix of gravel roads, farm dual tracks and non-technical singletracks. If your idea of fun is not making life harder for yourself on the bike you will be pleased to note that the event is E-Bike friendly too. E-Bikers will also enjoy a separate start group.

Carmién Tea

There are all manner of activities, for all ages, on offer at De Tol, including rooibos tea blending workshops with Carmién. Photo by Oakpics.com.

“The, 55- and 80-kilometre, longer routes include a magnificent climb,” promised Race Director Albert de Bruijn. “It’s a clearly demarcated segment, with prizes for the Kind and Queen of the Mountain in both distances, which follows the historic Old Piekenierskloof Pass. From the bottom to top the 4 kilometre long climb gains 300 meters in elevation and provides both a significant challenge and breathtaking views.”

For all riders, analogue and electric alike, the routes’ beauty will create on-the-bike memories. The picturesque mountain landscapes of the region are augmented by sections of pristine fynbos, gnarled old-growth bush vines, neat orchard rows, and fields of rooibos tea growing in the winter sunshine. The two longer distances will descend from the heights of the Pass to the Kruismansrivier Valley – to the south – where fields of wheat, barley and canola are interspersed by paddocks of grazing sheep and cattle. All-told the riding promises a sensory feast, as each of the visual bonanzas are accompanied by a riot of aromas as well as the sounds of the countryside.

Gravel Bike

The routes are both gravel and E-Bike friendly, so all off-road riders are welcome in Piekenierskloof. Photo by Oakpics.com.

If this sounds like the recipe for making good memories, then count yourself in. Online entries to the 2024 Rooibos MTB by Carmién – which takes place on Saturday, 27 July – are open and limited late entries will be available at De Tol on Friday, 26 July. To secure your spot visit www.rooibosmtb.co.za or via www.entryninja.com. To share in the excitement in the lead-up to the race follow @carmientea on Instagram and like the Carmién Tea Facebook page.

Orchards

Ride amongst the orchards, vineyards, rooibos tea plantations and fynbos in the 2024 Rooibos MTB by Carmién. Photo by Oakpics.com.

2024 Rooibos MTB by Carmién

Date: 27 July 2024
Start/Finish Venue: De Tol, Piekenierskloof Pass
Distances: 18km with 310m | 30km with 700m | 55km with 850m | 80km with 1 415m
Entry Fees: 80km – R600 | 55km – R450 | 30km – R300 | 18km – R120.00
Enter Online: www.entryninja.com
Website: www.rooibosmtb.co.za
Instagram: @carmientea or @rooibosmtbbyCarmién
Facebook: Carmién Tea or Rooibos MTB