02 May 2014 Hurry: Entries for PPA’s all-female MTB funride are closing soon!
The focus will be all on the fairer sex on Saturday 17 May when the PPA Tread Lightly Women’s MTB takes place at the Backsberg Estate near Paarl. On this day the ladies will take to the trails, while the men look after the kids and provide support at the venue.
“A few years ago we decided to do something specifically for the ladies,” said PPA General Manager Karin Pohl. “We found that many women are reluctant to participate in mountain bike events because the distances are too long or the routes are too technical; or they simply don’t like the way some men come charging past them at speed. The focus of this event is therefore on fun, with routes that are not too technical nor too long, and where the only comment you’ll hear if you walk up or even down a hill will be along the lines of ‘Keep going’ and ‘You can do it’.”
The event offers great support en route – especially at the water point where chocolates and bubbly are on offer together with the usual water, Coke and other refreshments. “We haven’t yet given up on the idea of having dancing boys at the water point,” Pohl said.
The PPA Tread Lightly Women’s MTB is now in its third year and has, as far as can be determined, already grown to be the biggest all-female off-road event in the country.
Three routes are on offer to cater for every fitness level. The short 5km route is aimed specifically at novice riders and do not include any single track sections. “Men are actually allowed to enter the 5km, provided they are accompanied at all times by a child u/12 who will keep an eye on Dad and make sure he is okay,” said event organiser Annette Barhouch. Fit novice riders can enter the undulating 15 km route, while experienced riders can look forward to a tough 35km with some steep climbs, very fast descents and more technical singletrack.
Back at the venue, Dad can watch while the kids amuse themselves at the Canal Walk Kidz Zone, or sample some of the delights at the various food stalls. “We’ve even organised massage therapists to help soothe any aching muscles after the ride,” Barhouch said. Great lucky draw prizes are on offer, including shopping vouchers, cycling clothes, various hampers and a bicycle.
Entries close at noon on Monday 12 May 2014 or when 800 entries have been received, whichever comes first. No late entries will be taken on the morning of the event.
- Click here for more information
- Click here to enter now
