Jar from Dirt Gravel Ride presented by Stettyn Family Vineyards

Get ready to embrace the dirt and uncork the adventure at the inaugural Dirt from Jar, the ultimate gravel event presented by Pedal Power Association in collaboration with Stettyn Family Vineyards taking place on Saturday and Sunday, 2 & 3 December 2023 at the beautiful Stettyn Family Vineyards just outside Villiersdorp.

Experience the thrill of gravel cycling through open roads, scenic vineyards, and untamed landscapes. Push your limits, conquer the challenges, and indulge in the exquisite flavors of Stettyn wines straight from the jar. Join us for an exhilarating blend of off-road cycling and wine, where the joy of riding meets the satisfaction of a well-deserved sip. Let your spirit soar, the dirt be your guide, and the jar reveal the secrets of the journey. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary gravel cycling experience that will leave you craving more. Strap on your helmet, grab your jar, and get ready to ignite your senses on the Dirt from Jar adventure.

The event will take place over two days with the option to take part in only one day or spend the weekend camping with the whole family and part take in both days.

It will be a weekend for friends and family to enjoy together whether you are an existing cyclist, newcomer to the sport, the average participant, or an elite sportsman this will be an event you don’t want to miss out on. E-Bikes are also welcome to join.

Entries are open and limited. Once the limit is reached, no more entries will be taken.  

Included in your entry fee will be a goody bag that includes a bottle of wine from Stettyn Family Vineyards, timing, unique finishers medal, beautiful on route experience, fully stocked waterpoints, post-race hospitality with lots of food stalls, drinks, and live music to enjoy. There will also be a secure bike park available to safely store your bike while you enjoy the live music and hospitality after your race. Please note only card facilities available, cashless venue.

*For children under the age of 18 or those who don’t drink, a non-alcoholic beverage will be added to your goody bag.

There will be camping, glamping, a bike workshop, massages, steak night and spitbraai on offer. Booking is essential to avoid disappointment! Please see details further down.

Entry Fees:

Day 1

Madge’s Delight – 12 km: R200 PPA Member and R250 Non-Member

Guardian’s Path – 40 km: R300 PPA Member and R350 Non-Member

Stony Rhythms – 80 km: R400 PPA Member and R450 Non-Member

Shackleton’s Quest – 120 km: R500 PPA Member and R550 Non-Member

Day 2

RAM Rampage – 30 km: R250 PPA Member and R300 Non-Member

Bąbelki Bliss – 15 km: R200 PPA Member and R250 Non-Member

Timing:

Timing will be done with a permanent RaceTec / Finish Time MTB Board. Please note that the timing Chip is embedded in your permanent MTB Board. If you already own a Permanent MTB Board, please remember to bring your MTB board to the event. You will be issued with an event sticker at registration which you will need to apply across the top of the MTB Board. Please note that you will not be able to start the event without your MTB Board and the event sticker placed across the top of the board.

Route Information:

DAY 1 – Saturday, 2 December 2023

Madge’s Delight – 12 km Route. Start time tbc.

Embark on the Madge’s Delight gravel ride and pedal through a nostalgic journey of scenic beauty.

Introducing Madge’s Delight, a breath-taking 12 km gravel route that pays homage to the remarkable legacy of Grandma Madge. Inspired by the namesake gin crafted in her honor, Madge’s Delight encompasses the spirit of adventure and the beauty of nature. As you embark on this journey, you’ll encounter the magnificent Gladiolus Rhodanthus, an exquisite flower species that thrives only in the enchanting Stettyn Mountains. This flower serves as a vibrant reminder of Grandma Madge’s extraordinary talent for creating stunning floral arrangements. This route, much like Grandma Madge, brings people together. Just as she organized countless family gatherings to strengthen familial bonds, The Madge invites you to embrace the joy of shared experiences, creating lasting memories with loved ones amidst the picturesque landscapes.

There will be one waterpoint at the finish on the Madge’s Delight.

Guardian’s Path – 40 km Route. Start time tbc

Experience the Guardian’s Path gravel ride, where adventure and protection intertwine.

Embark on an epic adventure and unleash your inner explorer along Guardian’s Path, a remarkable 40 km gravel route inspired by the renowned Guardian wine from Stettyn Family Vineyards. Just as the wine embodies strength and elegance, this route draws inspiration from the legendary creature known as the griffin which symbolizes power and majesty. In the Middle Ages, this mythical creature was revered for its ability to guard treasure and precious possessions, much like the Stettyn region itself—a true hidden treasure. Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring landscapes, as you follow in the footsteps of the griffin, leaving you inspired, exhilarated, and with a profound appreciation for the magic of Guardian from Stettyn Family Vineyards. Cheers to your inner guardian!

There will be one waterpoint on route and one at the finish on the Guardian’s Path.

Stony Rhythms – 80 km Route. Start time tbc.

Exploring the Stone Trail.

Roll and Roar along the Stone Trail! Embark on a gravel cycling journey that’s as serene as a river’s whisper. As you ride the Stone Trail, you’ll embrace the gentle undulations of the terrain, much like the contours of smoothed river stones. Feel the connection as your tires tread lightly on this path, tracing the stories of ages past. This route is your invitation to create your own story, much like nature has etched tales on ancient stones. So, gear up and let the Stone Trail be your serene sanctuary, where every pedal stroke leads to tranquility and triumph.

There will be 3 waterpoints on route and one at the finish on the Stony Rhythms.

Shackleton’s Quest – 120 km Route. Start time tbc.

Embark on the Shackleton’s Quest gravel ride and conquer the untamed wilderness.

Experience the captivating tale of the Shackleton’s Quest, an extraordinary 120 km gravel route that draws inspiration from Sir Ernest Shackleton, and his remarkable journey through the Stettyn Mountains. This notable story stands as a heartfelt tribute to the 13 brave South African Air Force (SAAF) airmen who tragically lost their lives when their Shackleton MR 3 1718 crashed into the majestic Stettynskloof Mountain on August 8, 1963. Remarkably, this was the only Shackleton to be written off during its 27-year service in the SAAF, spanning from 1957 to 1984. Coincidentally, the same year that marked this devastating event also witnessed the laying of the foundations for the Stettyn Wine Cellar, forever linking these two significant moments in history. Adding to the intrigue, the Shackleton aircraft was powered by four Rolls-Royce Griffin engines, a testament to its power and reliability.

Pedal through breath-taking landscapes that have witnessed both tragedy and resilience, feel the adrenaline as you follow in Shackleton’s footsteps conquering the Stettyn Mountains which is testament to the indomitable human spirit and a celebration of the enduring stories that shape our lives. Write your own legendary tale along this extraordinary gravel cycling route.

There will be 5 waterpoints on route and one at the finish on the Shackleton’s Quest.

Day 2 – Sunday, 3 December 2023

RAM Rampage – 30 km Route. Start time tbc

Conquer the RAM Rampage gravel ride and unleash your inner wild rider.

Embark on a thrilling 30 km gravel ride adventure through the vineyards of Stettyn Family Vineyards, where the legendary RAM rum is crafted. Centuries ago, intrepid explorers discovered a secret recipe infused with wild RAM botanicals. Inspired by this tale, join us on a quest to uncover hidden treasures with an unforgettable ride that encompasses the spirit of exploration.

There will be one waterpoint on route and one at the finish on the RAM Rampage.

Bąbelki Bliss – 15 km Route. Start time tbc

Introducing the Bąbelki Bliss gravel ride – a journey of heritage and discovery.

A sparkling and effervescent 15 km adventure that will ignite your senses and leave you in a state of pure bliss. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this trail as you pedal through enchanting landscapes. Just like the name itself, derived from the Polish word for bubbles, this route captures the essence of celebration and joy. Embrace the strong Polish background that infuses the trail with a sense of heritage and tradition, where every pedal stroke is a toast to life’s sparkling moments bringing bubbles and bliss together.

There will be one waterpoint at the finish on the Bąbelki Bliss.

Additional Services

Booking is essential to avoid disappointment! Bookings will be taken via Goolge Forms, once you complete the form you will receive an email with your booking and payment can be made via EFT. Please note payment must be made to confirm your booking.  CLICK HERE to book.

Glamping:

Each tent sleeps 2 people included is: Tent, ground sheet, 2 stretchers, 2 mattresses, a light and 2 chairs. All you need to bring is your own bedding!

R1300 for 2 people.

Limited spots available, booking essential to secure your spot.

Camping Spot: R300 per camping spot. One car per spot. Limited spots available, booking essential to secure your spot.

Bike Workshop:

Package 1: Bike wash & lube – R150

Package 2: Bike wash, lube & minor race check service – R350  

The Bikeshop will be there all weekend for any spares, repairs, or bike TLC you may need. 

Nanette Olivier Physical Therapy:

Sport Massage: R250 for 30 minutes

Nanetteoliviersportmassage.co.za

Friday Night Steak Braai: R165 per person

Saturday Night Spit Braai: R175 per person

Camping:

Camping grounds will open at 14h00 on Friday, 1 December 2023.

Camping and glamping spots will be allocated, and you will receive your details at registration. You can park your car next to your camp area.

Remember to come prepared, there is no facilities! There is no electricity in the camp spots. Warm showers and toilets will be provided in the camping area.

CLICK HERE for Accommodation in the area if you do not want to camp and glamp.

Event Partners:

Product & prize sponsors: