Sometimes one rides a mountain bike to see how fast you can go; how good you are on technical sections, or how fit you are. Sometimes you get on your bike just to have fun.

PPA’s Twilight Family MTB falls squarely in the latter category. It’s a social event where the emphasis is on family participation; riding with friends; getting beginners and unfit riders onto their bicycles; and simply letting your hair down.

NEW VENUE AND ROUTES

This year the Twilight Family event is moving to the Anura Wine Estate in Klapmuts. There are two non-technical MTB routes to choose from: 15 km and 5 km. This year we are also adding the option of a trail run, with a 10 km and 5 km run/walk on offer. All distances are carefully chosen to be ‘doable’, with routes rather going around hills than over them.

The new 5 km route is a great route for novice riders or even complete beginners, and offers a total elevation gain/loss of less than 100m. Participants will pedal around some of the scenic areas on Anura. Kids older than 5 are most welcome to enter this route, provided they are accompanied by an adult at all times. FREE entry for PPA members for the 5 km route!

The 15 km route will again incorporate the hugely popular water point on the neighbouring Niel Joubert Estate where bubbly, water and sweets are on offer. Kids older than 10 are welcome to ride the 15 km route, provided they are accompanied by an adult at all times.

Back at the venue, Anura Estate will be launching their new “Wednesday night beer, pizza and live music” evenings, so do bring along some clean clothes to change into and join us for a mid-week sundowner break. Come and pedal your MTB on the scenic Anura Estate, or run/walk one of the trail running options, and afterwards relax under the fairy lights while enjoying something to eat and drink.

The 15 km MTB will start at 18h00, with the others to follow. Cut-off for all events is at 20h00 to make sure everyone gets back to the venue before it gets too dark to see where you’re going on the trail. Either way, we recommend that you bring bicycle lights or headlamps along, and don’t hang around too long at the (in-)famous “bubbly” water point on the 15 km MTB and 10 km run.

There will be no seeding or timing – just come and enjoy yourself.

Dress up and win: Three wonderful lucky draw prizes are on offer for the most inventive fancy dress outfit on the bike (dress up your bicycle as well – and yes, you have to ride in your outfit!), and three prizes for the runners with the most inventive costumes. There’s no specific theme this year – just surprise us with your creativity!

DIRECTIONS TO VENUE

From Cape Town, take the N1 North. Take Exit 47 to Klapmuts/Wellington. Turn right under the bridge towards Klapmuts. Cross over the 4-way traffic lights intersection and the railway bridge. Turn left 200m along at the next set of traffic lights, onto the Simondium/Franschhoek Road. After about 200m, the Anura Estate will be on the right.