Winners of Dirtopia's 24 hour Oak Valley mountain bike endurance race

In January, riders took part in the 24 hour Oak Valley mountain biking event hosted by Dirtopia.  There were over 300 riders and 500 campers who joined in on the adrenaline fueled weekend.  Riders of all ages enjoyd both night and day time riding along the picturesque 11km circuit.  Wilde was there to ensure that all participants were well hydrated for the duration of the event with 100% Fruit Juice.

Photo Taken by: Philip Viljoen

Boland mountain bikers Dane Walsh (Somerset West) and Hanri Dalton (Stellenbosch) were victorious at the past weekend's 24 Hours of Oak Valley mountain bike endurance race presented by Spur Steak Ranches.


These two cyclist completed the most laps of the 11km circuit in a period of 24 hours as solo riders. Walsh completed 30 laps, while Dalton managed 19. The Open team competition was won by Rocky Mountain's Jarred Haley, Timo Cooper, Mike Jacker and Martin Freyer. They completed 46 laps.  

This year Dirtopia, organizers of the event, cut a new track for the event at Oak Valley - the wine estate that is now as famous for its mountain bike routes as its wines! There was a 250m climb in the 11km Dirtopia race where two thirds of the track was singletrack and the rest, woodland. 

Walsh was joined on the winner's podium by Hentus Baard (also 30 laps) and Lance Stephenson (26). "It was the best 24 Hour ever! The event was great," said Walsh.

Dalton had a titanic battle with Anneline Trivella. With her 19 laps she managed a victory with one lap! Another Stellenbosch mountain biker Dominique Provoyeur (14) finished third.

A team from Somerset West Helderberg Cycle World managed a second place in the team competition. Helderberg was represented by Stephan van Zyl, Martin Rodenbach, Pieter Gildenhuys and Christiaan Kampfer.

The Oak Valley Ladies open team - Elzaan Visser, Theresa Horn, Baredeen Zietsman and Mirian Stronkhorst - completed 24 laps. 

In the category for schools Paul Roos Gymansium was victorious against two teams from Paarl Gymnasium. Paul Roos / Giant Mavic team also won the Overall Team title.Edward Best, Stephan Senekal, Matthew Lombardi and James Buijs presented Paul Roos. 

Results can be viewed by clicking here.

Wilde gets muddy at Dirtopia

This past Saturday, mountain bikers of all ages gathered for Dirtopia's 10th annual 24 hour team relay mountain bike event at Oak Valley Estate in Grabouw. What makes this event special, is the fact that entrants set up camp for the weekend so they can enjoy a combination of endurance and night riding. Dirtopia is highly social, which helps build camaraderie between riders and teammates.

Dirtopia is a mountain bike and trail construction company which started out as a mountain bike festival in 2000. Since then, the organization has grown to incorporate several annual mountain biking events, as well as the construction and maintenance of hiking and mountain bike trails. Dirtopia offers several mountain bike and hiking trails to suit the experience level of any individual, making it an ideal location for beginners and professionals alike.

Wilde sponsored the event by handing out goodie bags to all cyclists who participated, ensuring that their thirst was quenched for the duration of the event. Should you wish to participate in any Dirtopia events in the near future, click here for additional event information.