Apr 02, 2019

#SpurFest 2019

Find the Fun and the Speed will Come

The Spur Schools MTB League hosted its inaugural #SpurFest last weekend on the banks of the Gariep Dam at the Forever Gariep Resort in the Free State. Signal Bikes was there to support grassroots cycling in its purest form.

MAKE IT FUN AND THE SPEED WILL COME

Central to the ethos of the 3-day #SpurFest is a focus on a range of inclusive events that aim to build a rider's skill, fitness and most importantly, promote a healthy dose of fun on two wheels.

Events ranged from the more fitness oriented hill climb and 35km marathon, to skill-based events like the 'slow race' and 'bike polo', while the exhilarating, fun-focused lake jump was most certainly a firm favourtie among the young (and older!) riders in attendance.

SIGNAL TIME TRIAL CHALLENGE

The Signal Time Trial Challenge took the form of a 700m jeep track climb that started on the bank of the Gariep Dam and topped out 150m higher atop a small koppie. The route started out steep and rocky, leading to a flatter section that featured a 90dg right turn with soft sand, which was followed by another steepening of the gradient towards the final push for the line.

Despite Oli Munnik doing his best to set the fastest time, it was Dehan Smith from Affies, who emerged as the fastest on the day stopping the clock in time of 1min27s, earning the youngster a winning margin of 2s.

Signal TT Winner

🥇 Dehan Smith :: 1min 27s
(Affies)

SIGNAL HILL WIDOWMAKER

The format of the Widowmaker Challenge is simple: from a standing start inside the Signal Bikes 'start-house', riders are challenged to pedal as high as they can up a rough, rutted and sandy incline that gets steeper and steeper the higher you get.

This competition was tackled with fierce determination as riders tried their best to overcome gravity's pull. Riders were allowed multiple attempts and the encouragement from fellow riders and parents standing on the hillside was awesome!