Race Overview & Information

The event will be a two stage event, and will take place over the weekend of the 28th and 29th of April 2012.

Riders will register on Thursday the 26th of April 2012, at Cycle Lab in Fourways from 12h00 till 16h00.

Stage 1
Riders briefing will commence at 6.30am, after which Stage 1 will commence which will be approximately 75km. This route promises a fantastic offering of single track, plus some challenging off-road, and some good technical aspects. We will be making good use of tracks and trails which have previously only been used for private events. On these farms you will be riding amongst some amazing wildlife such as Zebra, Wildebeest and Rhino.


Stage 2
Stage 2 will commence on the Sunday morning at 8am, and will be a route of 45km. Here there will be a good mix of dirt road, jeep track and single track, and some technical ascents and descents.

After each stage, you will have the chance to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, good food, and good company. This will be the highlight of the off-course events, and we will have a few lucky draws, and generally have some good fun.


The Honda Mountain Adventure: Sunday the 29th of April

Starting at 8.30am, will be the Honda Mountain Adventure, which will see riders following the Stage 2 riders. You will do the same route, and finish at the same venue. This event is designed to accommodate those who are keen on an introduction to stage racing and to the fantastic atmosphere of the Honda Mountain Adventure. This is a Pre-Entry event only, and entries are open and NO late Entries will be taken on the day. Cost will be R250 per rider, and this will include a braai after the ride.

The Honda Mountain Kiddies Adventure
Best we don’t forget the kiddies. Kiddies are treated to a clown en route, two water tables and all of this in 3km. There is unfortunately an age limit of 12 years. Entry is FREE and including a fabulous Kiddies Own Goodie Bag. This is a Pre-Entry event, and entries are open. Entries will close on 15th of April. We will take entries on the day if spaces are still available.

There will also be a Kiddies Playground at the venue.

After the two events, your families and friends will be able to purchase braai tickets after the formalities and relax. Of course, after all the excitement, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy your favourite liquid refreshment in the marquee/ beer tent.

Entries

Entries open on 01 March 2012 and will close on 15 April.

Cost: R450 – Honda Mountain Trophy

Cost: R 250 – Honda Mountain Adventure

Cost: Free – Kiddies Honda Mountain Adventure


Ten Golden Rules of Stage Racing

Always

  • Always ride with your helmet on and properly fastened.
  • Comply with traffic regulations.
  • Ride on the left hand side of the road.
  • Stay within sight of your team/partner at all times.
  • Carry a first aid kit with you.
  • Carry enough hydration liquid and nutrition for up to 45km of strenuous riding.
  • Carry a cell phone – the emergency number will be printed behind your race number.
  • Have respect for the environment and wildlife.
  • Be cautious when approaching farming operations and transport vehicles.
  • Be careful to follow the route markers, Marshals are provided to assist with safety.

Emergency and Medical Services

  • ER 24 is our event partner, and you can be assured of their best attention at all times.
  • Each of the stages will have rescue vehicles with a minimum of one Intermediate Life Support crew.
  • An ambulance with fully trained crew and an Advanced Life Support Paramedic will be based on the closest accessible public road to the race to transport any injured riders to the nearest suitable medical facility.
  • At the Start/Finish area a Medical Base will be available for riders to have minor injuries treated by a Doctor or relevant Paramedic or Physiotherapist staff for at least two hours after each stage finishes.
  • Marshals will be situated at strategic points along the route to guide riders and assist with safety, especially at crossings or blind intersections. They will be identifiable by their Bibs.
  • Officials will be positioned where riders have to cross public roads. They will endeavour to give riders right of way, but riders MUST OBEY THEIR EVERY COMMAND.
  • In the absence of a marshal or traffic officer riders are to comply with all traffic regulations.

Route Marking for the Stage Race

  • The Honda Mountain Trophy route markers will consist of GREEN arrows on white background, with The Honda Mountain Trophy logo positioned at the BASE of the arrow. If the arrow has been rotated or slipped from position, riders will still be able to determine the correct direction. If no route markers are present, carry straight on.
  • At strategic intersections some roads or tracks may also be taped off with red/white candy tape to prevent riders from taking the wrong road.
  • The correct route may also be confirmed with white lime powder, or construction tape attached to grass or vegetation.

Neutral Zones

  • Stages 1 and 2 will all have a neutral zone start until the end of the first km or until the lead motorcycle or quad bike pulls off the road or well ahead of the bunch. The speed will be limited to 30km/hr. You are NOT PERMITTED TO PASS THIS VEHICLE IN THE NEUTRAL ZONE. Doing so will lead to immediate disqualification.
  • Use this opportunity to warm up properly, and ensure to keep within sight of your partner.
  • Be sure to keep a safe distance between yourself and the rider in front of you, and be ready to take avoiding action in case of any sudden braking.
  • Try not to do anything unpredictable, keep your line and do not brake suddenly without reason.

Stage Finishes

  • All stages start and finish at the Maropeng, The Cradle of Human Kind.
  • All marshals must be obeyed, and in their absence traffic regulations are to be obeyed.
  • Riding recklessly or at high speed may result in an accident which may cost you a stage finish or the entire race - do not risk it!
  • Race etiquette is the mark of a top rider. A few seconds can easily be caught up over the next stage.

Water and Food

  • Riders are expected to carry sufficient water and nutrition for at least 45km.
  • Stages 1 will have 3 water points. Stage 2 will have 2 water points on the route where energy drinks and water will be available. There is also a water point at the finish

Stage 1 Route Map

Stage 1 Route Profile

Stage 2 Route Map

Stage 2 Route Profile