It used to be top-secret riding, the best in the country. Then they made an event: The U is turning six this year, here are half a dozen reasons why you should make your way to the gorgeous Piket-Bo-Berg in September.

1. Three days of ‘real’ mountain-biking

The U, presented by Enjoy and Venturescapes takes place from 23-25 September 2022 on the pristine, hand-crafted trail network of Piket-Bo-Berg. The area offers some of the finest trail riding in SA, with over 100 kilometres of private singletrack. 

The trails are magically flowy to create a mountain-biker’s paradise with breathtaking views, even of Table Mountain, to keep your feet on the pedals. Make no mistake, it is tough and technical and you need to bring your legs, lungs and skills – The Prologue is 15km with a 200m ascent, Episode 1 is 55km (1400m ascent), while Episode 2 features 57km with roughly 1100m of climbing.

2. Small field 

The trails are open to the public once a year for this three-day boutique stage race. Because of that (and the unique lifestyle offering) the field is limited, to 300 riders only. Entries are selling out fast, so get yours on www.entryninja.com/events/76978-the-u.

HEAD OVER TO THE BICYCLING EVENTS CALENDAR!

3. All-inclusive 

Regardless of what accommodation option you choose (more info below), you can leave your wallet at home.

Thanks to the event’s partners, the all-inclusive premium offering includes (among other surprises):

• The official event custom trail kit, designed and manufactured locally by Enjoy
• Baristas serving any hot beverage of your choice
• Complimentary Belgian Beers and wine
• Hope gin sunset cocktails
• Delicious food and snacks, bought to you by Venturescapes 
• Cadence Nutrition during Episodes 1 & 2

4. A range of accommodation options 

There are various entry options. A Standard entry is R9 500 for solo and R18 500 for a team, with two-person tented accommodation per person. The Luxury option features a spacious four-person tent with a single bed, a bedside table, shaded seating and ground cover in front of your tent with a camping chair and a solar light (bedding included). This option is R17 500 for solo and R25 000 per team. Deluxe option – sold out.

5. eBike friendly 

There is an eBike category for those who prefer to go powered-up! But these entries are limited. 

6. For a good cause 

All proceeds from The U go straight to the Mouton’s Valley Star Centre, which provides the children of the community with educational support (after-school homework class, tutoring and holiday programmes) as well as a sports programme twice a week.

DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS UNIQUE EVENT, ENTER NOW VIA ENTRY NINJA. 

READ MORE ON: mountain biking singletrack stage racing Trail Riding