The MTN Ride Crater Cruise is one of South Africa's most prestigious mountain bike festivals. Every second weekend of October, mtbikers from across the continent flock to Parys in the Free State, South Africa to compete for the Mountainbike Marathon title <King and Queen of the Crater>, OR to come and enjoy the beauty of the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site along the Vaal River and indulge in the friendliness and hospitality of our rural community. The Petit Paris venue is the home of the event and is only 100km from Johannesburg.

"The Vredefort dome was not created by a meteorite, Bakkies Botha
decided to put his foot down"

Dirt Flirts

Dirt Flirts - 8 & 9 October 2011

Online Closing date: 30 September 2011, 23h00

Nissan 28km Dirt Flirt - 8 October 2011
Nissan Ride 28km Dirt Flirt #1 - seeded start from 08:00, Carl Preller Avenue

Normal Price Entry R90 fee (Until -25 Sept)
Late Entry fee R120 (After 25 Sept)
NO LATE ENTRIES on race day

The route follows a tranquil, fairly smooth and flat gravel road accross the open grasslands of the Northern Free State. The route is aimed at children, beginners and families groups. The last 5km includes a winding single-track through the Bluegum forest. Sub-juniors (13 & 14yrs) may compete as this event forms part of the Nissan series. For the rest, this is considered a fun event and competition is not encouraged by the organisers. When you reach Petit Paris, there is an overbridge crossing the road to enter the Champs Éllyseés up to the Arc de Triomphe and into the Ride arena.

A medium level of fitness is required. The route is not considered very technical.

USN 17km Dirt Flirt - 9 0ctober 2011
USN 17km Dirt Flirt #2 - Start 08:30. Carl Preller Avenue, Parys

Normal price entry fee R70
Late Entry fee R 70
No Late entries on day of event

The route follows a tranquil, fairly smooth and flat gravel road accross the open grasslands of the Northern Free State. The route is aimed at children, beginners and families groups. The last 5km includes a winding single-track through the Bluegum forest. This is a fun event and competition is not encouraged by the organisers. When you reach Petit Paris, there is an overbridge crossing the road to enter the Champs Éllyseés up to the Arc de Triomphe and into the Ride arena.

This event is aimed at beginners. Generally speaking, the route is not considered very technical.

What you can expect at the arena on arrival: A secure bike park, a bike wash, a SAB beer garden, a coffee canteen, medical support station, loads of food stands, a dam, a shower and best off all the Ride Mountainbike Expo!