Darling Brew, Darling, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa
28 & 29 August 2021

DBX2021 is this weekend! Who is excited??? DBX is one of the most anticipated single-day MTB races in the Western Cape, featuring a variety of epic routes beginning and ending at Darling Brew. Each year, we offer Mountain Bike enthusiasts the opportunity to cycle beautiful and otherwise inaccessible routes around the West Coast hamlet of Darling at their own time and pace.

DBX truly has something for everyone, from experienced MTB riders to novices and youngsters. Additionally, the event hosts and sponsors band together to bring riders and spectators alike a day to remember, with live music, good eats, and treats available in family-friendly surroundings at the Darling Brew Tasteroom, as well as the opportunity to taste the wide range of Darling Brew crafts beers and beverages.

WHERE DO I REGISTER?

Darling Brew Tasteroom, 48 Caledon St, Darling

WHEN CAN I REGISTER?

Friday 27 August, from 14:00 - 19:00, continuing on Saturday 28 August and Sunday 29 August WITHIN YOUR ALLOCATED TIMESLOT. Sunday riders will also be able to register on Saturday between 12:00 and 17:00. Please note that if you are registering early (i.e., Friday 27th of August), rider packs can also be collected by a single person for groups of riders - with sufficient proof of permission. 

YOUR TIMESLOT IS VERY IMPORTANT!

NB! In order to adhere to COVID-19 protocols and on-site crowd limits, riders will only be permitted onto the property when their registration and departure slot starts on Saturday and Sunday. This will be managed strictly according to the race-start timeslot allocated to riders via Entry Ninja. You can check your time slot on your electronic ticket here by visiting your Entry Ninja Registrations and clicking on the DBX2021 event details:

You have 30 minutes from when your time slot starts until you have to hit the trails. Please arrive promptly so we can get you sorted while still observing COVID-19 protocols. If you arrive earlier on Saturday or Sunday, please wait in the designated parking area until the MC calls your group to register or depart. There will be clear signage pointing the way to designated parking for DBX riders.

HOW WILL I REGISTER?

Our goal is to create manageable small groups for registration. This is why each rider has been allocated a timeslot based on when you purchased your ticket, and in which race you are partaking. We would also like to have many registrations completed on Friday the 27th. However, if you are unable to register on the 27th, you can do so on the28th/29th.

Darling Brew Extreme 2021 is a Cycling South Africa sanctioned Mountain-biking event. This DOES MEAN that riders are required to bring their memberships along BUT DOES NOT MEAN riders are required to purchase day licenses. Your CyclingSA riders license will be included in your entry fee and sorted out by the Darling Brew Extreme Team. PLEASE NOTE if you have already purchased a day license from Cycling SA, please bring it along so that the DBX team can refund you for our error. We are extremely sorry about the miscommunication.

For your safety, strict COVID protocols will be followed, and masks worn at all times. Once you've registered, you will receive your race pack, MTB boards, and any merchandise purchased at registration. Riders can then fill water bottles, grab a coffee, and get started. As soon as you are registered, you can hit the road.

PLEASE NOTE THAT REFUNDS AND TRANSFERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE DUE TO PREPARATIONS FOR THIS WEEKEND. ORGANIZERS ARE WORKING HARD TO HAVE OUR BREWERY 100% PREPPED, READY AND SAFE FOR YOU THIS WEEKEND; AND THEREFORE NEED FINAL NUMBERS IN ORDER TO DO SO.

DURING THE RACE:

Please be considerate to the event organisers and your fellow riders at all times. Wear your mask in common areas, as well as before departing, and upon arrival; and maintain a safe social distance. Sanitise your hands often, and if you need to cough, do so into your elbow. You guys know the drill. Be lekker.

AT THE FINISH LINE:

? Once you finish, make your way over the finish line to receive your finisher's glass and a medal. You will also be given a token for a beer or Apple Bomb. Fill up, drink up and move along to receive some kudos from your fellow finishers while other riders make their way across the line. This way we can keep COVID protocols in check.

? If you have a booking at the Tasteroom, make your way to the brewery to enjoy lunch. Lunch reservations are mandatory for DBX Weekend as there is very limited availability! Make a booking via email, call or WhatsApp on 076 092 8313 or [email protected].

If you are unable to secure a booking, please support one of the many lovely restaurants in the Darling vicinity.

GENERAL RULES & REGULATIONS

? All riders will be screened for COVID symptoms, have to sign an indemnity form, and check in to ride.

? This is a self-sufficient ride. No helmet, no mask, no COVID screening, no hydration, or no event armband = NO ride.

? Masks have to be worn until riders have gone over the starting line, and again once riders return over the finish line.

⬅️ Keep to the left of the route at all times and note that in some areas you may need to pass cyclists on the same road.ute.

? Please don't litter during the race, these are private farms that we work extremely hard to access on your behalf.

? Be courteous to fellow riders and any farmers or farm workers you meet en route.

↔️ Please practice social distancing and wear masks while at the brewery.

? DBX Race Village will be VERY limited this year due to COVID restrictions.

? Please note that no refunds are available once ticket entries have closed (end of day, 18th August).

? The weather is unpredictable in August in the Western Cape. Come prepared as though it will rain.

? There will be sufficient water points marked en-route. However, it is also recommended that riders pack their own bottles, energy bars, etc (especially for the 60 and 80km routes).

IMPORTANT ROUTE INFORMATION:

ROUTES ARE BEING UPDATED. We are currently working on routes due to rain damage and will have the final downloadable files ready on the Entry Ninja Page and DBX website page by Wednesday 26 August.

In the meantime, we are taking great care to mark all five DBX2021 routes very clearly. Once you depart, simply follow the arrows and signage provided.

? General route markers + directional arrows will be red on whiteboard.
↔️ Split points will have category names + colour arrows that match your MTB boards. Marshals will be on hand to direct you accordingly.
? Routes will also feature category colour markers in the form of painted bottles to keep you on track between marshal stations.
? Please note that certain parts of the route have not been bush cut due to wildflower restrictions! Flowers are in full bloom in Darling, so expect immaculate views.

PLEASE NOTE: It will very likely still rain ahead of the race, and we will not be able to fix routes beyond Wednesday 25/08. If your route has water damage, please cycle carefully, and dismount and push if you feel unsafe at any stage.

SAFETY & LOGISTICS:

? The Warlord (80km), Bone Crusher (60km) and Light Lager (40km) routes travel through private wildlife estates with some game (e.g. springbok, eland - no big cats!), so please stay alert and aware. Doornfontein Wildlife Estate and !Khwa ttu will not be held liable in case of any collisions or injuries.

? The Warlord (80km), Bone Crusher (60km), and Long Claw (60km e-bike) routes feature a dismount with assistance to climb through a fence. There will be signage that warn riders beforehand.

? E-bikes riders can bring their spare battery to registration. These will be labeled and taken to a designated spot (around 40km in), where riders can switch over their batteries.

5 EPIC NEW ROUTES:

You've chosen your challenge, now find out more about the epic trails on route. With mountain bike trails ranging from a scenic trip in and around the quaint town of Darling to an epic endurance run which follows cattle trails, jeep tracks, and farm roads that take you through beautiful vineyards, olive orchards, and fynbos trails, this year’s routes are something quite amazing.

? Slow Beer - 20km | R 200
Slow Beer is our DBX2021 beginner's and family-friendly 20km route. This short route will still take you onto the trails and get you sweating, but can still be fun for the whole family to enjoy.

? Light Lager - 40 km | R 250
Light Lager is our 40km route which requires a reasonable amount of fitness, recommended for our brave novices, trail enthusiasts, and those working towards the more challenging routes. Expect some beautiful views along this ride!

☠️ Bone Crusher + ? Long Claw (E-bike) - 60 km | R 350

Long Claw (E-bike) and Bone Crusher follow the same classic 60km that make sure you see Darling from every angle and give participants access to private farmlands, reserves, and mountains that are not always accessible to the public.  

? Warlord - 80km | R 400

Warlord is the BIG oke. This route has some serious climbs, single tracks, and spectacular scenery. It will test and delight you in equal measures.

Please note the #DBX2021 routes as you see them here are our top choices. However, since these races take place in nature, things may change in the lead-up to race day. Rain may damage certain parts of a trail, or a landowner may need to alter a route to address the needs of his farm. We're staying nimble and will inform you if anything changes.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO SAVE:

☎️ Route Manager: 072 262 0665 (Number will be printed behind the route markers (whiteboard with red arrows) in case of any emergency or assistance.
☎️ Medics: To be updated as soon as possible.

 DOWNLOAD ROUTES + .KMZ 

NOW LET'S GET TRAINING FOR DBX2021!

Time to dust off the bike but remember to stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you at DBX2021!

To stay up to date with this year's event, follow our Facebook Event and our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Keep us posted on your journey to race day using the hashtag #DBX2021 on social media. For further details or assistance, please contact [email protected] 

Fueled by Darling Brew Light Lager.