The Four Race Routes:

• The 64km Classic
• The 33km Challenge
• The 22km Family Fun
• The 12.5km Hoglets

View Further Race Route Information

If you have not yet made your accommodation booking, please note - we only have camping still available at Mlilwane's Rest Camp.

On-site - Camping

•  R70p adult pn (excl. the once-off Park entry of R35p/adult R17.50p/ch U13)
• Wild cards accepted for free entry
• Book now

Happy Valley Hotel is Imvelo's official accommodation sponsor. We have now sold out of our own accommodation options at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (with the exception of camping which is still available) and recommend our neighbour, Happy Valley Hotel, as an alternative hotel.

Imvelo Participents may benefit from the following rates (subject to availability):

• Garden Rooms single B&B: R490
• Garden Room Double B&B: R590

Visit www.happyvalleyhotel.com for further details or book on +27 (086) 100 1120.

• There will be supporter areas at the start & finish areas.
• No vehicles are allowed to follow any race for whatever reason.

GENERAL

No Helmet No Ride. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

REGISTRATION

No entries at registration, under whatever circumstance! 

Registration times will be strictly adhered to. Late cyclists will join the next category. There will be no refunds. Registration times:

• General Registration @ The Gables; 13:00 – 21:00, Friday 8 June 2012.
• On the day registration; Classic: 06:00 – 07:15; Challenge: 06:00 – 08:30; Family & Hoglet: 06:00 – 09:00

No changes after registration

EN-ROUTE

Imvelo Rules at Mlilwane:

• Animals have right of way.
• No littering and No Smoking on course.
• The Organiser’s Decision is final.
• Cyclists will be Disqualified for following the Wrong Route, missing marshal points, giving incorrect information at registration or ignoring marshal instructions
• Any accident involving animals must be reported to the organisers. The cyclist is fully responsible for such accidents.
• Cyclists are requested to report any accidents or problems on the routes to the next marshal/official on the route.
• Do not interfere with animal or plant life unnecessarily.
• Beware of crocodiles, hippos, warthogs and cars
• Do not interfere unnecessarily with animals or plant life. Please stick to the designated paths and roads
• Please ensure that we receive your number board at the finish – R30.00 admin fee per board missing!

Course marking:

• Single day glow stickers on the left.
• Turns – double day-glows on the side to which cyclist turns; single sticker confirmation on left thereafter
• Watch signs – no cars; arrows; specific route direction – family, challenge & classic
• Black arrow indicates the direction
• A mess of chevron tape indicates a dangerous area; a marshal point or a warning of a turn – please slow down
• Danger areas must be respected and speed must be reduced
• Single day-glow stickers always on the left demarcate the route
• Double day-glow stickers indicate a turn up ahead. The side on which the stickers are found is the direction of the turn
• Chevron tape across the road indicates a closed road
• Single tracks are not necessarily mature and can be very bumpy. Proceed with caution

TIMING

Less than 3 entries per category will be classified in the preceding category.

All cyclists must be in the Start Enclosure 10 Minutes before their race starts.

Cut off Times will be strictly adhered to :

• Hippo Dam, 12h00 (Family)
• Donga Route, 13h00 (Family)
• End of Hippo Trail, 10h30 (Classic); 12h00 (Challenge)
• Bottom of Nyonyane 12h45 (Classic, Challenge)
• Scorpion, 13h00 (Classic)

The times of the top 15 cyclists of each race will be taken. Thereafter rough time estimates will be given.

Placing will be according to the first cyclist home in each individual category. This will be verified with all marshal points.

The Team Challenge & Family Category teams will be placed according to the score attained by the sum of the placing of each cyclist in a particular team, with the lowest score winning. i.e. Team A with placing 5, 7, 10, 20 will score 42 while Team B with placing 4, 6, 9, 25 will score 44. Team A would win. In the case of the Family category added criteria is that all team members must finish within 2 minutes from each other.

Team cyclists are legible for individual placing.

Queries/Protests must be lodged at the organiser’s Desk within 15 minutes after the results are posted.

Results will be posted 30 minutes before Prize Giving.

No alcohol may be consumed by any official while on duty or cyclists before or during the race. Officials are on duty until such time they are stood down by the organisers.

ENJOY THE RACE!

General
There will be an ambulance based at the Rest Camp. Please ride responsibly to avoid using them! Cyclists are requested to report all accidents or problems to the next marshal along the route

First Aid Kit
We recommend that each rider has the following in his/her cycling first aid kit: Foil survival blanket, three first aid dressings, five adhesive first aid plasters and sun block.

Sun burn
Although it is winter at the time of the race, we recommend the use of very high factor sun block and this should be re-applied during the day. On the other hand it could also be cold and 10 degrees Celsius may be experienced at this time of the year. Protective clothing for these temperatures may be required.
 

Malaria
Although you may experience mosquitoes, this area is NOT a malarial zone and mosquitoes are not prolific at this time of the year. We still recommend a mosquito repellent.
 

Bees
Bees are prolific amongst the Gum plantations and farmers place beehives in the area. If you are allergic to bee-stings, we recommend you carry your antihistamine with you.
 

Mud
Mud could be experienced on stages so a set of riding glasses is recommended. Eye wash may also be found useful. Tyres suitable for mud and thorns are strongly advised.
 

Water in streams and rivers
It is strongly recommended that one does not drink the water from any of the rivers or streams which you will be crossing, as clean as they may seem. Clean drinking water will be provided in the Race Villages and at the water tables along the route.
 

Medical Evacuation
Evacuation plans will be in place to evacuate competitors from remote areas should this be necessary.
 

Responsible Riding
Many of the areas through which you will be riding are very remote and to evacuate you from some of these areas will pose a logistical challenge. We appeal to you to ride in a responsible manner particularly on the Classic & Challenge Routes. The single track follows the river through the bush for over 3km and there is no clearing for a helicopter. The only option at this point are stretcher bearers who would have hike over 15km to reach you and then up to 5km with you on a stretcher. Not a pleasant task for anyone.

Respect to land owners and communities
All competitors need to respect the fact that without the support of the various landowners and local communities through which this race passes, this event would not be possible. Please show your appreciation for this whenever possible.

Before the Race
Adventure Sport will run a basic supply bike shop at the starting line in case of an emergency (for your bike). They will sell tyres, tubes, patch & solution and other relative products.

During the Race
There are 4 water tables for the Classic Race (65km); 3 for the Challenge Race (35km); 2 for the Family Race (22km) and 1 for the Hoglet Race (12.5km). The first two water tables are for everyone’s use.

WT 1 is between Marshal 2 & 3 and WT2 is at Marshal 5. As these water tables will generally be used by the little ones, no energy drinks will be available here only some chilled water and fruit. WT 3 will only serve the Classic (65km). This table is between Marshal 6 & 7 – just before the dreaded climb to King of the Mountain and you will hit it again after you came down the mountain just before the mindless uphill that we’d like to call: 'The Grim Reaper'. WT4 is the final water table in both the Classic (65km) as well as the Challenge (35km) races. It’s found between Marshal 9 & 10 for the Classic Race and 6 & 10 for the Challenge race, just after a river crossing before the last ascent in both races (the Challenge will have a simple up-and-over whereas the Classic Race takes you through the final sting in the tail aka 'The Scorpion')

Although the latter 2 water tables will serve energy drinks (diluted and in a jerry can for easy dispense into your own water bottle), we recommend that you carry your own favourite brand of energy bars, gels etc.

After you Finish Riding
The race finish areas are located at Mlilwane Main Camp. Mlilwane will have food stalls in the finish area from which you & your supporters can buy take-away food like baked potatoes, pancakes, hot-dogs & hamburgers. We have advised them that high carbohydrate food-types are essential.

Beverages
Tea and coffee as well as all other beverages (alcoholic and soft) can be purchased from the bars that will be located in the finish area.

The Imvelo MTB Classic aims:

1. To become Swaziland’s MTB event of the year by being an efficient, well-organised fun event with the highest ethical standards

2. To raise funds for Community and conservation projects linked to Big Game Parks

3. To showcase Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary as a wonderful outdoor destination for families

4. To promote and instill greater appreciation for and awareness of conservation

5. To increase the recreational value of conservation areas in Swaziland for the people

6. To enhance awareness of Big Game Parks as a contributing organisation to Swaziland’s society

7. To enhance, entrench and grow mountain biking as a sport in Swaziland

8. To enhance awareness of Swaziland within the regional adventure market

Big Game Parks has permission for access to the property it traverses during the days of the race. Although most landowners are very cooperative, it takes just one individual to upset a landowner and to jeopardize the future of the event.

We encourage competitors to show all landowners and locals their appreciation by greeting them with courtesy during the event. Most have contributed substantially to the event in some way.

Let us establish and maintain good relationships with the race communities so that they will continue to happily welcome us to their areas.

Obviously littering is prohibited so please be aware of items that may fall out of your pockets.

Download Challenge Map

Download 2012 Race Day Procedures

Download Family Map

Download 2012 Race Day Procedures.

Download 2012 Race Day Procedures

We have now sold out of our own accommodation options at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and recommend our neighbour, Happy Valley Hotel, as an alternative hotel.

Imvelo Participents may benefit from the following rates (subject to availability):

Garden Rooms single B&B: R490

Garden Room Double B&B: R590

Visit www.happyvalleyhotel.com for further details or book on +27 (086) 100 1120.

Parmalat is a world leader in dairy products, enjoys a presence on every continent, with strong market positions and brands in all product categories: cheeses, milk for consumption, chilled dairy (yoghurt and desserts), butter and cream, fruits business (beverages and preparations), infant and clinical nutrition, dairy ingredients, cured meats and veal.

Visit Parmalat's website

• (a) Shop No1, The Gables Shopping Centre, Ezulwini, Swaziland
• (t) +268 (0)4 16 2888
• (f) +268 (0)4 04 2569
• (e) jning@proudlyswazi.com

Powerade combines carbohydrates and electrolytes with fluids for energy and hydration. It quenches thirst, rehydrates and replenishes minerals and carbohydrates lost during sports or other intense physical activities.

Discover the world of Powerade and find out how it helps your body to keep optimal hydration and energy levels, improving your sport performance.

When consuming caloric beverages, like Powerade, it’s important to remain within your daily calorie limits while meeting your nutrition and hydration needs.

Nando's Swaziland is home of the worldwide famous flame-grilled peri-peri chicken.

The first shop which opened in Manzini in 2003, broke Nando's world-wide turn over records and their second restaurant in Mbabane had the first drive-through option in the Kingdom. Nando's Swaziland recently opened another restaurant in Matsapha bringing their famous chicken to the industrial hub of the country.

Whether you like your chicken extra hot, hot, mild, or lemon and herb, contact Nando's Swaziland on:

Nando's Manzini  (T)  00268 2505 9058

Nando's Mbabane (T)  00268 2404 1533

Nando's Matsapha (T)  00268 2518 7477

Eagle's Nest situated in the Malkerns valley is a well known poultry farm in Swaziland.

Their fresh eggs are available at local supermarkets and shops throughout the Kingdom of Swaziland. Next time you are in the supermarket, look for quality eggs supplied by Eagle's Nest or take drive to Malkerns to get quality eggs and more from their farm!

Computronics Systems markets and adds value to computer systems, software, hardware, networking, internet and related IT services in Swaziland. When established in 1983, Computronics was the sole supplier of computer equipment and services in the country.

Computronics Systems prides itself on putting the customer first.  They offer a wide variety of products and solutions that caters for both business and home users.

Visit their website here

Amongst the mountains that encircle the tiny African Kingdom of Swaziland is one that resembles a basking crocodile. At its summit is the world's most ancient iron ore mine, dating back 43 000 years and at its foot is the remote village - NGWENYA- (Siswati name for "crocodile"). Here a small group of Swazi craftsmen and women - with age old artistry - breath life into enchanting interpretations of the animals and birds of Africa, imbuing each with its own irresistible personality. Witness first-hand the magical art of glassblowing from an overhead balcony. Each item handmade from 100 % recycled glass! Browse around the adjoining showroom which is well stocked and purchase your little memento of a truly African visit to our Kingdom.

Since its rebirth in 1987, Ngwenya Glass has been more than an inspiring success story. It is an environmentalist's dream. The products, which include a range of tableware, drinking glasses, vases, jugs and ornamental African animals, are all handmade from recycled glass. Most of this is from soft drink bottles, gathered from all over Swaziland . Not only are the people of Swaziland encouraged to collect the bottles, but Ngwenya Glass works with the local schools to instil in the children a sense of environmental awareness. In exchange for building materials and the sponsorship of the soccer team, the students must participate in roadside clean-up campaigns.

Ngwenya Glass also converts Big Game Parks' waste glass material into beautiful designs. See our Ngwenya Glass Reclycling Project within our Community Section here.

 Visit the Ngwenya Glass Website

Over 20 years ago Swazi Trails' director, Darron Raw, pioneered white-water rafting on the Great Usutu River. And, with his drive to grow adventure tourism in Swaziland, the Swazi Trails company expanded rapidly. From three employees and two beat-up VW kombi’s to a fully functional destination management and multi-discipline adventure company, Swazi Trails now has a large full-time team and numerous daily tour, activity and team-build departures.

Swazi Trails have kindly donated various adventure experiences as prizes for Imvelo.

Visit Swazi Trails Website

The Foresters Arms is a boutique hotel situated on 95 hectares of country estate in the beautiful Swaziland Highlands of Mhlambanyatsi. Granite domes and continuous forested landscapes dominate its views, whilst its extensive lawned estate and mature trees provide a distinctly English country feel to this hotel venue.

View the Foresters Arms Website

Mountain Inn is the executive and diplomat’s choice for comfort, convenience and information networking in Mbabane. Swaziland’s most personal hotel-situated only 4kms from Mbabane center - is a professional, yet family run establishment.

The Mountain Inn offers superb cuisines, fully equipped meeting and conference facilities, television in all rooms and secure parking. All this incorporated into breathtaking views embracing the space and grandeur of Ezulwini Valley – the valley of heaven. 

Further Information:

• Mountain Inn Website
• info@mountaininn.sz

The highly decorative Swazi Candles are hand-made in the small African Kingdom of Swaziland using the age-old technique "millefiore".

Millefiore, or "thousand flowers", first surfaced in ancient Alexandria, but was perfected in the great glassmaking cities of Murano and Venice. Glass beads and other objects created there were of such beauty and finesse that they became much sought-after and valuable artifacts.

The art of millefiore continues today in Swazi Candles. But instead of glass, the gifted candle makers of Swaziland use a special hard wax to create their colourful designs. The hard wax veneer forms the outer shell of the candle, which hardly melts when the candle is lit. Hence the rich, romantic glow of the illuminated exterior as the candle burns, and the burn-again quality when refitted with the votive or tea candle. (Mini sizes do not burn in this manner, yet retain their intrinsic value as works of Swazi craft.)

Visit the Swazi Candles Website

Nestled in the idyllic Malkerns valley you find Baobab Batik, a retail shop with its workshop on site, producing individual works of art with a technique unique to Swaziland.

Our wide range of items enable you to find something for everyone which includes adult and children's clothing, cushion covers, wall hangings, table linen and much more. Each item is individually made by hand by a group of skilled women which results in no two items being the same.

New ideas and designs are constantly in the making as well as customised orders. Baobab is easy to find and has a good access and parking it is also situated on the already existing and popular "Malkerns Tour Route"

Makers of original cards, wall hangings, cushion covers, clothing for children and adults. Visitors welcome daily.

View the Baobab Batik website

Gone Rural was registered as a company in 1992 by the late Jenny Thorne to create employment for women in rural communities across Swaziland. What started as a small local business working with 30 women has evolved into an international company providing income for over 731 rural women and supplying their products to over one thousand retail outlets in 32 countries worldwide.

Gone Rural is fast becoming a globally recognised model of socially responsible business that promotes understanding and respect of Swazi cultural heritage and tradition. Their quest is for continuous improvement in the daily lives of Swaziland's women through economic empowerment and support to the thirteen communities that they work with.

The Gone Rural business model is committed to a holistically sustainable ideal which includes ongoing community development and responsible utilization of natural, renewable resources. The combination of innovative, contemporary design and exceptionally talented artisans has enabled their success. They became an IFAT (International Fair Trade Organisation) registered company in 2006.

Gone Rural’s unique home accessories combine traditional skills with high end design and are hand woven from sustainable, local natural fibres. They are continuously developing innovative designs and techniques to keep their product range fresh and dynamic.
 

View the Gone Rural Website 

Tintsaba was created in 1985 by Sheila Freemantle with the purpose of improving the lives of rural women in Swaziland.
The small business that started with 12 women has to date worked with and trained more than 890 women, and nowadays sells its products worldwide, where they are recognized for the outstanding quality and refinement, as well as for the beautiful story attached to them. 
 

In the creation of the highest quality hand woven sisal products, in the service, in the teamwork, in the commitment to the earth and the holistic wellbeing of rural women in Swaziland.

Visit their website here

 A lovely restaurant open for coffee or a delicious lunch located in Malkerns at the Swazi Candles Craft Centre.

Contact Sambane:

• Email Sambane
• Call: 00268 2528 3466 
  

Black Mamba was born out of a great love for chillies: the way they look, how they enhance the taste of food, how they spice up life. That is why the founders of Blabk Mamba Chilli Venom created the finest and yummiest products made with organically grown chillies, natural ingredients and no artificial stuff.

With a vision to grow into an eco-friendly and socially responsible business and to bring their gourmet products to all chilli lovers around the world, Black Mamba Chilli promotes sustainable farming by sourcing their chillies locally from small producers. 

The black mamba is one of the most dangerous snakes in Africa and can strike with a deadly bite without being provoked. Beware as our products will strike you instead with a hot & tasty bite! 

Visit their shop at Ngwenya Glass Craft Market and their website on www.blackmambachilli.com 
 

A widely recognised brand in Swaziland, Swaziland Meat Wholesalers supplies affordable, high quality meat to all corners of Swaziland and surrounding regional areas.

Visit their branches: 

• Mbabane Branch:   1st Choice Butchery at The Swazi Plaza, Dr Sishayi Nxumalo Street.

• Matsapha Branch:   Matsapha Lifestyle Centre, 1st Street behind Mahhala Shopping Complex

• Manzini Branch:      Sikhonkwane Building, Ngwane Street opposite Bhunu Mall.

Adventure Sport Cycles was started by Rodney Young. The bicycle shop was started in his living room for people into cycling and at the time, there was not much choice for enthusiastic cyclists. So much interest was shown that he decided to open a proper cycling shop to cater for everyone.

Adventure Sport Cycles has grown from strength to strength and we have a very enthusiastic team, friends and family that we often call on to assist in our various adventures, from races to fetes and weekend cycles.

Visit the Adventure Sport website here
 

Macmillan Boleswa, Swaziland  is one of the over 80 international branches of Macmillan Publishers Ltd; one of the largest and best known international publishing groups in the world.

Swaziland was the base for Macmillan Education Boleswa in Matsapha and this resulted in the creation of a major publishing undertaking in the southern African region.

Today, Macmillan Boleswa, and its subsidiaries are a group with a strong, diverse publishing team – able to operate independently of the parent UK company.

Visit the  Macmillan Boleswa, Swaziland website here.

Heidel Eggs, Mpumalanga’s leading egg producer, is a proud broad based black economic empowerment table egg producer situated in picturesque White River on the Lowveld of Mpumalanga. We pride ourselves on producing grain fed fresh farm eggs with no antibiotics that are distributed throughout the Lowveld.

Heidel Eggs is also a member of the Proudly South African campaign and subscribe to the Code of Conduct of the South African Poultry Association. 

The strictest hygiene is maintained in order to ensure food safety. We are proud to have HACCP accreditation since 2008.

View the Heidel Egg website

 Visit The Times of Swaziland's Website

Download Prize Category Matrix.

Nedbank Swaziland’s Imvelo MTB Classic 2011 Results

And the winners were…

• Jaco du Toit home in 3hr 31min for the Classic;
• Gcina Khumalo home in 1hr 41min for the Challenge;
• Jadon Sussman home in 01hr 9min for the Family;
• And Sive Msibi home in 01hr and 3sec for the new 12.5km Hoglet

• Retha Shaw was first in the Classic with 4hr and 29min;
• Lucinda Bride came first in the Challenge with 2hr and 6min;
• Tamyrn Hawley home in the Family in 01hr and 14min and;
• Shania Vermaak home in 53min and 39sec for the Hoglet.

Last year’s Imvelo podium had a good dose of Swazis as six of the eight 1st places belonged to Swazi cyclists. Gcina Khumalo, Jadon Sussman, Sive Msibi, Lucinda Bride, Tamryn Hawley and Shania Vermaak proved that local is indeed lekker…

Last year’s Imvelo proved to be like none other as new cyclists took to the podium. Jaco du Toit, a first timer at Imvelo, took first in the Classic beating Heine Engelbrecht who came second by 4 minutes. The Classic and the Challenge had previous winners battling it out with newcomers.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RESULTS

Thank you for your entry/entries received for the Nedbank Swaziland's Imvelo MTB Classic 2012 to be held at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland on the 9th of June 2012.

We have had an amazing response this year and have already reached our maximum target of 500 entries overall.

This has meant that we have had to close entries earlier than expected and have had to start a waiting list of very anxious riders! If you would like to ride but haven't entered, please sign-up to our waiting list here and we'll contact you in the event of any cancellations.