The organisers of the unique and highly successful Sabie Experience (the third largest stage race in the country) have done it again and come up with an innovative series of events for all levels of mountain biker.

The Dirty Double is a series of two day stage races around the country totaling 100km each and they are designed for everyone from 14 years and older.

In a joint venture with other like-minded and dedicated race organisers, the Dirty Double promises to be just that – double the fun, double the days and double the team members.

But not content to just bring stage racing to the masses, they have introduced a unique league system that runs for the length of the series. This is over and above teams riding to win each race. Riders register a team with up to four riders and the team wins points for every stage successfully completed. So, if one rider can’t make it, the team can still earn points with another rider in their place – and - riders can belong to more than one team. The points accumulate in the league only.

Each of the Dirty Double races is two stages over two days giving the teams a maximum of eight stages to earn points and then comes the grand finale of the Sabie Experience and its additional four stages. At the end of Sabie Experience, the league winners will be announced.

First up is the Greytown Dirty Double in KZN on the 19/20th May 2007. Starting and finishing at Lake Merthley, the event winds its way through wattle forests, grasslands, jeep tracks and some amazing single track which will have riders talking for hours. Stage One is 55km and Stage 2 is 45km.

Then the riders head for Makhado (Louis Trichardt) in Limpopo to ride the Akkedis Dirty Double on July 28/29th. A mix of acacia grasslands, indigenous forests and plantations will challenge the riders as well as the final steep descent back to the start/finish area at the Schoemansdal Environmental and Educational center. It’s a perfect winter break for the whole family with mild to warm temperatures and a stunning location. Stage One is 66km and Stage Two is 35km.

A short month later, it’s off to the land immortalized by Herman Charles Bosman – Groot Marico. A mere two hours from central Gauteng, this race is sure to be a winner. This hamlet has pristine countryside for the riders with multiple crossings of the Groot Marico river and winding jeep tracks through slate outcrops. The dates are 25/26 August and Stage one is 65km and Stage Two is 35km.

The penultimate race is in the picturesque town of Citrusdal in the western Cape. Spring promises a profusion of flowers and orange blossoms and the Cedarberg mountains provide a magnificent backdrop for the race. The 15/16th September is the date and Stage One is 60km and Stage Two is 40km.

And then it is on to the final event of the series – The Sabie Experience. It is the third longest stage race (four days) and stands out for having a time trial on Stage Four. The total distance is 260km and takes place from the 13th – 17th December.

Here the last battles between leading teams will be fought. Four tough stages with four opportunities to earn enough points for the final awards and glory.

Whether you are a seasoned stage rider or a complete novice, this series is for you. Dirty Double entries will open on February 1, 2007 on the website. The cost is R800 ex Vat per team per event.

For further information, contact Fiona Coward 083 564 7767 or the race office on (013) 764-3500.

Or check out the website on www.dirtydouble.co.za