Holla Trails trail master Jasper van Vessem, seen here at the JumpStart Challenge 2022, will be on standby when MTB riders tackle the JumpStart Challenge on 4 March. © Mr Price Foundation
THE JUMPSTART CHALLENGE is a great opportunity to get on your bike for a good cause! With three mountain bike (MTB) trails to choose from at Holla Trails in Ballito – and three virtual ride distances – the JumpStart Challenge is attracting top talent on two wheels, including elite riders training for big events like the Absa Cape Epic.
The virtual JumpStart Challenge is from 27 February to 5 March. The big physical event is at Holla Trails in Sugar Rush Park, with MTB bike events on 4 March and trail running/walking events on 5 March.
Every entry directly supports unemployed youth to gain retail skills and opportunities for employment through JumpStart, Mr Price Foundation’s skills development programme.
“It feels good to ride for a purpose. Everyone has a different challenge in life. Some people are fortunate to only have the challenge of riding a bike. This event is exactly what we need to remind us that millions of youth are desperate for work. The JumpStart Challenge gives us an opportunity to get on our bikes for a good cause,” said Jasper van Vessem, Holla Trails trail master.
MTB riders Andrew Hill and Ty White pedaled for change in 2022, completing the JumpStart Challenge’s inaugural 95km MTB route at Holla Trails in 3h45. © Mr Price Foundation
The JumpStart Challenge is well placed as an opportunity to check nutrition and equipment ahead of premier events on the cycling calendar, like the Absa Cape Epic and the Safire Berg 100. MTB distances at Holla Trails are 95km, 50km and 15km; and virtual ride options are 100km, 50km and 15km.
Ballito, on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, is a hotbed of cycling talent; and Holla Trails has some of the most beautiful and most testing MTB and running trails in the country.
Jasper said the trails at Holla will both test and inspire. “The 95km trail is a proper challenge! Even for someone who is training fit for the Absa Cape Epic, which is benchmark for mountain bike events, this will give them a proper training ride. It has got some beautiful views, it is technical, it is a bit of everything,” said Jasper.
SA Rugby Legend Joel Stransky feels the burn in the 2022 JumpStart Challenge at Holla Trails. © Mr Price Foundation
Karen Wells, head of Mr Price Foundation, said youth unemployment is at an alarming level in SA. “The JumpStart programme creates hope for thousands of youth as we look to connect them to skills training and work opportunities in the greater retail value chain. In the past five years, 22 000 youth have been empowered by JumpStart training, with 52% going on to achieve employment.”
Race timing at Holla Trails is provided by FinishTime, which provides cutting-edge sports timing technology for some of the biggest sporting events in South Africa.
There will be awesome freebies at Holla Trails, including 500 free caps to the first early birds to sign up.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear and get on your bikes for a good cause!
#JumpStartChallengeZA #BeAHeroZA #MrPriceFoundation
4 March: Physical Mountain Bike Ride Event
@ Holla Trails, Sugar Rush Park, Ballito
* 95km 6am start
* 50km 6.30am start
* 15km 7.30am start
4 March @ Holla Trails
Glide & Ride Cup (kids aged 2.5-4.5 years, on balance bikes)
8:30-11am
5 March: Physical Run/Walk Event
@ Holla Trails, Sugar Rush Park, Ballito
* 14km 7am start
* 8.5km 7.30am start
* 3.3km 8am start
27 February to 5 March: Virtual Ride/Run/Walk
Anywhere in the world
Ride: 15km, 50km, 100km
Run/Walk: 3km, 7km, 15km
