This year’s Jozi Urban Mountain Biking Adventure (JUMA) promises to thrill enthusiasts with adrenalin-filled riding through scaffolding bridges, a kilometre-long stormwater drain, and unseen green belts, before crossing the Emmarentia Dam on a floating bridge.
The high-octane mountain bike ride, hosted in partnership with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo and insurance conglomerate, Hollard, takes place on Saturday, 24 and Sunday 25 August at Marks Park in leafy Emmarentia.
The Hollard JUMA, as the bicycle ride is affectionately known, plans to offer mountain bike enthusiasts a ride through the heart of the biggest urban forest in the world, northern Johannesburg.
The race features a 22km route for first-time riders, the most popular, arduous 54km route and the newly launched 72km punisher route for anyone looking to push their limits. Organisers say the 22km route is for newbie riders, while the 54km route is recommended for technically advanced riders.
There are also 1km and 2km fun routes for the kids.
“Every year we sit down and think about how to build and improve on the Hollard JUMA experience. This year we’ve decided to move the race to Spring; so there’s a little less chill and a little more thrill throughout the course,” says Russell Willis, Event Organiser at BAM Events, the organisers of the Hollard JUMA.
The mountain bike adventure starts at Marks Park and will take participants over two floating bridges, through green belts. Riders will be pushed to the limit by a kilometre-long stormwater drain and tunnel. The ride will continue under highway bridges and over main roads on scaffolding bridges through to one of Joburg’s most beautiful golf courses.
“The Hollard JUMA is not just another mountain bike race. Join in and go from PowerPoint slides to power rides with the Hollard JUMA. Riders can expect adrenaline-filled routes with awesome custom-built course features and floating bridges, and that’s just the start,” Willis enthuses.
Entry fees range from R360 for the 22kms, R488 to ride the 54km route to R593 for the advanced, 72kms. The kids’ race will set you back R100.
In addition to the high-octane mountain bike ride, BAM Events will also host the all-new adventure-packed Hollard Jozi Urban Run Adventure (JURA).
“You’ve seen Jozi on your MTB now experience it on your feet, cross over rivers and crawl under roads through tunnels,” says Willis.
The JURA will also start and finish at Marks Park. Runners can expect to conquer various obstacles such as river slides, hay bale hell, crawling under roads through tunnels, run across the Emmarentia Dam and much more.
“From back-to-back meetings to back-to-back obstacles, the Hollard JURA brings you a trail running adventure to remember,” Willis says.
Both events will happen on the same day. Runners will have the option to choose to conquer a series of optional obstacles such as a 50m waterslide, 5 mountainous blow-ups and a floating bridge amongst other fun challenges.
The 2019 JURA will also feature a 6km route for anyone wanting to join in on the fun, as well as 12km and 18km routes for anyone looking to push their limits.
“Get your friends, family and colleagues to join in on the fun and experience a new side to your city. Go from the water cooler to the water bridge with the Hollard JURA,” Bam Events teases.
The adventure-filled weekend will also feature music, food, a kiddies’ play area, craft beer and plenty of entertainment.
