Being dedicated mountain bikers, father and son, Dennis and Denzil Lawrie decided to create their own stage race. The inaugural event was established in 2004 and voted as the best stage race that year.
This mountain bike stage race has evolved to be family-friendly, fun, and affordable. And now 18 years later, this clover route cycling event caters for everyone. This year the race starts at Sybrand van Niekerk High School, twists through the pine forests and ends right back at the same venue.
With the Drakensberg Mountain range surrounding Sabie, all it’s pristine waterfalls and vast open landscapes, this stage race ensures you get just the right number of up- and downhills. All the trails and tracks are developed with all ages in mind. Whether you’re young, old, a novice or experienced rider, Sabie Xperience caters for everyone. This truly is a family experience.
It is a three-day stage race with some of the most beautiful single tracks in South Africa. Each track is carefully crafted to perfection, regularly maintained and set in the finest part of South Africa, the Sabie escarpment.
Anyone who has loaded a mountain bike onto their car and headed out to Sabie in Mpumalanga has more than likely aimed their tyres down a trail built by Dennis Lawrie. From the mid 90’s national cross-country scene to the emergence of marathon racing, Dennis was the guy out with his team burning brush cutter petrol and nailing up bridges.
“This is a race experience of a lifetime. Loved every minute of it, through the pain of the hills and the striking beauty to be found all around. Tough but oh so worth it!”
“It was a MTB Heaven! Big climbs, thrilling single tracks and technical enough to challenge you. It is one of the best MTB races I have done so far. Congratulations to all involved.”
Awesome stage race with the perfect mix of what makes mountain biking great!! – Angie du Randt
Dennis lived and breathed mountain biking, he spent his nights staring at Google Earth, planning routes, calculating start times and water point positions, his weekends out with anyone who would join him, scouting new routes, re-exploring old terrain, and finishing it off with a milkshake and burger.
Few of us will ever leave a lasting legacy like Dennis. Like many of us that have been in this sport for so many years, he did what he did because he loved it. He loved sharing his ideas, his trails, and his experience and he will not easily be forgotten.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrp48uL1GcE
“The Sabie Xperience, Sabie Classic, Sabie Shenanigan and Noon to Moon are iconic races that Dennis initiated and along the way a few of us got caught up in and became part of.
Dennis lost his short battle with cancer in 2021, but in his memory, we’ll keep burning the petrol, building bridges, and scouting trails. A great family man, best mate, and a role model of passion and commitment to our beloved sport. There are many trees in the forests of Sabie, but the tallest has fallen, RIP my friend ‘Uncle D’”. – Brett Coates
#XPfactor is the glue of the family, the adventure of the outdoors, and the fun of Mountain Biking in Sabie
It’s the thrill of single tracks and steep climbs
It’s the burn of peddling and the thrill of the downhill
It’s the dritfilled smile after the victory over the mountains
We are so thankful that Sabie Xperience has a growing, loyal following of local and international riders. Together these mountain bikers have done more than 13 of the 17 events. We are proud to be part of a community that is always keen on racing through challenging terrains, make new friends and have fun while doing it.