Pigeons, MTB and Silverstar Casino?

Though traditionally, an establishment like Silverstar Casino would only be considered a place to go if you wanted to spend a little money on the slots or tables, the facility is now offering MTB enthusiasts much more than they bargained for. It seems that more and more land-based casinos are seeing the benefits in hosting events and races to attract a much larger crowd to their doors, and with the Pennypinchers Silverstar MTB Challenge due to begin on 5 September, Silverstar will receive a lot of attention very soon.

Entries are currently streaming in for the race which has been hosted in previous years but this year, is set to follow a brand new route. Those who take part will be able to dine at the casino, view some of the highlights from the 2014 event on a big screen and set themselves up for an exciting and challenging day out. The event will begin in the casino’s parking lot which is an open-air, yet luxurious facility and will end inside the casino’s Super Dome. The route itself promises to allow riders to weave their way through natural forests of the West Rand and down rocky paths with exquisite views of the area.

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Riders will need to start lining up on the day at 08:00 for the 40km race and 08:15 for the 20km race, and entries are still open. You can enter now at www.asgevents.co.za or watch the event on route or on the big screen afterwards. Entry fees apply so if you’re keen, be sure to visit the site and use your credit or debit card to pay before entries close.

If mountain bike races don’t get your heart beating faster, why not make time to watch the 20th Million Dollar Platinum Edition pigeon race at Montecasino? Set to be one of the largest animal-based events in the country for 2016, the race will take place at the Montecasino complex and will see thousands of pigeons battling it out for the title of top racer.

Sponsored by Air Sport Internationale, the event is not one you’d usually find on the country’s event calendars, but it promises an experience like never before. The pigeons have been in quarantine at the casino’s facilities since June this year and this is exactly where they will stay until the event to ensure their health.

The race is one that many people may turn up their noses at, since it is not considered a traditional event type, but pigeon racing is assumed to have been in force since the 220AD. The sport was one of the most popular yearly events in Belgium in the 19th Century and today, has a worldwide fan base.

While it may not be your cup of tea, it is certainly interesting to know that these specially trained pigeons can take on distances up to 1000km and using RFID tags, their breeders and owners can track their progress. If this sport is one you’re keen to witness, be sure to visit Montecasino