Daring duo tackle Xtreme Ultimate MTB challenge
AS entries continue to stack up for the gruelling 340km uBhejane Xtreme MTB Challenge on Saturday 8 December, Olympic medallist, Terence Parkin, has upped the ante by competing in the first Ultimate uBhejane ride of 570km with Kloof rider, Dave Duke. The pair will start the newly added three-day ride from Hillcrest to Hluhluwe’s Hilltop …
AS entries continue to stack up for the gruelling 340km uBhejane Xtreme MTB Challenge on Saturday 8 December, Olympic medallist, Terence Parkin, has upped the ante by competing in the first Ultimate uBhejane ride of 570km with Kloof rider, Dave Duke.
The pair will start the newly added three-day ride from Hillcrest to Hluhluwe’s Hilltop Camp. Once they complete the first two days and 230 kilometres, they will return to Hillcrest to join the rest of the riders for the one-day 340km trek to Hluhluwe.
Terence, who is deaf, is no stranger to ultra-distance events and has completed a 902km ride for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, finished multiple Midmar Miles and finished with the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon in 2018.
“I love a challenge!” said the Durban athlete. “The harder the better.”
Terence said that he was passionate about supporting rhino conservation, and said his motivation to take the tough 340km ride and balloon that distance to 570km over three days was his growing outrage at the ongoing rhino poaching.
“I hate injustice and cruelty in any form,” he said. “I guess I am stubborn. That’s why I am happy to throw my weight behind the challenge and take it to the next level.”
Terence is in great shape as he trains every day, clocking long hours on the bike every week.
Terence was approached by another ultra-distance rider Dave Duke, who has been part of every edition of the uBhejaneX since its inception, and the duo quickly hatched the plan for the first ever uBhejaneX Ultimate ride of 570km.
“I needed a wing man. Terence is as mad as I am and he jumped at it,” he added. “He is such a great athlete and a humble gentleman. And he is as tough as nails. It will be quite a week,” added the Kloof resident.
Those interested in taking part may apply to enter, donations can be submitted and more information can be found via the event’s website, www.ubhejanex.org.
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