WATCH: New Riverfields mountain bike trail proves to be very popular
There was also a fierce challenge among serious cyclist.
The Riverfields mountain bike open day in Glen Marais on Saturday saw residents coming out in numbers to find out for themselves what this trail is all about.
The day attracted professional cyclists, families and cyclists from local schools.
Conraadt van den Heever, director of Pain Cave, a Kempton Park-based cycling studio that is running the trail near Plumbargo Business Park, said the day started out with perfect weather conditions.
“From around 8am the track became a hive of activity with cyclists and supporters arriving. Everything happened under the watchful eye of Target Security that ensured the safety of the riders. Target Security donated first aid kits to the 100 riders and fed everyone boerewors rolls,” Van den Heever said.
Madga van der Walt, a cycling team organiser at Hoërskool Kempton Park ,said the trail would help young riders to harness their riding skills even more.
“It will make it so much easier. Our closest facility to train is in Boksburg, which is quite difficult to get the kids to after school. We are very grateful for this trail because it is just down the road,” Van der Walt said.
Tommie Grobler of Merida said: “Our main aim is to support the local community and local bike shops. We realise we need to start at grassroots level, because we want to help young cyclists in schools to improve their cycling.”
Van den Heever thanked other sponsors: “Cartrack sponsored the day with cold drinks, PVM provided endurance and recovery supplements and Cytek brought demo Titan bikes that could be ridden to allow riders to experience the bike and trail.
“The track was in perfect condition thanks to Letsatsi Hire, who supplied earth moving machinery that was originally used to cut the trails and continue to maintain it. Riders have a choice of a 3km green beginner’s loop, a 10km blue intermediate loop and a 17km advanced loop,” Van den Heever said.
He said competitive cyclists had fierce competition on Saturday as they challenged each for race snakes.
The results were: Willie van Eck (41.40), Dion Guy (42.25), Conraadt van den Heever (43.28), Pierre Griffioen (43.59), Chris Cronje (44.04), Anton Nel (44.06), Rudi Janse van Rensburg (44.07), Ron Scheepers (44.08) and Travis de Lange (44.32).
For more information, call Van den Heever on 082 490 4875.
