Small track tests enduro riders’ skills

All enduros require a great deal of planning and hard work. The cutting of the route and quite an ungrateful job, done by Jurie Human.

Jurie is also an experienced rider with two teams. After two months he handed it over to Mark Tilburn, who became the chief marshal.

Mark had to accommodate all different types of riders and skill levels.

Most of the track was common route, but the more experienced riders were sent up more challenging routes just to keep them on their toes. The latter had two river crossings and bridges, which dictated that a bridge be built.

The track crossed the Marite and Sabie rivers twice. A low-water concrete bridge was used crossing over the Marite River, and the bridge that links Hippo Hollow Hotel and Elephant Whispers helped with the second Sabie River crossing.

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The pits for this year’s event were moved to Perry Citrus Estate. These are like no other – there is a Sabie River view and huge indigenous trees.

The spectators enjoyed the day with tasty food and fun activities. Registration was held at Hippo Hollow Hotel’s conference room.

What’s more, the hotel made a number of rooms available for the riders and their families. A wonderful place for that much-needed rest after the race.

This Imperial Nelspruit Toyota Hazyview Enduro was much smaller than the other events, with 141 entries which helped lessen the dusty conditions.

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Local boy Barend Erasmus finished first with Luke Walker in second after running out of fuel. He was towed back to the pit by a marshal where he refueled and lost time.

Bryce van Heerden, also battling with a bout of the flu, finished in third followed by Robert Garvie in fourth as a result of a few wrong turns and putting the bike down.

But the main event (yes, of course) was the 50cc and 65cc boys. These guys rode their track the whole day keeping moms and dads busy. This is very serious racing: everything was about those trophies handed over by their hero Louwrens Mahoney.

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The prize-giving took place at Hippo Hollow after the rugby. Lourens Mahoney, an enduro legend, handed out the prices to the riders.

There was also a lucky draw and great prizes up for grabs. A big thank you to Kym Alder, the club’s hands-on organiser, for arranging all the prizes and ensuring everything ran smoothly.

And please let’s have a shout out for landowner Jack Brotherton and the sponsors.