XCM launch attracts an enthusiastic field

Despite the cold, wet weather, the Barberton Rotary Club’s XCM launch went ahead as planned on Saturday. This event was meant to create awareness of the Mountain Bike Classic which will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. This race is also one of the oldest and first official mountain-bike races in the country.

At 07:00 12 invited mountain bikers – mostly pros-and sponsors, departed from the grounds of Barberton High School on a 75-kilometre ride which took them through some of the most scenic routes up the Makhonjwa Mountains, through nature reserves, past dams and very close to the Swaziland border.

There were 15 entries for the 30-kilometre race, which was open to all, and these riders left at approximately 08:00.
One of the highlights of the day was definitely the mini mountain-bike challenge which was held at the school grounds in conjunction with Barberton Nursery School. This race was open for children aged two to 12.

About 30 children participated on everything from scooters to normal bicycles.
The two routes, and especially the ramp, proved very popular and every participant received a chocolate medal for their participation after the race. This was only a trial, but proved so popular that it was decided to include it in next years’ programme.
After the race, the Rotarians treated the invited guests to a tour of the geotrail. Before coming back down, sundowners and prego rolls were served by the Rotary Anns on the mountain.

The day concluded at the restaurant of the high school with an informal braai and the rugby World Cup on the big screen.
“The day was really a great social event and everyone enjoyed it immensely. The feedback received from the participants was that it was some of the best hospitality that they had ever encountered,” said Marina Coetzee who assisted with the marketing.
Entries are now open for the XCM Cross Country Marathon race which will take place on January 30.
Entries are handled by Cycle Events or cyclists may enter by visiting the website at www.barbertonxcm.co.za

Teams can also enter any of the following distances:
20km; 30km; 48km; 77km; 110km.
Next year’s route will also be adjusted to include extra single tracks.
There are still a few opportunities for sponsors to get on board. Interested parties can contact the Rotary on 082-455-1765 or email info@barbertonxcm.co.za.

The president of Barberton Rotary, George Pearse, conveyed a special thank you to Sappi, Danroc, Greenstone Wildlife estate, Mountainlands Nature Reserve and Jeddo Stud which allowed the bikers to make use of their trails.
They also thanked the cyclists from Mbombela who participated, as well as guest houses Jathira, Royal Sheba, Barberton Guesthouse (Androtties) and Oppikoppi for their hospitality. “Thank you also to NTT Toyota, Barberton Ford and the traffic department that are always willing to lend a helping hand.”