MTB Challenge a stellar success

Once again the Barberton Rotary Club outdone itself as host of the annual Barberton XCM MTB Challenge.

Founded by the club 19 years ago, the then Barberton Mountain Bike Classic was among the oldest of the first official mountain-bike races held in South-Africa, becoming more popular throughout the years.

Saturday morning riders from far and wide arrived at the sports ground of Barberton High School to take part in this gruelling race which would test their endurance and expertise. All of them, although tired and sore after the event, had only praise for the organisers and those Barberton Times spoke to said they would definitely take part again next year.

Most of the participants make a weekend out of their stay, to visit heritage sites as well as the geotrail, which follows an attention-grabbing route.

At the school grounds sponsors set up stalls, promoting their brand names and products, Nic Eksteen, president of Barberton Rotary expressed his thanks to all the businesses and individuals who made the day possible.

So far, it was established that this year had 1 497 entries which far exceeded the expectations of everyone involved.

The rotary has not held its weekly meeting at the time of going to print and Barberton Times will publish a follow-up in the next edition.