Bikers to head off into the mountains
The 18th annual Barberton Mountain Bike Challenge, hosted by the local Rotary Club on January 25, promises to start the cycling 2014 calendar with a great new challenge for all cyclists.
The not-so-delicate challenge will be a rude
awakening for those who committed to eating over the festive season rather than
spending some time in the saddle. This exciting event has grown in popularity
over the years, resulting in one of the toughest mountain-bike events in South
Africa.
The race is open to cyclists of all ages, shapes and sizes – unfit,
fit and super fit.
It will consist of four categories, namely a fun ride of
20km, half-marathon of 45km, full marathon of 75km and an ultra marathon of
120km.
All races will start and end at the Barberton High School sport field.
With a festival-like atmosphere, there is much for the fans and supporters to do
while waiting for the cyclists to return.
This incredibly scenic trail takes
you up the Makhonjwa Mountains with majestic views over the De Kaap Valley,
through nature reserves, past dams and very close to the Swaziland border.
According to Nic Eksteen, president of the Barberton Rotary Club, this is
the perfect opportunity for cyclists to test their fitness and skill. Eksteen is
very excited about the changes to the current routes which include single
tracks, guaranteed to make it more exciting and challenging.
Pre-entries have
already opened on November 25 and you can enter at
www.cycleevents.co.za
For more information regarding accommodation in
town and tourist attractions, please contact Astrid on
082-959-6670 or email
astrid@barberton.co.za. Alternatively www.barberton.co.za. For details regarding
accommodation at Barberton High School’s hostel, contact Wandi Rovati on
013-712-3101.
