Riders brave the dirt for charity

At the Paradors Mountain Bike Challenge at Crocodile Gorge on August 2, riders will brave the dirt, dust and wild nature of this race to give back to the community with some extreme racing on the Paradors Game Ranch. 

“This is an initiative of the NG Kerk Moedergemeente which started in a cell group. It rapidly spread to the other sectors of the church.

This year is going to be bigger and better than ever with Nelspruit Hospice, Huis Bethlehem and TRAC (Trans African Concessions) also being part of this initiative,” said Koos Rautenbach, the marketer of the event. 

It will also feature off-bike activities with farm stalls, a carnival and other family activities to make sure that everyone enjoys a cycling weekend like no other. 

The race is entirely unique as it takes place on a game ranch with wild tracks, single routes, hills and of course the odd buffalo or giraffe lurking as an interested spectator from time to time.

“It presents an opportunity to all the riders to test their Tour de France mountain- climbing skills,” said organiser, Johan Augustyn.

“We have buffalo, zebra, blue wildebeest and other species on this farm which give the rider a unique experience. 

The well-organised event seems to grow each year with up to 250 entrants in this year’s race. One of these is the legendary long-distance mountain biker and businesswoman, Hannele Steyn. 

Steyn is an exceptional athlete who has Springbok colours in mountain biking, road cycling, biathlon, triathlon and duathlon. She is the only woman in the world to have completed the toughest mountain-bike stage race – the Absa Cape Epic as well as winning the mountain biker of the year award in 2003 on top of countless other achievements. 

For the diehards and adrenalin junkies there is the precarious 50km extreme race. 

“It is really difficult, there are many loose rocks on the terrain and some insanely steep hills. The 35km race is challenging and recommended for intermediate to advanced riders,” Augustyn added. 

Luckily, there is a 12km fun race for those who want to have an easier but still enjoyable ride. “We are also very blessed that the medical personnel are offering their expertise for free in order for more funds to go to charity. It is a really selfless gesture which adds to the positive cause of this event,” said Augustyn.