In what can only be called a tragedy for the sport, Mankele Mountain Bike Park as we know it, will from Monday, no longer exist.

By virtue of its world-class trails, it has become the training playground for SA’s top riders and was on the verge of becoming SA’s favourite place to mountain bike.

The adrenalin-pumping trails have an excellent balance: from lung-bursting climbs, disc-burning descents, nail-biting north shore, to big drops, river crossings and fast, smooth single tracks. There is something for everyone, no matter what riding skill, fitness level or age. But, unfortunately the sun has now set on an era after 12 years and Mankele has become yet another casualty of the current economic climate.

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Together Geoff Anderson, Greg Anderson and Mark Meyer brought Mankele into existence in 2007. “The Lowveld has grown over the past years and so has mountain biking. This sport has become such a huge part of my life and Mankele has become a household name in the Lowveld, not just for riders, but for schoolchildren as well. It has become one of the top destinations for school camps. I must admit, getting the kids muddy, sweaty and watching them overcome their fears has been a highlight of being at Mankele,” Meyer, who now stays in George, previously told Lowvelder.

“Despite our best efforts, it will be closing its doors to the public on October 12,” Geoff, co-owner, recently announced. Being the much-loved venue that it is, campers, cyclist and adventurers flooded Mankele’s social media page with solution to keep its doors open, vowing to shake their own pockets to ensure its future.

“Although we appreciate the support, we have to cut our losses – Mankele’s just not making money,” Geoff said, adding that it was a difficult, but inevitable business decision. “With the absence of school groups and holidaygoers, the facility has been running at a loss after trying to make it profitable for the past six months. We will now consider our options and relook the business model, but until further notice, Mankele is no more. There just isn’t a quick fix,” he said.

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Many vowed to increase their support, among countless proposals to increase efficiency. To that, Geoff responded that flooding the facility will cause a hustle and bustle, spoiling Mankele’s whole vibe.

“We really wanted to save it, but everything comes at a cost. We want to take this opportunity to thank everybody for the loyal support and years of fun-filled memories.” Director of Mountain Biking SA, Brett Coates called it a huge loss for local mountain biking.

“Mankele has been a benchmark mountain biking destination in SA. It will be solely missed, but I don’t think this is the end of the era. I’m sure we’ll see Mankele back on the map again, in the not-so-distant future.”