Mud and mist at Hyde’s Movember Funduro

Greg Hodgkin and JJ Peter received gold medals at Hyde’s Movember Funduro at Killarney Farm on Saturday. The event formed part of a fun ride and coaching school marathon, which lasted two days.

A cloudy sky covered the mountains at Schoemanskloof creating the perfect backdrop to the morning’s ride as between 40 and 50 riders gathered to take on the 25km endurance challenge.

“This is not a race, it’s just a fun ride,” said organiser Terence Hyde. “There are no first and second places. Riders who complete five laps receive gold medals; three laps get silver and two, bronze.” Warwick Mason, Brendan Benade, Doug Sutton, Jamie Watt, Mike Prinsloo and Amy Sutton completed four laps.

There were three route options: the regular endurance route was marked with orange, while red marked the most challenging route and green the safest. All three routes traversed the overgrown bush and flowing streams.

Some children enjoyed themselves on the jumping castle while others geared up to tackle the track. Armand Fourie is one of them and this 11-year-old did not make it through the bush unscathed. One of the first obstacles of the track was a stream, swelled by rain, followed by a steep uphill climb and both Armand and his dad struggled to resuscitate their bikes after they were caught in the water. However, willpower prevailed and the duo was back on their ponies in a few minutes.

Well-known South African riders Darryl Curtis and Louwrens Mahoney were among the top achievers of the day. “I know the route,” said Mahoney. “It’s a really nice track with challenging up-hills, rocky crossings and grass patches. The track has been nicely prepared and it’s a beautiful ride.”

Mahoney, Mbombela’s own champion who has been riding for 20 years, took on the daunting red route and completed four laps. Assisted by Darryl Curtis, who has been a top name among bike riders for many years, Mahoney led the coaching school which took place on Sunday.

The riding school took place on a sunny Sunday and comprised six and a half hours of Mahoney and Curtis teaching younger riders new techniques and helping them improve on their weaknesses. First the riders attended a theory class after which they had to practice their newly acquired knowledge.

“It’s all in good fun,” said Terence,“ and it’s an opportunity for riders to practice techniques and challenge themselves in ways they wouldn’t otherwise do.”
The next event will be the Hyde 30th Anniversary Challenge on the April 11. For more information and bookings, contact Tarryn le Roux at tarryn@hyde.co.za