Wild ride test skills and muscle to the utmost

Some had never ridden there before and others were looking forward to the challenge that was set out before them, knowing that Wildside can be a really rough ride. It was a demanding day (a day for the history books as some would say) for all, but they enjoyed every minute.

This is what Kyle Bradley Nel had to say about the ride: “Usually after strenuous exercise, the newly awakened muscles are most sore two days afterwards… I’m beginning to think I may have been dead because on this fine specimen of a Monday, everything, including my personality, is a bit slow to react!”
This tough route, laid out by Warwick Mason and Greg Hodgskin and the Lowveld Enduro Club team, made its annual appearance in the season’s history book. It was unrelenting, technical, scenic and a proper test of mental strength.

Route markings were spot-on, the mud holes were muddy and the prologue was not for the lazy, (I managed to lose my tool kit there). After the prologue, we set off into the mountains and valleys, full of rocks, on an off-camber single track, crossing various streams, climbing steep granite hills and tackling never-ending downhills, with all of the above seemingly on repeat.

The vast majority of the racing field did not finish the route/laps they had signed up for, myself included (one lap completed), because of the one thing all the riders agreed about, “There’s nothing easy about what we rode, finishing a lap is a win for each rider.”

All that aside, the Casterbridge, White River Enduro on April 11 promises to be a good one and with a little over two months of training time, should go a bit smoother.
A big thank you from all participants to everyone involve with organising this event inclusive of Eagle High Essential Oils for a stunning venue. A perfect combination of beauty with a sting in the tail (the event – that is)!

Results

Club 200
1. Travis Teasdale
2. Dwayne Kleynhans
3. Kenny Gilbert.

Club Silver
1. Brandon Petrie
2. Bryce van Heerden
3. Chris Bruwer.