Barberton’s spectacular mountain bike race promises something for everyone
The route will take riders through a UNESCO World Heritage Site and some of the richest gold mining areas in the world.
Lowveld mountain bikers can look forward to one of South Africa’s most challenging, beautiful and diverse routes on January 28, at the 27th annual Mopani Pharmacy Barberton XCM Mountain Bike Challenge.
The Barberton XCM is known in the cycling community to be one of the best organised and toughest one-day mountain bike races in South Africa, and the Rotary Club of Barberton (RCB) is proud to announce that the race now returns to its original date, having taken place in May for the past two years due to Covid-19.
This well-known race offers cyclists five distances from which to choose: 110km, 78km, 50km, 30km and 20km. Each route will challenge the riders and their fitness levels.
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The organisers and main sponsors of the event, Mopani Pharmacy, invites all cyclists, young and old, weekend warriors, ‘racing snakes’ and anyone with any form of bicycle, including e-bikes, to join in the fun. Spectators are also welcome.
The routes will expose riders to various terrain types, from water crossings to single track and from rocky ascents to fast descents. The course takes riders through the Greenstone Wildlife Estate and some of the richest goldmines in the world. There is something for every preference.
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Cyclists will cycle on routes that are not open to the public and will pass through a Unesco World Heritage Site and the spectacular Mountainlands Nature Reserve.
If you still have any breath left at the top of the mountain, the incredible scenery will be sure to take the rest of it away.
RCB utilises the funds raised by the event to support locals who are in need. Initiatives include donating food and groceries to a local old age home and giving meals for schoolchildren.
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Prebookings and online entries close on January 25, whereafter cyclists can register at Mopani Pharmacy at the Crossing Shopping Centre, Mbombela, on January 27 between 10:00 and 13:00.
You can also register at Hoërskool Barberton on January 27 between 15:00 and 21:00, and on Janurary 28 between 05:30 and 21:00.
Online registration is still open at www.barbertonxcm.co.za.
