Riding through a rainbow

Holla Trails hosted its annual mountain bike race, the Golovane, this weekend as part of the inaugural Aramex Holla Trails Colour Festival, which was the first of its kind in the area.

Over 600 people made the trip to the festival and around 400 people competed in both the mountain bike and trail runs.

The main attraction was the Golovane, a 50 kilometre off-road mountain bike race through sugar cane fields between Holla Trails and Rain Farm game lodge.

The event was hosted at Living Earth, which is just outside of Umhlali. There was plenty to do for the whole family with a beer and food tent, a kids village to keep the little ones occupied and live music to keep the mood light.

Competitors could choose between the 50km and 25km trail ride and a 7km and 14km trail run. Some extreme athletes did both.

What made the festival special were the colour zones along the trails, where volunteers and family members showered riders and runners in holi colour powder.

Holla Trails trail master Cameron Service said he was really happy with the turn out.

“Considering that the event was on the same day as the Mr Price Pro and the Durban July, it was amazing to see so many people come out in support.”

“The colour festival concept was really popular and it was great to see people covered in powder.

“It was also great to see a local boy, Joshua Nelson win the 50 km race, as he is only 17,” said Service.

Cayde Muldoon came first in the 25km trail ride, Christopher Muller won the 14km trail run and Shaun Dixon won the 7km trail run.