Blazing a new trail

Mountain bikers should get those chaines oiled for an exciting new mountain bike race at the end of March.

The Marriott Freedom Race is an exciting new event on the mountain biking calendar and celebrates the 25 year anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison on March 28 and 29.

The race accommodates serious cyclists and recreational riders, looking for a fun day out. Riders can choose between a two day stage race for two-person teams or a single day individual ride.

The stage race is made up of two 60 km races (total 120 km) and the single stage race will be ridden over a shorter 30 km course.

Day one kicks off at the Umhlali Country Club and makes its way through the scenic rolling hills of the North Coast towards Umhlanga, finishing at Umhlanga College.

Day two rolls out from Umhlanga College inland towards the mountains, across old and new tracks, along the Umgeni River and the Durban Promanade making for an unforgettable adventure.

After crossing the finish line at the Suncoast sundeck, riders can spend the afternoon relaxing with family and friends, enjoying the entertainment and prize giving which takes place at 1pm.

Refreshments will be sold and team entrants can enjoy a well-deserved leg massage at the finish.

A portion of the entry fees will be donated to the Durban Green Corridor Youth MTB programme, which aims to develop and involve the youth in environmental and economic programmes, linking to ecological understanding and an appreciation of clean nature.

Registration and race briefing will take place at the Freedom Expo at Suncoast from 10am to 5pm on Friday, March 27. More information is available at www.freedomrace.co.za