Cycling with lions in Hluhluwe
Dolphin Coast locals Jasper van Wessem and Kevin Mackridge took 2nd and 3rd respectively, while Jill Lynch finished 2nd in the women's category
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve saw a different kind of animal gracing its wilderness as MTB riders descended upon the well loved park over the weekend.
The 13th edition of the Old Mutual Wild Series iMfolozi MTB Challenge took place in the game reserve with Simon Rollo winning the men’s category in 2hrs35 while Christie van der Ryst took the women’s race in a time of 3hrs13.
Dolphin Coast locals Jasper van Wessem and Kevin Mackridge took 2nd and 3rd respectively, while Jill Lynch finished 2nd in the women’s category.
Mackridge told The Courier this was his 4th time taking part in the challenge and that cycling in a national heritage site was always a pleasure.
“It is a tough route with a lot of ups and downs, making it quite a challenging 55km, but the views from the top of the climbs more than make up for it.”
The iMfolozi MTB Challenge allows riders to cycle through Big Five country, while at the same time contributing towards ongoing conservation efforts in the park.
On Saturday night the auction after the 55km ride raised a whopping R135 000 for orphaned rhinos. A fitting cause after participants passed the carcass of a poached rhino during the course of their ride. Happily, riders were also treated to the site of an elephant bull grazing in the reeds as they crossed the river at the final water point of the day.
Karen Thomas, Old Mutual Head of Brand, said this was one of the most spectacular MTB events the country has to offer.
“Thanks to the vision of Wildlands, the Wild Series events provide outdoor enthusiasts with the chance to not only run and cycle in special parts of the country, but also to contribute towards preserving our wilderness areas and wildlife.
“This is why Old Mutual partnered with Wildlands and Wild Series. We strongly believe in making a difference, and building a better future for all. Through events like the iMfolozi Challenge, we are able to achieve this in a way that is unique and fun at the same time.”
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