Ballito riders pedal to the metal at uBhejane Xtreme MTB

Ten Ballito cyclists took part in the 2019 uBhejane Xtreme MTB Challenge on Saturday and riders enjoyed favourable conditions for the various rides to Hilltop Camp in the Hluhluwe/Mfolozi National Park.

Over R600 000 was raised and organisers are expecting that number to rise as donations are still coming in.

One local cyclist was former Sharks player and Ballito resident, Joe Pietersen, who described the race as a fun but challenging one.

“One might think 100km on a bike is nothing, but it is very challenging. However, 30km towards the end, it was epic as we got to see members of the big five. It was my second time taking part in this race and I will definitely be taking part again next year,” said Pietersen.

The three-day ride set off on Thursday on the route from Hillcrest while the other four events set off at various times on Saturday.

The 330km ride left Hillcrest at around midnight on Saturday, while the 250km ride set off from Umvoti a few hours later.

The 110km ride began at Canefields while the 30km ride, which included the voice of cycling himself Phil Liggett, comprised of the section from the Centenary Centre to Hilltop Camp through the reserve.

With relatively cool conditions and a favourable tailwind, the demanding 330km ride was made slightly easier than it has in the past.

Former Cell C Sharks and Springbok centre Jeremy Thomson was back for the third year at this year’s event and said it did not get any easier but it was the people who made it more than bearable.

“I think we must have had the most favourable conditions this year. We have had torrential rain, extreme heat and strong headwinds in the past but this year was great. We had a really helpful tailwind towards the end when it started getting really tough. We had such a good group of people taking part and everyone did their bit when it became tough,” said Thomson.

There were times when he had to remember the reason why he was taking on this challenge.

“You go through some dark patches. But that is when you focus on the rhinos and conservation to help you through. It was made a lot easier by the group of riders that we had and that makes a big difference when you are in a dark place.”

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