Treacherously thunderous, 7th uBhejane Xtreme MTB proves a challenge

Thunderstorms and muddy tracks combined to make this year’s edition of the uBhejane Xtreme MTB Challenge the most difficult yet.

Now its seventh year, the event brings together cyclists from across the country in aid of rhino conservation, with more than R2-million raised so far.

This year 9 riders, including 5 Ballito residents – Ben Killian, Natalie Bergstrom, Jeremy Lamb, Julian Bryant and Gary Doyle – took on the flagship Long Horn 350km event on December 12, with more than 60 taking part across all 4 events.

“The conditions could not possibly have been any tougher, we expected the wind to change direction during the day but instead we had a solid headwind all the way.

The storm seemed to hover over us for the entire ride,” said event co-ordinator Cliff Wills.

For Ben Killian the Long Horn cycle coincided with his 50th birthday.

“It was very special way to celebrate, riding with a lot of friends who have done it in the past and to help a good cause really capped it off,” he said.

The ride began in Hillcrest just after midnight, going through Wyebank onto the M5 and then via Verulam to Salt Rock, through the cane fields and onto the finish at Bonamanzi game reserve.

The ride did not finish without some difficulty, and a few route changes happened on the day so the cyclists could spend more time on tar in order to finish before nightfall.

“It was totally energy sapping slipping and skidding around on 130km of mud, so the decision to head for tar roads to Mtubatuba was an easy one to make,” said Wills.

Saturday also saw 3 other events of varying lengths, with riders of all fitness and skill levels able to join in on the fundraising.

As the light started to dim, Long Horn participants converged with the other shorter event riders later in the day where they could enjoy the easier, quicker ride through iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

There were no winners in the event and sticking together to help everyone over the line was the main focus as riders did their part for rhino conservation.

“Even with the rain it was still a fantastic experience for everyone, we will definitely be back next year,” said Killian.