Salt Rock welcomed 400 rain-soaked and mud-splattered mountain bikers to its shores as the week-long Old Mutual go2sea adventure came to an end.

The 600km mountain bike stage ride began in Clarens, Free State, on September 10 and finished on Salt Rock beach on September 17.

Riders followed a scenic route through the Berg, Karkloof Nature Reserve and the KZN Midlands before tackling the final leg from Wartburg to the North Coast.

Heavy rain forced organisers to shorten the Holla Trails section of the final stage, but riders still pushed through wet and muddy conditions to reach the finish line.

Despite being an amateur event, the race featured many accomplished and international riders, with the oldest competitor in the Diamond category aged 76.

Julius Cobbet won the men’s race, while Erin Shillaw took the women’s title.

Siyabonga Ntsele (24) was another standout performer, winning two stages and finishing third overall. He was awarded a new bicycle sponsored by the riding community and Old Mutual.

Beyond showcasing scenic terrain, go2sea gives back to communities along its route.

Race villages along the route are hosted by schools and local non-profit organisations and sponsored by go2sea.

The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund, in collaboration with Holla Trails, hosted a race village on the final day. Despite the downpour, volunteers kept spirits high as riders made their way towards Salt Rock.

Orphan Fund co-ordinator Charmaine Premlal said being involved provided valuable exposure for the fund.

“It was an amazing opportunity to further our footprint and bring the Orphan Fund to the attention of the organisers and sponsors,” she said.

Race organiser Craig Wapnick said the event allowed riders to experience South Africa in a way few people get to.

“It’s about experiencing the best of South Africa on your bike and connecting with people,” he said.