Amashova cyclists undaunted by weather

This year, the 27th Amashova Durban Classic welcomed more than 10 000 jubilant riders from across the country to participate in the 106 kilometer mass cycle, regarded as the safest and most popular event in the province.

A group of cyclists from Newcastle Wheelers Cycle Club took to the road again to ride to the ‘start’, the 25 cyclists departing from Newcastle Swimming Pool at 5am for Wagendrift Dam, their first overnight stop. With temperatures soaring to as high as 42 degrees Celsius, cyclists endured periods of staggering heat, drinking more than backup vehicles could provide.

Although Saturday was cooler, more tough hills provided cyclists the chance to take it a little further as they reached Pietermaritzburg via Mooi River and Hilton, attempting to recover from the heat and the wind. On Sunday, however, all the local cyclists started to batch according to seeding.

It had rained overnight and the idea of riding in cold, rainy conditions made some of the riders consider the sun was in fact the better option. However, the day was cool and most reached Durban without any rains. Gwyn Pine (Mr Price) and Esra Greyvensteyn (Pretoria) also joined in the tour with Wheelers, as well as four other riders who joined up on Friday morning, having started at Ermelo on Thursday.

Club chairman, Peter de Bruyn completed the entire tour without a timing chip. He congratulated all the club riders who made the arduous trip Pietermaritzburg to compete, as well as those who finished the 360km ride.