Riders revel on extreme course
The course was set up over 30km, and riders had to traverse rivers, sand, moss covered rocks and even a waterfall.
MOST bikers would give their eye teeth to compete at an event like the Red Bull Romaniacs. It has been described as off-road biking on steroids, and is an extreme form of the sport.
But now, thanks to the vision of Cameron McBean and Bronson Louw, amateur bikers can experience something similar to it but a whole lot closer to home.
And boy did they ever – at the Powasol Umzumbe Extreme held on five farms at the back of Southport last Saturday.
“It’s basically a fun ride, giving the ‘weekend wobblers’ the opportunity of riding without the pressure of racing,” said Cameron. “A lot of guys are never going to get the chance to go overseas and race one of these events.”
“Look, we did have prize-money to attract some of the bigger names in order for them to test their skills on our track, but it’s basically set up to give regular riders a feel of what it is like to take part in an event like the Romaniacs,” he said.
The course was set up over 30km, and riders had to traverse rivers, sand, moss covered rocks and even a waterfall.
“We threw everything at them,” said Cameron, with the hint of a ‘wicked grin’.
Of the 142 riders that entered, only 44 finished. “I actually didn’t expect that many to complete the course,” said Cameron, “but the boys were determined.”
Travis Teasdale was first home in about two hours and 10 minutes. The last rider finished in the dark, taking just over 10 hours.
Family, friends and other spectators flocked to the track to watch the drama unfold. They took in not only the great riding, but some spectacular views.
“It wasn’t only about riding, it was a family day too,” said Cameron.
Judging by the response from the riders, it seems to have been a success, with Cameron already getting requests from riders saying they want to enter next year.
Some of the funds raised will be ploughed back into the local community. “We’ll be looking at giving something to charity, perhaps a local school where some children need fees, lunches or text books,” said Cameron.
Leading finishers: 1 Travis Teasdale; 2 Brett Swanepoel; 3 William Gillet; 4 Ryan Wagner; 5 Damian Scott; 6 Dalan Hall; 7 Dylan Baker; 8 Luke Williams; 9 Darryl James; 10 Scott Scheepers; 11 Chayse Orsmond; 12 Riaan van der Walt; 13 Tristan Robins; 14 Stuart Gregory; 15 Sean Hunter; 16 Jody Engelbrecht; 17 Calvin Wright; 18 David Visagie.
