IT is almost time for the third uBhejane Xtreme Mountain Bike Challenge from Hillcrest to Hilltop Camp in the Hluhluwe game reserve.
Previously known as the Hill 2 Hill, the event held at the height of KZN’s summer and with a 16-hour cut-off time, is arguably the toughest one-day MTB ride in South Africa.
The date has been set for Saturday, 10 December, with no fewer than 50 participants joining in the social, but demanding trek.
Starting at 2am, the 340km Long Horn remains the ultimate endurance test while the ‘easier’ 240km Short Horn event offers a more fun ride at a more manageable pace, but still remains a tough challenge not to be sniffed at.
Self-funded
The uBhejane Xtreme is a self-funded ride that does not have an entry, but does require participants to cover their own expenses as well as raise a minimum of R5 000 to be donated to rhino conservation in the province.
More than R170 000 was raised in 2015 and more than R250 000 in total over the past two years, with all funds raised donated to the event’s official beneficiary, Project Rhino KZN, for their various rhino protection programmes.
Support vehicles, courtesy of Land Rover, will be on hand to provide assistance to riders, however to ensure the group makes camp by nightfall and limit the risk of being accosted by wild animals, stops are limited.
All participants spend the night at the magnificent Hilltop camp where they will enjoy a delicious dinner and a rare opportunity to listen to the renowned Kingsley Holgate before experiencing the uniqueness of waking up and enjoying breakfast in the spectacular African bushveld.
Celebrities
This year will also see a group of rugby legends joining the ride.
John Smit, Butch James, Jeremy Thomson and John Slade will all be participating.
They will be joined by Phil Liggett (Tour de France commentator), Sibusiso Vilane (summited Everest twice) and Kingsley Holgate (humanitarian and conservationist).
Besides Project Rhino KZN, other beneficiaries include Helping Rhinos, The Kingsley Holgate Foundation and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
The riders will be supported by primary partners Cadence Cycling Performance Centre, Land Rover, Gameplan Media and Zululand Pix, with further support from secondary partners Avis, Van Loveren Family Vineyards, Big Red Design Agency and 18 Pioneer Road Guest House.
Find out more about uBhejaneX by visiting the their website.
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