More than R100 000 raised for rhinos
Gutsy cyclists raise money for rhinos as they ride from Hillcrest to Hilltop Resort in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
TWENTY cyclists from the Cadence Cycling Performance Centre in Hillcrest completed what many would consider impossible.
On Saturday they tackled a 341km non-stop ride from Hillcrest to Hilltop Resort in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and finished it in an amazing 16-and-a-half hours.
By so doing they also raised R100 000 for Project Rhino KZN.
The cyclists left Hillcrest at 2am and arrived at Hilltop at 6.30pm after riding mostly off-road.
But the ride was touch and go as they left Centenary Centre at 4pm with still 30km to complete their ride.
The riders were accompanied by an armed field guide on the lead vehicle, who had to stop the riders as a white rhino was too close to the road and posed a threat to the cyclists.
The cloudy weather made for an early sunset and they were aware of the failing light and the dangers this could pose.
Besides sore muscles after more than 300km and the need to keep going before sunset, rain added to the riders’ discomfort.
The last riders made the treacherous final uphill to Hilltop resort just on 6.30pm amid cheers from the support crew and early finishers.
The cyclists enjoyed a good night’s rest and were taken on a game drive on Sunday morning, sponsored by Thompson’s Tours.
