Guts and glory for rhinos
Hillcrest to Hilltop Non-stop Ride in support of anti-rhino poaching in KZN
THE heat took its toll on the riders participating in the second Hillcrest to Hilltop Non-stop Ride during the weekend, with 25 riders completing the route.
The event is not a race, but is more an endurance event, with the riders staying in a single pelaton as they knock off the kilometres in support of anti-rhino poaching activities in KZN.
Fifteen riders left Hillcrest at 2am, while another group left Zinkwazi at 3am, but all had one goal in mind – reaching Hilltop Resort in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve before nightfall.
Fighting fatigue and temperatures in the region of the low 40°Celcius made for a tough ride.
One rider needed medical treatment owing to the heat and thanks to the quick response from Bhubesi EMS, who supplied their services free of charge, the patient was quickly on his road to recovery.
The self-funded ride was in aid of Project Rhino KZN projects.
Last year’s ride raised over R120 000 which was used for the training of 400 Rhino Ambassadors.
Riding stats
Hennie Kriek, a rider from Limpopo, gave the data of his ride, which makes interesting reading
Distance: 334km
Actual total riding time: 15 hours
Climbing: 3 682m
Temperature range: 30-40°C
Calories burnt: 13 433
Average speed: 23km/h
Average heart rate: 131
Drinks: 13 litres water, Coke and Powerbar electrolytes
Food: 1 banana bread, 4 bananas, 2 apples, 2 apricots, 2 protein bars and three boiled eggs
