12 November 2022 – 10 km & 25 km MTB & KIDS
Grey, overcast skies and incessant drizzling overnight – it did not bode well for our MTB and KIDS riders. Would they come? Would the trails be rideable after all the rain? These were the thoughts we woke up with early this morning.
But we should never have doubted the indomitable spirit of the people of Joburg and surrounds. You stepped up to the challenge, and neither rain nor mud could dampen your ‘gees’. You were amazing!
The trails were wet, but they drained well and were completely rideable. We diverted the route slightly to bypass the low-lying areas along the river bank, which worked very well. It turned out to be great weather for cycling 😉
The 25 km A riders were off at 6h50 and blazed along the thrilling Steyn City trails averaging 25 km/h on a challenging route. Stephan Aldum took 1st place, with Zuan Jacobs in 2nd and Carter Barnes Olivier rounding out the podium in 3rd. Our ladies rode superbly as well. Bianca Botha took the win, Frances Fraser followed in 2nd, and Hannah Lansdell claimed third.
The 10 km race was next, and riders had a blast exploring the beautiful trails, pathways and scenery of Steyn City.
But the true stars of the day were our KIDS! They were dancing in the rain, splashing in the mud, and racing with abandon along the 1 km, 1.5 km, 3 km and 5.5 km routes! Congratulations to all our birds, meerkats, lions and elephants who bravely completed their race!
Our heartfelt thanks go to Steyn City for the use of their magnificent polo field to host families and mountain bikers for a day on their trails.
And that brings us to the end of a glorious day of MTB fun.Â
Tomorrow the 50 km riders will be lining up to take their turn on the trails. We’ll be cheering!Â
