2018 uBhejane Xtreme one for the books
Riders braved extreme weather conditions as they took on over 340km in aid of Project Rhino and anti-poaching efforts on Saturday.
THE 2018 edition of the uBhejane Xtreme MTB Challenge saw riders brave some extreme weather conditions as they rode from Hillcrest to Hilltop Camp over 340km in aid of Project Rhino and anti-poaching efforts on Saturday.
Having set off from Hillcrest at 1am on Saturday morning the event is seen as one of the most gruelling mountain bike rides in the province, however the weather made sections of the ride that much more difficult.
South African adventurer Sibusiso Vilane took part in the 250km event, which was one of the five events on offer, and the task that he took on became a lot more challenging than he thought it might have, however he understood the importance of what he was doing.
PHOTO: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media
“I felt that when I got through the first 40km I had maxed out. It made me realise that they don’t call it the uBhejane Xtreme for nothing and it threw absolutely everything it could at us. The conditions made it so much more tough as there was a big storm on Friday night and there was a lot of mud on the roads. When it got tough I just reminded myself of why I am doing this and the importance of the cause we are representing. I just knew that the cause was way bigger than me and it was the motivation that I needed to keep on going,” he said.
Former Springbok and Cell C Sharks backline star Joe Pietersen was also involved in the event when he took on the 100km race.
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Pietersen is heavily involved in rhino conservation through his Nkombe Rhino campaign just outside Hoedspruit in Limpopo province where they protect rhinos from poaching and rolls out a dehorning programme.
“We eventually did 109km into Hilltop from Canelands in Empangeni and the last nine kilometres felt like another 109km! We had some great conditions early with some overcast weather and a bit of a tailwind but that quickly turned into a massive storm with thunder and lightning, but it was phenomenal!” Pietersen said.
The riders met at the entrance to Hluhluwe by legendary cycling commentary and the ‘Voice of Cycling’ Phil Liggett, who, with a group of riders, joined the field for the ceremonial ride of 35km to Hilltop camp.
Those interested in taking part in the next event may apply to enter and donations can be submitted via the event’s website, www.ubhejanex.org.
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