MOUNTAIN bikers heading to the Himeville-Underberg region at the end of the month can look forward to a wealth of spectacular Southern Drakensberg views and a rare trip to the top of the iconic Sani Pass at the 2016 Fedauto Sani Dragon on Friday 30 September and Saturday 1 October.
Offering participants the option of taking on the longer Sani Dragon or shorter Sani Dragon Lite, the two-day event’s breathtaking route combines a variety of mountain biking terrains with the region’s distinctive landscapes and vistas in a challenging yet manageable and rewarding format.
Bar the difference in distances daily, the Sani Dragon and the Sani Dragon Lite offer riders markedly similar rider experiences.
“Day one is all about showcasing the district from a mountain biking perspective. Dragon riders complete an extra 18km loop compared to the Lite competitors but other than that, the longer and shorter events are exactly the same and take riders along a variety of jeep track, farm roads, cattle paths and forest single track. The second stage is a bit shorter than the first and since last year, we’ve taken a seriously technical section out. The first ten kilometres on day two are extremely fast but with the Dragon riders still to make the incredible trip up Sani Pass – one that most certainly will still test both the legs and the lungs – it would be wise for riders not to push too hard early on,” explains co-race organiser, Doug Abbey.
While the clock stops at the South African Border Post for those involved in the Sani Dragon Lite, Sani Dragon competitors conclude their race upon summiting Sani Pass before making their way back down to the bottom at their leisure.
Entries for the 2016 Fedauto Sani Dragon in association with Mortimer Toyota can be submitted and more information found at www.sanidragon.co.za.