THE 2019 edition of the uBhejaneX MTB Challenge from Hillcrest to Hluhluwe from 5-7 December in aid of rhino conservation has set a new record entry.
The event offers riders three different options with the flagship 330km Long Horn, one-day ride from Hillcrest to Hilltop Camp in the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve being the pinnacle. However riders also have a more manageable 250km Short Horn ride, 110km Baby Horn ride and a 30km Orphan ride.
In 2018 organisers introduced a three-day ride where riders follow a very similar route to the 330km event, but with two overnight stops in Zinkwazi and Empangeni before the final push to Hluhluwe.
In the past five years the uBhejaneX MTB Challenge has raised over R2 million for rhino conservation.
In order to take part in the event, riders have to raise a minimum of R5000 each for the various beneficiaries and are then encouraged to raise as much money outside of that R5000 as possible in the build-up to the ride.
ALSO READ: Pledge your support for rhinos
Entries for all four events are filling up rapidly with the 250km ride proving to be the most popular and if riders intend on taking on this distance they should make sure they get their entry in as soon as possible.
The event can accommodate between 100 and 110 riders and the spots are close to full. The money that is raised from the uBhejaneX will be donated to Project Rhino and Helping Rhinos, two organisations that do crucial work in the Zululand area of KZN in rhino poaching awareness, education and prevention.
uBhejaneX helps fund four different divisions of Project Rhino. Money raised goes towards the ZapWing, K9 Unit, Horse Unit and the Rhino Art initiative. Other supported initiatives are ranger training, community engagement, thermal imaging equipment, helping the surviving rhinos and also supporting the rhino orphanage that has been set up in the region.
This year South African adventurer Sibusiso Vilani will return to take on the 100km Baby Horn. Vilani has been a strong supporter of the event since its inception and riders will have the opportunity to hear the stories of his experiences of scaling the largest peaks in the world. Those interested in taking part may apply to enter, donations can be submitted and more information can be found via the event’s website, www.ubhejanex.org.
Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.
To receive our free newsletter click here.
