Mountain biking challenge aims to raise funds for transport for young learners for transport

Gathering on a sunny Saturday, the Leeuwkop Mountain Bike Challenge saw many young and old cyclists and trail runners take part in difficult trail races for a worthy cause.

November 21, 2022

Khomotso Makgabutlane 1 minute read

Chantel Rouhotas and Rene Winter fist bump as they cross the finish line. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

For the third year, cyclists and runners gathered to raise funds at the Asidlale Adventure Trails in Leeuwkop for young cyclists in rural areas.

Started by Minister of the Department of Justice and Correctional Services and avid cyclist Ronald Lamola, the focus of the Leeuwkop Mountain Bike Challenge is to raise funds to introduce young children to the sport of cycling.

Participants cycled either 5km, 10km, 30km or 45km and could use the race as a practice race for the upcoming Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg race set to take place on November 20. There was also run a 5km or 10km trail run in the challenge.

With transport for learners in rural and urban areas an ongoing issue in the country, bicycles have been re-introduced as a safe, healthy and reliable source of transport. The funds raised on the day will continue the efforts in securing mountain bikes for young children to use to travel to and from school.

The Fourways Review journalist Khomotso Makgabutlane attended the challenge and captured moments of the morning.