The Lowveld Enduro Club is one of the biggest in the country and offers no fewer than 17 categories at these events, to ensure opportunities for everyone to participate and grow the sport. For the start and finish, this year’s LEC Hazyview Enduro offered all-new routes, criss-crossing the Horse Whisper farmland.
The experienced Jamie Watt was the chief route designer for this event and judging by the comments of some of the 210 entrants after the event, he did his reputation justice by presenting the participants with a range of challenges throughout the race. The red route was sprinkled with hillocks and generous helpings of rock toppings. Rocks, dust, and heat were just some of the major elements that would play a role in testing the endurance and skills of every rider on every one of the routes. Neither the weather nor the route design was going to play nursemaid to the competitors.
Competitors in the red class were the worst off, as keeping it together without using too much fuel or burning clutches was a challenge in itself. This event once again proved that a properly prepared bike is essential if you want to finish any of the Lowveld enduro events. The enduro stalwart, Jack Brotherton, was the only entrant in the grand master category and completed his two loops on the red route within the allotted time. His time was eight hours and 46 minutes.
In the Pro Elite class, Barend Erasmus claimed the top spot, followed by Heinrich Aust and Dwayne Kleynhans. The best reward, whether competitors finished the race or not, was probably that cold one when riders arrived back in the pits – of course, a back rub and massage was the ultimate comfort.
Photos: Kevin Scott.
