This past weekend, 13 mountain bike riders from Vryheid took to the hills on their bikes for the first day of a three-day tour through Zululand. The long stretch started on Saturday morning (October 31) from Vryheid, with the mountain bikers cycling past Grootgewacht Dam and over Zungwini mountain, past Natal Spa, up and over the hills towards Bivane Dam. A 65km journey through some of the most beautiful green mountains dotted with aloes and friendly locals. The team was eagerly greeted with great enthusiasm along the route as they made their way to their destination. It was a ride, not a race, and the camaraderie in the group was great, stopping frequently for snacks and drinks to give everyone the chance to catch up and enjoy the day. Thanks to the support vehicles of Dan and Adel that were at the right place at the right time every single time. The mountain bikers were met at Bivane Dam by friends and husbands / wives, and set up camp for the night. Thanks to Eugene, who planned the trip and for organising a great braai and hamburgers later that evening for the ever-hungry riders. On Sunday morning, after a hearty breakfast and after breaking up camp, they set out on the next 25km towards Madaka Game Reserve. They embarked on a total uphill climb of more than 830m in the short distance of 25km and it was a test of ‘vasbyt’ as the weather turned. When the team was at high altitude, they had to cycle the last 3km on a scary technical and very wet downhill stretch. Needless to say, the welcoming gestures they received from their supporters at Madaka, together with a hot meal of Venison pie which was especially prepared for them, made up for their endurance. A small group of six ‘vasbyters’ spent the last night at Madaka and took on the last 65km to Nkonjeni Lodge on Monday morning (November 2). Thank you so much to Eugene Bosch and his team for organising an amazing tour. The riders loved every moment of it. Keep an eye out for next week’s paper on the update of the last day’s ride. ALSO READ: A tough race for Vryheid MTB
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