Toti trio complete marathon Baviaanskloof MTB event
They admitted it was a tough event of riding and unbearable cold throughout the night, but all thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to tackling next year's Trans Baviaans.
AMANZIMTOTI mountain bikers Shaun Tischendorf, Graeme Yates and André Hooijberg tackled and completed the ‘original and toughest single stage race in the world’, the Trans Baviaans Mountain Biking Marathon on Saturday, 18 August.
The 24-hour mountain bike marathon is a single stage race of 230km from Willowmore in the heart of the Eastern Cape Karoo, through the world heritage site and remote Baviaans Kloof, and finishes in South Africa’s surfing capital, Jeffreys Bay.
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“The race started in 2004 and has since offered extremely challenging but rewarding cycling among spectacular scenery through the mountain ranges and the wilderness area of the Baviaans Kloof wilderness area. Because this is a team event of two to four riders, the event is very different to that of a normal mountain bike race,” explained Shaun’s wife, Nicky Tischendorf.
“The race is also unique as the entire route is unmarked, testing the orientation skills of the riders, especially as for most of the race, teams will be riding through the night using a very good headlight. It is truly a test of character and endurance and building camaraderie among the teams.”
This year saw local bravehearts Shaun, Graeme and André conquer the grueling race. The trio completed the race in 15 hours 30 minutes, arriving at the finish at 1.30am. They admitted it was a tough event of riding and unbearable cold throughout the night, but all thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to tackling next year’s Trans Baviaans.
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