Amanzimtoti cyclist ready to hit the pedals
The best part about being in charge is making sure it runs correctly and benefits all its members.
Not one to sit idle, Amanzimoti Cycling Club (ACC) chairman, Barry Walker, 59, is hoping to saddle up as soon as the lockdown is over and hit the trails around Amanzimtoti Sports Centre.
He was instrumental in building the track and bridges since 2012. “I wanted to build it for our members to use, as well as runners and walkers and be able to host our annual mountain bike (MTB) race. The most challenging part has been repairing the bridges damaged by the floods. I haven’t been too worried while we have been in lockdown, as we will soon be able to be back and hopefully things have not grown over too much.”
Barry has been keeping the MTB withdrawal symptoms at bay by keeping in touch with his fellow club members via social media. He was born in Durban, attended Mansfield Primary School and matriculated at Glenwood. He is married and has two sons, David, 39, and Trevor, 37.
He is also a member of the Wildlife and Environment Society South Africa and lists photography as his hobby. “I enjoy gardening and during the lockdown I have been keeping busy by cleaning my garage and attending to my veggie gardens.”
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He been into MTB for the past 12 years and ACC chairman for seven years. “The best part about being in charge is making sure it runs correctly and benefits all its members. The worst or more challenging part is the politics. My highlight since becoming chairman was being part of building our own clubhouse.
Barry reckons his favourite spot to ride are the iNsingizi Lodge MTB trails and although he has never been a ‘roadie’, believes cyclists get a bad rep from motorists. “Maybe they hate to have to slow down and pass cyclists who are on the road and part of any other mode of transport.”
The club was fortunate to host an extremely successful club race in February before the coronavirus shut down all sports activities, so the lockdown should not impact it too much. “We will try our best to get through this pandemic and regroup, and continue to enjoy our riding.” To join the club, call Barry on 082-442-5208 or email clifton@mweb.co.za.
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