Amanzimtoti Cycling Club rises to new heights
If we can get more people involved in cycling, it would be great.
To add to the excitement of racing around the mountain bike trails at Amanzimtoti Sports Centre (ASC), riders can now traverse a 56-metre long elevated bridge. Winding up to 2.7-metres, with an average height of 2.5-metres, the new addition to the track was the brainchild and sweat of Amanzimtoti Cycling Club (ACC) chairman, Barry Walker. “I saw a similar one at San Lameer and thought it would be great to have one in Toti. I started building it about two months ago, but the faster I built, the quicker they stole it.” Made up of about 250 wooden slats, the bridge is open for riders to enjoy, although Barry still has to replace the handrails which have been ‘re-appropriated’, at an additional cost to his pocket, that has covered all the materials. If any business would like to cover the cost of building the bridge, it can scoop naming rights and marketing space. With riders’ safety paramount, the poles holding the weight of the bridge have been cemented into the ground. “This is for Toti. I have a passion for this and I love riding there. We want to get as many children as possible riding on the trails. The more people riding there, the safer it is. If we can get more people involved in cycling, it would be great.” READ ALSO: Amanzimtoti Mambas tackle first MTB race He started work on the 6km long loop about 10 years ago. The 2017 storm wrecked havoc on the work he had already completed, but he set about rebuilding the bridges, which now number six with the new addition. He has also built three wooden berns around the track, a jump and seesaw. The trails are not only for MTB riders, but runners, walkers and dog walkers are encouraged to utilise it. ASC just requests that users pick up after themselves and if you would like to contribute to the continuous upkeep, to donate using the Zapper boards placed around the park. With the CCPO based at ASC, two guards patrol the park during the day for added security. ACC’s Halloween night ride, when the bridge was to be officially opened, unfortunately had to be cancelled due to inclement weather, but the club hosts another one on Saturday, 28 November from 6.30pm. “As this is a fundraiser for Amanzimtoti SPCA, entry fee is a tin or bag of dog or cat food. You must wear a helmet and have a headlight on your bike. You can ride around the track as many times as you like. We will have fires lit at the club to braai afterwards, as well as a bonfire.” READ ALSO: Amanzimtoti racer targets number 1 next season https://youtu.be/VhigULVTTaQ DID YOU KNOW? Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047 The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there? Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. (Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
