This annual event draws families and individuals from all over Gauteng.
There were those who registered online prior to the race, but latecomers had the opportunity to enter on the day.
The 60km race started at 8am, followed by the 35km, and the 10km race.
Organiser of the event Athol Davies says all the rules need to be obeyed.
“No helmet, no ride is the motto,” he says.
Carmel Peinke decided to take the 35km challenge and says she cannot understand why she always feel sick at the halfway mark.
The halfway mark is where the floating bridge is.
“I need to get a dietician’s advice on what to eat prior to the race,” she says.
Mashilo Mokotong, who is diabetic, says taking on this challenge is worth the effort.
Most cyclists challenged the floating bridge, but there were some who decided to take a detour around the the dam.
Philani Mkandla says the floating bridge was not an option for him.
Kai Pritzen was the first man to cross the 60km finish line.
He finished in 01:46:31.
Kai was also the 50km race winner in a time of 01:42:4 last year.
A mere 30 seconds later Andries Nigrini crossed in second place, in a time of 01:47:01.
Third place was taken by Marc Pritzen in 01:47:21.
Last year’s runner-up Deirdre Beukes took first place in the 60km women’s race.
She crossed the line in a time of 02:30:16.
Her runner-up was Val Weldon in 02:30:22 and in third place was Kaylee Inglis in a time of 02:30:32.
The 35km race saw Aaron Heyneke taking first place in a time of 01:12:57.
Stephan van der Walt took second place in 01:14:01, followed by André van Tonder in third place in a time of 01:14:41.
Elizma Wheeler secured her win in the women’s 35km in a time of 01:28:08.
Her runner-up was Marisa Williams in 01:32:33, followed by third-placed Rene Edith de Villiers in a time of 01:38:33.
Davies says although the day started out cold, it turned out to be a good race.
“We appreciate all the support,” he says.
All proceeds made on the day will go towards Apricot Tree, a school for stimulation and development in Northmead, Benoni.
