Last year we collaborated with some special partners to bring you the Hope for the Horn Mountain Bike Challenge. Together with Misty Mountain, Project Rhino KZN, Forest Ventures and Cadence Cycling, we are doing it again this year!
The objective of this event is to raise awareness of the threat to the survival of the rhino species as a result of the savage act of poaching, and to raise funds for the Rescued Rhinos @ HESC.
Dubbed the ‘Ride for Rhinos’, this is a one-day 200-kilometre ride, which begins at Misty Mountain and ends at HESC/ Kapama Game Reserve. The route traverses the beautiful Hartebeesvlakte at sunrise; bypasses Sabie through endless forest roads and the stunning Lowveld bushveld to Klaserie; with the last 20 kilometres running through Kapama Big 5 territory. The switch-point is the tar road between Graskop and Bushbuckridge (turn into Ramanas Farms). Although the race is open to individual cyclists, teams of two are welcome, with each cyclist completing 100 kilometres.
The route winds through some very remote, beautiful and scenic forestry areas, and bushveld terrain. The district / forestry roads and jeep tracks are 85% dirt with some rough and unpredictable surfaces, especially if wet. Although the route starts at an elevation of 1 700 metres and drops down to about 580 metres at Klaserie, there are many steep climbs along the way, totalling 3 200 metre of ascent and 4 500 metre descent. This is a challenging one day ride for most mountain bikers and a high level of fitness, stamina and experience is imperative to maintain the required average speed over such a long distance.
There is no entry fee. However, cyclists have to get 10 sponsors to contribute R2 each per kilometre completed. This will enable us to raise a minimum donation of R2 000 for 100 kilometres, and R4 000 for the 200 kilometres distance completed.
At this point, cyclists include:
- Gordon Gilbert, an ex pro British footballer turned professional cyclist.
- Hennie Kriek, Sport Brand Ambassador and professional cyclist.
- Dennis Lawrie, a professional cyclist.
- Ben Melt Swanepoel, a professional cyclist.
- Yolandi de Toit, a professional cyclist.
- Ryno de Kock
- Keith Ferguson
Humanitarian adventurer, author, TV personality and fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Kingsley Holgate, will also be in attendance. Although he will not be cycling, he will be visiting some schools in the Hoedspruit area to spread the word about Rhino Art.
To make a pledge go directly to Project Rhino at www.projectrhinokzn.org, and use HESC RHINO RIDE as reference. Company donations will receive an 18A tax certificate.
For more details contact Jeanre Brooks at enquiries@cheetahcentre.co.za.