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SATIB Hluhluwe Rhino Charge MTB (BIG 5)
05 August 2010
The weekend of the 24th/25th of July saw
the SATIB Hluhluwe Rhino Charge taking place from the Hluhluwe
Protea Lodge. This was the third of the Big 5 series, which are
becoming more popular with each event thanks to great support from
locals and excellent organisation from the event hosts. The
distances on offer were the 50km, 25km and the shorter 10km for all
those new to mountain biking and the younger children. The 25km was
the event which attracted the greatest interest thanks to it being
a good test of fitness as well as guaranteed fun with a smattering
of single track between the faster sections of jeep track.
The 25km route started out on relatively flat and fast
roads before leading riders in to an undulating section which was
topped off with a steep and heart-pumping climb to the split
between the 25km and the 50km routes. From that point the 25km
riders were treated to fast jeep track snaking its way back towards
the start/finish. It was however not plain sailing; another
undulating section through pineapple fields and a final climb which
summated at the finish line meant riders were required to work hard
in order to finish with a good time and position.
The Hluhluwe Protea Lodge had made available showers in
selected rooms which were well received by the tired and dusty
riders. Special thanks must be made to the Hluhluwe Protea Lodge
for accommodating the several hundred riders with regard to the
provision of the showers and the never-ending supply of fresh
towels! Finally, the organizers, Bridget and Gavin Dickson must be
thanked for putting together a fantastic event! The next Big 5
event is eagerly anticipated!
