News

Trans Baviaans 24 hour Mountain Bike Challenge

18 August 2012

Article by Douw Steyn, Cape Auto Centre sponsored multisport athlete:

After the Trans Karoo when a few mates contacted me two weeks before the race and told me that they have entries for a team, my first reaction was.. Bring it on!!

This event had the title as the ‘longest single stage team MTB event’ in the world for six years, and emphasized that the focus lay on whether the route is ride able, unique, enjoyable and most of all achievable. Because this is a team event, consisting of 2, 3 or 4 cyclists per team, the concept is very different to that of an ordinary MTB race.
The event is also unique as the entire route is unmarked and tests the orientation skills of each rider. This ensures team work amongst everyone and brings out a camaraderie, making it an unforgettable experience. Teams have to check in and out at the checkpoints strategically placed on route, so their whereabouts can be traced. The late start (10:00) forces all the riders (even the frontrunners) to use lights for night time riding, for some this will be a much larger portion of their ride than for others – truly a test of character and endurance.
The weather we had for this race was fantastic but due to very heavy rains in the Eastern Cape, leading up to the race every small stream and river was in full flood. This meant that we had close to 40 odd water crossings, some were ride able and others less so as my one partner realized almost too late! I literally had to fish him and his bike out of a very fast flowing stream. This also caused a few choice words toward the end when just after putting on warm dry clothes at the last checkpoint, we had another 40m river crossing… what one calls total humor failure!
One of the highlights of this event was the water tables that were manned by very friendly locals with loads of goodies to munch on. Again Nutrition played a major role on the day and here I must thank 32GI for their excellent products especially the chews that kept my energy levels very constant over the 11 hours 34 minutes in the saddle.
Of course there are highlights of a different nature like the massive climb to the top of Bergplaas and the spirit breaker called “The Never Ender” towards the end of the race, but these are just more names that will only get true meaning the day your do this race yourself. This is a piece of heaven on earth and everyone should visit the Baviaanskloof at least once in their life.
Trans Baviaans
I also want to thank Craig Arenhold from Fundamental.
for the sponsored entries! Here the team is training for the big event at the RE-CM 100 miler