KZN cyclists ride for rhinos

A group of courageous mountain bikers are set to make a powerful contribution to the fight against rhino poaching in KwaZulu-Natal when they tackle the daunting task of cycling 340km from Hillcrest to Hilltop Camp in Hluhluwe Game Reserve during the 2016 uBhejane Xtreme MTB Challenge on Saturday 10 December.

The event is a combination of endurance, camaraderie and a unique bushveld cycling experience, all the while keeping the underlying purpose of helping protect the endangered species for generations to come top of mind. "Two years ago a small group of us were looking to test ourselves with a really tough mountain biking endurance challenge and so the uBhejane Xtreme MTB Challenge was born," explains event organiser, Mark Carroll.

While taking in the views and digging deep to overcome the event's challenge, riders also remain focused on the key task at hand - helping the rhino's cause.

"Rhino conservation is something we are all passionate about and so from the get-go we aligned ourselves with Project Rhino KZN and the fantastic work they are doing to protect our rhinos throughout KwaZulu-Natal," says Carroll.

"Over the past two years we've raised over a quarter of a million Rand that has been put to great use across Project Rhino KZN's various projects and programmes, and we hope to raise well beyond that figure during this year's third edition." Starting at Cadence Cycling Performance Centre in Hillcrest in the early hours of the morning, cyclists head for the Dolphin Coastal town of Ballito by sunrise before starting their trek towards Zululand's great focal point - Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Global explorer and humanitarian Kingsley Holgate, world renowned mountain adventurer Sibusiso Vilane and 'the voice of cycling' Phil Liggett have also confirmed their involvement in this year's event.

The 2016 uBhejane Xtreme MTB Challenge takes place from Hillcrest to Hluhluwe Game Reserve on Saturday 10 December. Those interested in taking part may apply to enter, donations can be submitted and more information can be found via the event's website, https://www.ubhejanex.co.za .