The 2010 edition of the Bonitas/Mondi iMfolozi Mountain Bike Challenge, now in its sixth year of operation, will be remembered for many years as riders were treated to one of the best events yet.
Before the start horn had sounded, riders were treated to sightings of Lion, Cheetah and most impressively a Wild Dog kill as they made their way to the start of the race.
The event takes place in the iMfolozi section of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, one of the oldest game reserves in the world, and affords only 300 riders the opportunity to ride the event. The event itself, part of the Bonitas Wild Series, has to be one of the most unique races in the world, as riders tackle the 55km route amongst Lion, Elephant and Leopard.
One of the key components of the event is the atmosphere in which riders take part, with the emphasis clearly on social riding and enjoyment, so much so that 15 riders bid for the opportunity to ride on Wild Dog suits to raise awareness for the Wild Dog Conservation Project that the event supports.
At the front of race, Dirk Barnard from Zululand Cycles took the overall win on a time of 2h37min and Jean Hackland from Jeep Cycles took first in the ladies section, amazingly in fourth place and only 11 minutes behind the Barnard in a time of 2h48min.
The event is sold out every year with a limited number of 300 riders. The 2010 event managed to raise around R200 000 for the Wildlands Conservation Trust and conservation projects in the reserve. A special thanks to Stewart Nolan and Guy Murray for raising the highest sponsorships.