This past weekend saw approximately 300 mountain bikers from around the country arrive in the historical Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal, to take part in the 9th Bonitas Radox iMfolozi MTB Challenge. The iMfolozi MTB Challenge was started by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife a number of years ago as a way of exposing the general public to the beauty of the reserve, outside of the safety of a vehicle. Further to this, the event has provided much needed funding to a reserve constantly under economic pressure, exacerbated by increasing levels of illegal poaching.
Just before sunrise on the Saturday morning, the KZN Wildlife game capture trucks headed off to the start, not with antelope or zebra on board, but rather packed to capacity with mountain bikes to be offloaded at the start. With the sun rising over the iMfolozi River valley into a cloudless sky, the riders were fully aware that they were in for a hot, Zululand day. The challenge turned out to be just that, with high temperatures, some really steep climbs on rocky tracks and the need to constantly be alert while cycling in a Big 5 game reserve. Many had to pull out the race, with broken and bent wheels, snapped chains and a few too many punctures; But for those that persevered, the reward of arriving at the finish line to an ice cold Powerade and having accomplished such a tough ride, was truly awesome.
With the help of dedicated Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff, Honorary Officers, the event organisers, Impi Concept Events and Wild Series (run by the Wildlands Conservation Trust), put together an outstanding and unique experience for riders, and the generous sponsors, Bonitas, Radox, Mondi and Powerade assisted in making it a truly memorable ride.
This event is more than just a gruelling mountain bike ride, but rather, brings a group of passionate people together to assist in the conservation of South Africa’s incredible heritage. The funds from this event go directly towards conservation projects taking place in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park as well as other areas around KZN. The ride focuses on the endangered African Wild Dog, a species which is in dire need of conservation assistance, with approximately 450 individuals remaining in South Africa. It is through projects supported by events like this that organisations such as Wildlands Conservation Trust, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and their partners are able to make a difference to the survival of this species.
Two days before the Bonitas Radox iMfolozi MTB Challenge a key element, known as a ‘Big Day Out’ takes place for children that reside in communities bordering the game reserve. 100 learners from 10 different schools were offered the Wildland’s Big Day Out experience through Bonitas Medical Fund, Old Mutual and Coca-Cola. The day aims to give learners the opportunity to visit the Hluhluwe – iMfolozi park and learn about environmental issues. The day started off with a 3km fun run challenge within the reserve, and the top 6 runners (3 boys and 3 girls) were awarded with bright, shiny, red bicycles sponsored by Coca-Cola. All participants were also given a back pack full of goodies.
After the fun run learners were divided into 2 groups and participated in different leadership activities. The S’fundimvelo environmental educators also gave a talk about endangered species in iMfolozi, namely, the African Wild Dog. The children were all very excited about the experience, as both the visit to the reserve and the educational opportunity provided to them, was a first for most.
The 19 educators accompanying the children took part in a ‘’On the Money ’’ workshop, given by Old Mutual and learnt about debt management.
“Thank you to KZN Wildlife staff, the Honorary Officers, all the passionate participants that support us year after year and, of course, to the sponsors who made it all possible – Bonitas Medical Fund, Radox, Mondi and Powerade,” said Wild Series Strategic Manager, Heidi Carter-Brown. “We must also thank Guy Murray for making the biggest personal contribution yet again this year and donating R20 000 to the cause, with the likes of Gareth Roberts, Craig Goswell and the ‘Cane Rats’ also donating items and funds. Congratulations to Craig Warr and Tanya Mackenzie who conquered the gruelling course set out for them and claimed their winning titles,” said Heidi, “I am proud to say 2013 was yet another successful year for the Bonitas Radox iMfolozi MTB Challenge.”
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)