Monday 30 November 2009

MTB O so much fun

The final event of this year's mountain bike orienteering was held on Saturday morning out at Protea Ridge, which is pretty much on the southern side (and a bit further along) of the ridge behind the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. Goal-orientated mountain biking is my favourite type of biking - zooting here and there while hunting controls.

Nicholas Mulder has coordinated this series of events and while the turn-out at some was excellent (around 100 entries), attendance at others - like Saturday (38 entries) - was quite shabby. It's a pity because Saturday had perfect weather, excellent terrain with its 4x4 and quad bike trails and a just-right course. "All those who took part appear to have had very enjoyable rides with lots of positive comments coming from the finishers," says Nicholas. "Most importantly is that all 38 participants finished their respective courses and there were no disqualifications."

As per the results for the long course (there were three courses), "the race was won convincingly by Alex Pope (Witsoc) in 1h11m, who continues to improve his results consistently on the bike. Second place went to Gerard Van Weele in 1h31 and third to Glynn De Klerk (RACO) in 1h43. First lady on the course was Lisa de Speville (AR Club)."

Nic doesn't mention whether any other women rode the long course... *grin*

There will be another five-event MTB O series next year. When the dates come out, do diarise these really good navigational mountain bike riding events.

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