The Big Induna Mountain Bike Challenge 2009

 

INDUNA ADVENTURES

 

 

Induna Adventures invites every body and anybody to join us on 13 June 2009 for the annual festive Big Induna MTB race 2009. This memorable day is for racers and spectators; young and old – don’t miss out!!

We want to thank Summerfields Retreat and Rose Spa that stepped into the mountain bike scene by being the main race sponsor for the Big Induna MTB race 2009. They have opened their retreat and rose spa as a mountain bike friendly destination.

The Big Induna MTB race forms part of the prestigious MTN National Mountain bike series.

This year the famous Induna Cycle shirts are going to exceed all fashion gurus’ expectations.

Online entries and clothing orders can be made through these sites. Online entries close on the 11th of June @ midday,  line entries will be available until 08:00am on race day the 13th of June. Induna Adventures website,  Entrytime.com. Thank you to the already confirmed brands that shape the end product.

- Summerfields

- Kruger Park Lodge

- Total Hazyview / Numbi Gate

- Panda clothing

- MTN National MTB series.

- Matumi Fresh Produce

- Manchel Construction

You can still be part of this marketing initiative

1.  E-mail:  jaco@indunaadventures.com                                

 

Accommodation

It is almost time for the Big Induna MTB Race and everyone is looking for the perfect accommodation. We have made it easy with our new online accommodation booking website which lists accommodation venues in and around the Mountain Bike Race vicinity. The accommodation has been divided into budget, medium and top end categories. Visit the Induna Adventures website and go to the accommodation link to view all the possibilities or go directly to http://www.panorama-tours.travel/to ensure that your stay over this long weekend is an experience you won’t forget.

Training Camp

Mountain Bike Training Camp 22, 23 May 2009

Cost: R 1200.00

Program:

22 May

08:00   Breakfast                                 

09:00   Adventure activities (Choose between 14 adventures!)              

13:00   Lunch                                      

14:00   45 km loop                              

19:00   Dinner                                     

23 May

08:00  Breakfast                                 

09:00   65 km loop

13:00   Lunch                                      

14:00  Kruger Park Safari                  

19:00   Dinner                                     

Accommodation:  Matumi Log Cabin              

The Induna Pre Ride 

&

 Race Profile              

 

   Induna Mountainbike Race crosses more than 20 individually owned farm properties. We are very grateful and dependent upon their participation and permission. Because of this cyclists have limited access to some of the routes that they would not have been able to use otherwise.

The Big Induna Pre-ride is the perfect opportunity to get used to the course and also get an extra chance to experience the beautiful scenery and unique terrain on offer. It’s one of those special times when riders get to interact socially and to talk about the latest trends and gear.

Be sure not to miss the Big Induna Pre-Ride on the 30th May 2009!

• Meet @ Induna Adventures @ 09:00
• Distances 45 & 75km

Changes in 2009 MTB Race Route

We will stick to the winning formula and the first 45 km of the route will be similar to the last few years but the second loop (the last 35 km of the 75 km route) will have new surprises!

• 3 Major river crossings, with newly built bridges!
• Pristine riverside bush trails will chisel out stories to be told in memory lane. (Long after race day)
• New 1.5 km single track on the edge of the Sabie river, covered with a canopy of lush indigenous trees.

Bring back the excitement of mountain biking. The scenery and terrain will make you forget about tired muscles; and it will make you remember the real reason you bought your mountain bike.

After completion of the 75km you’ll be tested in every aspect of mountain biking. Rocky sections; mud; river crossing; freaky up hills; scary down hills; sand; ruthless twists and turns, pace setting straights.  Name it, it’s here.

We can’t wait to open the gates and let everybody loose in our mountain bike play park.

The fun starts on 13 June 2009 @ 8:00.

Ben Melt Swanepoel Article

‘My’ Induna

Last year (2008) I went to the Induna race well prepared and with a lot of expectation.

I had finished second in the 2007 event and was determined to make up for it by sealing a win in the race.

My relationship with the race had started years earlier when I participated in the first edition of the event. It was a small race back then with mostly locals and a few people from Johannesburg participating.

I had ridden away from the field up the first climb and for the most part of the race I only had Ryk La Cock, one of the Induna guides, along for company. True to character, Ryk was barefoot on a quad bike and shouting as much encouragement as he could while dodging rocks, sticks and mud.

The race even had a portage section where you had to cross a river in a canoe with the help of some local school boys who would ferry you across.

It was a LOT of fun and being a semi-local I really cherished the victory that came at the end of the day. My friend Francois Lourens finished 2nd that day to put the icing on the cake!

In the following years the race had grown substantially and in 2007 the race was not only part of the prestigious Mazda Drifter marathon series, but it would also be the race which would decide the South African National Marathon Championships.

JP Pearton (USN/Fritz Pienaar), Kevin Evans and I (both MTN) separated ourselves from the rest of the field early on in the race and I worked hard to keep our group away from the chasers. While racing up the last climb Kevin attacked, leaving JP and me behind. Sensing JP’s weariness I also attacked to leave him alone in third while I sped off behind my teammate.

That day Kevin crossed the line first and I had to settle for second.

In 2008 it was again Kevin and I who managed to break free from our competitors. This time around it was my turn to finish in first with my teammate in second and a MTN podium sweep was completed with David George in third.

It was great to win ‘MY’ race again and I have some fond memories of the champagne celebration that followed with the guys from Induna adventures.

The Lubbe brothers, Oudts, Ciska and the rest of the Induna team know how to put together a fun race. The route is spectacular and with race distances that cater for the whole family there is no excuse for anyone not to participate. The course is challenging enough to test experienced riders, but not too technical so as to scare off beginners.

Pre and post race facilities are also good and after cleaning off the dust in the showers there is more than enough food and drink to satisfy any craving.

Autumn in the Lowveld also means very clement weather and it’s a great time of year to take the family and head there for a mid year break.

This year I return to the race with very different expectations. Having crashed and broken my elbow at the Sani 2 C stage race in February, I have been undergoing a long and sometimes painful rehabilitation period. If all goes well I should be adequately healed in time for the Induna race this year.

Being my first race back, I don’t expect to win but sometimes just being able to start can be as meaningful as a victory itself.

Bring the family and come ‘Live the Life’ with me at this year’s edition of the Induna race!

See you there, and until then – Happy Trails!

Melt Swanepoel

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