MOTORBIKING: Rough Tough but Awesome!

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inGEAR

Words: Dominique Alder ǀ Photos: Kate Mason & Kymberly Alder

Rough Tough but

Awesome!

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Competitors rose early on Saturday 2 February 2013 to a wonderful crisp morning, with the mist hanging delicately over the lush green valley of Eagles High Estate. No one had slept well though, as they were all far too excited about what was in store for them at Eagles High Estate, near Lochiel; the venue for the Liquorland Hyde Wildside Enduro, a race that would prepare any off-road and bike rider for The Roof. This 50 km endurance race is perfect for anyone wanting to test their riding skills in one of the toughest terrains around, and has earned itself the reputation as an event not for the faint-hearted, nor to be missed! With 160 riders signed up, the estate was abuzz by 8 a.m. on race day as competitors started preparing their bikes. By 9 a.m., the riders were lined up for the start of this gruelling race, eager to be on their way. The start was an amazing sight as all you could see was a sea of bikes and the only sound you could hear was that of rumbling, growling engines. The atmosphere was electric and I realised that this was indeed a serious affair, with riders of all ages participating, as well as a few ladies who were ready to prove to the guys that they were no pushovers. The route consisted off a gnarly dirt track that covered rock faces, long hill climbs and some thick grass. It also boasted an obstacle course made up of very high logs located at the end of the course and a steep incline up a rock face that was three-stories high; just in case the riders didn’t feel challenged enough over the long course.

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1. W arwick Mason, event host, showing his skills at the top of the rock face. 2. A rider hitting approaching the top of the rock face and taking a peak at what's on the other side. 3. One of the pro riders showing off his skills at the top of the rock face. 4. Happy to be at the top!

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For the spectators, this rock face made for fantastic entertainment, especially when some of the riders stopped at the bottom, looked up and realised that they had to go up and over this monstrous rock face. Their expressions were priceless! But for the more experienced riders, like Louwrens Mahoney and Altus de Wet, they took the rock face on as if it was a small little hill. And then there were some riders who just couldn’t resist giving the spectators a show by popping a wheelie at the top. At the end of the first lap, there were big smiles on the pros' faces as they had managed to smash the course in an hour. After refilling their water bottles and grabbing some fruit, they were off again for round two and more fun. Some of the less-experienced riders, however, found the race too tough and after the first lap decided not to continue as they just didn't have the energy to go around again. There were a few riders that took about four hours to complete the two laps, so it was a very long day for them, as well as the sponsors, Liquorland, and their mascots, who had to follow the last riders and make sure everyone got around safely. The last riders crossed the line around 4 p.m., tired but very happy to have finished. Warwick Mason, who set up the course and is the owner of the farm where the event took place, was happy with the results, especially as he had showed no mercy when constructing the course.

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now Overall, it had been a great day, the racing superb and the weather hot, with many of the spectators getting a lovely tan to show for their time spent in the glorious outdoors. Like true South Africans, a braai was held later to celebrate another successful race day. As the weekend drew to a close, those riders who were still enjoying their time on the farm decided to embark on a little 4x4 journey to one of the local waterfalls on a neighbouring farm and indulge in some water fights and hiking.

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A pro rider showing off his skill. A rider hitting the halfway point of the rock face. One of the riders coming through the forest section of the enduro. A rider making his way down the three-story rock face.

This event really lends itself to giving families and friends the opportunity to get out of the 'rat race' and spend time together, as well as give some of the younger generation time to ride in an awesome environment. It also makes you appreciate the beautiful country we live in. Just a three-hour drive out of the city will bring you to this natural, almost magical place where anything can happen. A place where your body has no limitations, where you can push yourself until you can take no more, where children can be themselves and explore safely and where technology is kept at bay. The Liquorland Hyde Wildside Enduro is the perfect excuse to escape from the rush of the city for just long enough to make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. •

èRelated articles:

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• Extreme Enduro is the Latest (Issue 12, p. 85) • Jade Gutzeit - Enduro Extraordinaire, Part 2 (Issue 8, p. 48) • An Interview with Jade Gutzeit - Part 1 (Issue 7, p. 50)

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