Jeannie Dreyer, who just won the gruelling 1070km The Munga last week, completed a similarly testing uBhejane Xtreme MTB Challenge in Hluhluwe Game Reserve yesterday.
The 340km race, she said, was just as tough as The Munga.
“That headwind and heat we had from the start was similar to The Munga. I’m starting to lose faith in good weather,” she said yesterday.
uBhejane Xtreme MTB Challenge riders gathered for team photo at the rhino statue inside the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Photo: Supplied
The event’s purpose is to raise funds in aid of rhino conservation in KwaZulu-Natal. She originally entered the ride not knowing what to expect.
“The tough conditions make you appreciate the cause so much more.
“People really put themselves out there today. They bled, and it was amazing to see what the human body was capable of.”
Dreyer said she was surprised to see all the riders keep up with one another for most parts of the race.
“Three quarters of the route we were able to stay together as a group.
“It was great to see people of varying abilities sticking together for an incredible cause.
“It was so inspiring hearing the stories of all the riders on the way and how they got to this position.
“What an incredible experience I had though, and all for a great cause,” she added.
A total R380 000 was raised towards the charity, Project Rhino, in 2017’s edition of the ride.
