Ngwenya Mountain Bike Challenge

We would like to thank our many sponsors: Swaziland Agricultural Supplies, Mountain Inn, Logico, Pick n Pay Mbabane, Swazi Candles, Gone Rural, Mbabane Motors, SWIFT (Swaziland Fair Trade), Tintsaba, Quazi Design, Rosecraft, Arrum Lillie, Sheba Rugs, Rocking Horse Company, Ann Bertram, Dixies, Black Mamba, T&S Enterprises, Alix Prettejohn, Starpaints, Andy Cory, Contrachem, Eswatini Kitchen, Imvelo Eswatini, BMG Swaziland, Swazi Secrets, Swazi Supply Centre, Big Game Parks, House on Fire.

We had 241 entries for our race, the winners of the different races were:

65 km, 1st Man Andre Cordes in 3.21:51 and 1st Lady, Lesley Fitton in 4.13:27

30 km, 1st Man Tiago Olivier in 1.57:56 and 1st Lady Lucinda Bride in 2.23:07

20 km, 1st Man Renato Oliviera in 2.21:14 and 1st Lady Mireille Vermaak in 2.29:58

10 km, 1st Boy Sethu Vilakati and 1st Girl Kayla Hamer.

Full race results can be found at

http://www.spectrumsport.co.za/Portals/29/ResultDoc/Ngwenya_Glass_MTB__20110702.pdf

The weather Gods were not on our side on Saturday as it was extrememly windy which made the race very tough.  However the mojority of the comments we have received have been positive, and we are happy that we got through our first attempt at hosting a race relatively unscathed.

The i's are dotted and the t's crossed, the route is marked and looking great, we are all ready for a great day.  Registration starts on Friday at 2pm at Ngwneya Glass, closing around 6.30pm, and then again on race day from 6am to 7.30am.  Hot drinks and food will be available at the start.  the 60km starts at 8am, 35km at 8.20am, 22km at 8.30am and the 10km at 8.45am

On 2 July 2011 we host the inaugral Ngwenya Mountain Bike Challenge which tests every mountain biker.  There will be 4 races of different distances for the avid mountain biker.  10 km's for the little ones, 20 km's for the novice, 35 km's for the more adventurous and 65 km's for the fit (and slightly crazy) people.  The event is in the mountains and valleys of the area that lies between Ngwenya and Sicangeni. This is a relatively high altitude area so great training for all. The views and scenery are spectacular and unspoiled.

65km MARATHON

65 km’s of flowing trails consisting of jeep tracks, forest roads, cattle paths (single track) and unused railway lines, with a balance of undulating hills, steep climbs and wicked down-hills.

The route traverses the Motshane / Sicangeni valley offering unparralleled views of North Western Swaziland, from Ngwenya to Mhlambanyatsi.

Altitude varies from 1350m to 1600m - not for the faint-hearted or weak legged!

35km CLASSIC

35km of enjoyable riding on jeep tracks, cattle paths (single track) and unused railway lines. Ideal for the seasoned rider.

The route traverses the Motshane / Sicgangeni valley,  staying away from the big climbs toward Mhlabanyatsi.

20km FAMILY RIDE

20km of rideable foot paths, jeep tracks and old railway lines around the Ngwenya Village and Motshane valley. With one or two stiff climbs to keep you focused!

There are a couple of interesting river crossings (on foot bridges) to add to the fun!

10km FUN RIDE

10km of easy riding for the little ones and parents. Nothing too tricky and all safe and rideable.

Funds raised during the race day will be donated on a 50/50 basis to the local community in which we will be riding and SWIFT to promote Fair Trade in Swaziland.

During the day on 2 July, an Arts & Crafts Fair with family entertainment, will be hosted on the lawns of the Ngwenya Glass complex, exhibitors will include a number of up and coming Fair Trade producers from Rural Swaziland who will be showcasing their work. The day will expose these producers to new customers, adn increase awareness of Fair Trade in Swaziland.

Swaziland is a mountain bikers dream, with the most amazing scenery and diverse array of possible routes at many different altitudes.  Our race is one of the highest, and so great high altitude training for other longer events, but there are a number of other races during the year that we would recommend.  These start with the Imvelo in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

Rider numbers are restricted to 500 and they are always fully subscribed before the event, which takes place on 4 June 2011, click on the link above to see more, and enter

On 6 August is the City to City, the long event in this race is from Mbabane to Manzini, whereas the shorter versions start closer to Manzini. There is plenty of single track and probably more technical than the other 4 races mentioned.

Later in the year is the 3 Reserves race which takes place in the lowveld of Swaziland, it is a relatively flat and fast race at low altitude and traverses 3 Nature Reserves, Hlane, Mlawula and Mbuluzi and this year takes place on 10 September

Entries are not open for these races as yet, but watch this space for more info as it arrives

http://www.ngwenyaglass.co.sz/ngwenya-mountain-bike-challenge.html