I have just had, not one of, but THE best mountain biking experience of my life. It took place at Old Thomas River, just over the hill.

Here are some of the reasons why, and these are important to us who like to sweat it out on bicycles in the rough,.

• The route was very varied with challenging climbs, tricky descents, a bog or two, rocky track, grassy field, some good gravel road, sand, narrow winding path, ... It has it all except for busy public roads, concrete sidewalks and unmarked hazards.
• Amazing scenery. It’s one of those races that tempt you into stopping and gawking.

• I was not in doubt as to where to go at ANY point on the ride. Excellent marking, event after 120+ had passed by already.
• Several water points handing out almost anything you want – several types of drink, bananas, iced water. All with a smile and encouragement. And I was one of the last to come in. I am sure the attendants would have given up their beer if you had asked.
• I could go on, but the cherry was the showers after the hot ride.

I have ended rides at fancy country hotels, high class game reserves, and a city sports stadium. All leave something to be desired, and occasionally that is even water. But here in this resurrected country railway station in the bundox, I had pressured hot water, clean ablutions, a place to hang your towel, dry floor and bench to put your clobber. Nowhere has ever covered all that!

I won’t bore you with comments of the cheerful & helpful volunteers, cold drinks, excellent mutton & ‘taters & salad lunch (included), oodles of quality prizes, activities for families awaiting the riders to return, and down-to-earth unpretentious hospitality. This race deserves a lot of attention, and a hearty congratulations to the Thomas River community. This is a wonderful example of a community pulling together and doing it, promoting the whole, and looking for the long term benefits. They deserve all the success that is coming their way.

Doug Friedemann
Natural High Outdoor Adventures.

079 636 8949