The inaugural Blythedale Coastal Resort Mountain Bike Challenge (MTB) which took place on Valentine's Day was a resounding success. More than 430 riders took part and were challenged to diverse terrain, which saw them riding through dense coastal forest, cane fields and a section of beach.
Some of KwaZulu-Natal's top riders were present as well as a team from the South African Rugby Legends Association. Riders could choose between the 40km and 19km route and there was a six km fun race for children and the less energetic adults.
The course started at the Cane and Spoke mountain bike trail centre and wound its way through most of Blythedale Coastal Resort. The two routes encompassed the resort's 320-hectare indigenous forest, 3km stretch of beach and spectacular views.
Race organiser Max Cluer from Max Cluer Sports Marketing said he was thrilled by the turnout. "What a fantastic way to celebrate Valentine's Day. The Blythedale coastal MTB Challenge gave the riders the opportunity to literally 'fall in love' with this magnificent development on the Kwa-Zulu-Natal North Coast as well as ride on brand new mountain biking terrain," he said.