Modern Cyclist Magazine Issue 1, September 2014 | Page 11

2nd wheel
boys and girls and the first lessons, which
happen on the school’s sports grounds on
a Monday afternoon, would include basic
bike handling skills like balance and turning.
These lessons form part of the program’s
first, of four, levels of skills which will slowly be
added as pupil’s experience and skill level
increases.
“We’ll build it up from there, and we are
thinking that if our pupils do well in the Spur
School Series, where they would compete
in TrinityHouse colours, we can teach those
pupils more about trails and include a
ranger’s level,” Neil explained.
One of the exciting developments that
both Hennie and Neil are looking at is the
creation of a mountain bike trail in the
nearby Little Falls Resort where school pupils
on TrinityHouse’s school cycling program
can further practice their new skills. In the
future, the venue could theoretically also
be used for competitions too.

MC

“They could even earn some pocket
money, so there is a whole progression
program we’d like to see run its course.
And hopefully, one day, a former
TrinityHouse pupil could join the ranks of
a professional team like MTN Qhubeka,”
Neil excitedly explained.
Neil, whose road career achievements
include wins in the 2000 Tour of South
China Seas, in the under 23 in the 1999
Giro Del Capo, twice in the Amashova
Classic and various other podium
positions in both individual and team
competitions, in South Africa and
overseas.
In 2011, he changed his focus to
mountain biking, and won the
Momentum 94.7 Mountain Bike
Challenge that year, the Joberg2C
(2011 and 2013), the Dr Evil Classic,
the Ride the Rock and various races
of the Nissan Trailseeker series. And
with podium positions in events like
the Sani2C and for his hard-fought

During his professional road racing career,
Neil MacDonald notched up a number of
impressive successes. Photo supplied by Neil
MacDonald.

“I would love that,” added H