A FEW DECADES AGO there was no stage racing in SA , and those of us who rode mountain bikes rode hardtails with inner tubes that needed glue patches after every thorn , narrow bars , sketchy rim brakes , messy 3x chainrings and small 26in wheels . My Bridgestone MB 3 was a bit like riding a rusty farm gate but it impressively lasted over many gnarly goat tracks . There were no custom-built trails , only skate parks ridden by BMXers ; the rest of us simply headed into the veld on jeep tracks .

I think it ’ s safe to say that the sport has come of age since then . 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of both KAP sani2c and the Absa Cape Epic . If there was a country to live in it was South Africa . Miles of savannah , desert , forest and mountain space has been transformed into a giant trail park with great routes to ride in everyone ’ s backyard , plus countless races over first-class trail networks . These playgrounds inspired massive growth in the sport , which in turn ignited a frenzy of technology to match the trails and riders ’ desire for speed and fun . So much has evolved in these 20 years , it makes the first races feel like a century ago .

Having raced all over the world in that 20-year time frame , I ’ ve realised that there quite simply is nowhere like home . Our infrastructure , trails , rider services , catering and pure numbers of experienced riders is unmatched . SA is the benchmark for races , and when you compare costs versus experience , most of ours offer unrivalled value .

Which brings me to the issue I feel most strongly about . I fear that we ultra competitive Saffas , who live in a degree of fight-or-flight mode , launch into every experience with a singlemindedness that defeats the

Nothing beats time out on bikes , in nature , with friends .

spirit of the space around us . We are so focused on externally driven outcomes , like much publicised results and social media kudos , that we struggle to stop and take in a once-in-alifetime view from the top of a mountain at sunrise , or to a share a moment of fun interaction with an interesting human serving refreshments . Almost every fireside conversation over beers in the overnight camps mentions which of a given team pairing suffered most that day , and why they were so happy to be the stronger rider . When asked if they saw the forest of acacias , bird-lined caves among the twisted rock faces along the river , or the fake rhino alongside the trail , most look on blankly , having spent the day charging down the trail in pursuit of so-called competitors or partners in front

of them . Why come all this way , at all that expense of time and money , to rush through every magical space as if you were at a dentist appointment ? You may come 20th instead of 100th or 400th instead of 550th . Who is counting ? There ’ s no penalty for taking twice the time and soaking up the spoils on route .

Back in 2014 I raced sani2c with a super competitive paddler and rider who came from the days when Comrades and Dusi were the only real races worth discussion . He was older than I was and not used to doing events for fun . Despite our mutually agreed desire to enjoy some time out from the hamster wheel of working life , he started day 1 on a full-gas mission to crack up the field . I was fit enough to follow and not wanting to spoil his spirit , but on a fast

singletrack descent through a dark forest he caught a bull horn on a small tree and did a proper rodeo-swing speed dismount . After a brief panic I saw he was okay and had a good laugh , but he had buckled his wheel and so we started a long , slow cruise to the finish . What was serendipitous is that he was resigned to continuing our deep conversations about life ’ s meaning and reminiscing about his interesting younger years in the valleys , rivers and mountains which we could often spot in the distance . He met volunteers at the drink stops who knew people he knew , and soon a whole new social experience unfolded . It changed our relationship immeasurably .

Sadly Phil is no longer with us . He passed away late last year after a tragic cycling accident . You can read about him and how our three days in the mountains changed our relationship on page 146 . On that note , remember that we never know when we ’ ll spend our last moment with the people around us or in the places that our bikes take us , so slow down and smell the flowers while you can .

I hope this packed Autumn edition inspires you to keep riding through the cooler months . Perhaps pick a race to train for – there are loads to choose from in our calendar on page 138 . We ’ ve shared some insane rides from around the world and would love to hear and share the stoke of your stories of rides in interesting places . Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome .

paul @ electricink . co . za

bikeruntri . co . za

Mountain Bike SA

@ mountainbikesa

PHOTOGRAPH MAX SULLIVAN

16 | MTB | proud as punch