Over 200 riders united to take a ride on the wild side in a new mountain bike challenge that honours conservation efforts!
Marakele National Park, South Africa (30 May 2024) — It’s a beautiful scene when scores of people come together for the same, wholesome reason. And perhaps even more beautiful when they do so in the heart of that wholesome reason; surrounded by all that they are fighting to care for. This was the case for over 200 people who decided to take a ride on the wild side at Marakele National Park (a Big 5 Park) recently; the first participants in the new Marakele MTB Challenge that honours the importance of conservation.
On Saturday 25 May 2024, a community of nature lovers and riders (both professional mountain bikers and newbies) came together to enjoy Limpopo’s unspoilt natural beauty. Natural beauty which, without conservationists, would likely wear a different title.
The Marakele MTB Race enjoyed a successful event debut, with those riding the various routes (ranging from a 10km to 70km rides) each getting to experience and appreciate first-hand what SANParks Rangers and Honorary Rangers work so hard to care for. Those doing the longer trails got to go through the Big 5’s homes, making for a once-in-a-lifetime ride.
Sparked by a hope to highlight the importance of conservation efforts as well as the different initiatives (from fundraising to tourism) that keep the fire of these efforts burning bright, the ride on the wild side was a sure way to celebrate the efforts of South Africa’s conservation legends, while inspiring more people to support what they do.
The 2025 entries will open in September.
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