If you were at the first Amarider 100Miler event in 2009, you will remember the Cape storm that hit that May day. Heavy rain and wind made the conditions extremely tough, and race director Meurant Botha set off more than 200 riders from Durbanville to Malmesbury, although more than 400 entered.
Only 100 riders finished that year, with Erik Kleinhans in the front! Erik says it was the hardest win to date, as the wind, mud & rain played a major role to finish for that medal.
For the first time since then, Erik will race the Amarider 100Miler for Team Topeak Ergon this Saturday, 21 May from Malmesbury. Presented by Bike Hub this year, perfect Autumn conditions are expected with no rain predicted. Setting off at 07h30, the bunch will be led by traffic through the streets of town in a neutral zone.
Record number of riders expected for the 50 Miler event as well that starts from Delico, Riebeeck Kasteel at 09h00 – the half way mark for the ultra-marathon riders. Route marshals & waterpoints will be managed by local Malmesbury Cycling Club to raise funds for their trails.
Breakfast & lunch stops, refreshment stations with fruit and spectator points, the event is a highlight on the calendar of mountain bikers that seek a non-technical route. Teams of 4 can ride the 160km together as well, but the solo entries are the most popular. The magnificent farm scenery in the Swartland is hard to miss, but must be appreciated while keeping the cut-offs in mind.
More than 800 riders will take to the open roads Saturday – will have to see how many will get to the finish line! For more information, visit www.amarider.co.za
Remember that day. Max temp. 9 or 10