Race Report - Ben Melt Swanepoel MTN Tour of Legends More than a race, the MTN Tour of Legends is a weekend where industry peers can get together in a relaxed environment to share their passion for mountain biking while competing in a very friendly spirit. The Legends Golf and Safari Resort situated deep in the Limpopo Province was used again as the setting for the 2nd edition of this unique event. There we would confront 3 stages in and around the Entabeni Private Nature reserve which rests in the shadows of the Waterberg mountains. As if the magnificent setting wasn’t enough, we would also have the opportunity to race our bikes in Big Five country where elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo amongst others, roam free. Stage 1 was a pretty flat and fast affair with riders covering 53 kilometres, only interrupted by a ferry crossing of the Doorndraai dam at its narrowest point. Stage 2 was definitely the ‘queen stage’, with riders tackling the infamous Yellow Wood climb to reach the top of the escarpment. This concrete covered track is considered the steepest paved road in the Southern hemisphere with some steep pitches reaching a massive 45 degrees. Four of us managed to ride all the way to the top, but everyone that made it up (whether walking, crawling or rappelling) was rewarded with some stunning riding and game viewing. To commemorate the moment every team also got their picture taken at a viewpoint which offered the most amazing vistas in all directions. Brakes were put to the test on the way down Yellow Wood (aka leopard alley) giving everyone a lot to talk about over dinner that night. The final stage was a mad dash inside the reserve before circumnavigating the Signature Golf Course to bring us home for a final time across the specially built bridge within the confines of the Ruins in front of the hotel reception. EAI Cycling invited me to partner with their recent recruit, Hanco Kachelhoffer, in their Violet Air kit for the event and we had a successful weekend winning all 3 stages and the overall title ahead of a very spirited Team Blackberry consisting of David Cooke and Taygan Robson. Far more important than any result, was the participant’s enjoyment of the weekend and in this regard the event stands out above all others. We were spoiled with game drives, 5 star accommodation, great food and daily bike maintenance thanks to Epic cycles. We literally only had to roll out of bed and enjoy riding our bikes in this uniquely African setting for the 3 days, while pretty much everything else was catered for. What more can you ask for..? Until next time, happy trails! Melt
