Rhino rider

Definitely riding this!

Tackle rhino poaching head on by entering the Race the Rhino mountain bike challenge Between January and August this year, poachers have slaughtered as many as 631 of South Africa’s precious rhinos. Four hundred and eight of these rhino have been killed in the Kruger National Park, prompting the decision by government and park authorities to evacuate hundreds of rhino from the area in a desperate attempt to protect the fast dwindling species. “As the merciless slaughter of our precious rhinos continues unabated, South Africans have rallied together to do anything they can to try and bring these innocent animals back from the brink of extinction. From skydiving, car washing to trail running and even mountain biking, South Africans are joining forces in a number of fundraising efforts and activities that aim to take control back from the illegal poachers and syndicates,” says Heidi Eloff, spokesperson for the Renosterveld Trust, a conservation organisation dedicated to saving the Renosterveld region in the Western Cape as well as to Poached Rhino’s bona fide projects like the funding of DNA sampling machines to enable the logging of rhinos. Horns are identified creating a comprehensive traceability system for horns and animals, to ensure that the illegal trade can be monitored and illegal traders prosecuted. Total arrests so far this year is 165. One activity that has become a highly popular event in the name of raising anti-rhino poaching awareness is the Resolution Health and Zurreal Ride the Rhino mountain bike challenge taking place in the Western Cape during the month of September. “Due to the popularity of the Ride the Rhino, the cycling community also encouraged a Gauteng based race called Race the Rhino which takes place on 20 September this year, one day before World Rhino Day,” says Eloff. “The Race the Rhino gives Gauteng-based riders the chance to also be environmental superheroes and participate in this worthy cause. The event will take place at the Van Gaalen Cheese Farm in the Magaliesburg/Hartbeespoort area. “This will be our third Race the Rhino mountain biking event at the beautiful track in Magaliesburg. With spring making an appearance, the Race the Rhino offers a wonderful route that caters for everyone’s fitness preferences. The route includes a 50km route, a 35km route, as well as an 8km route for children and the not-so-fit. There will also be a chees and wine pairing presented by Durbanville Hills and van Gaalen’s lovely cheeses, prize giving and lucky draws. “So if you’re not already skydiving for rhinos or walking for rhinos, come and race for the Rhinos,” concludes Eloff. To enter or find out more information visit http://www.renosterveldmtb.co.za

Race preparation tips to ensure optimal performance Ask any mountain biking enthusiast and they will tell you that proper nutrition is one of the most important parts of preparing for any ride or race. With close on 60 days to go until the Resolution Health and Zurreal, Ride the Rhino stage race, taking place in the Western Cape in September, it’s important to be aware of what you should be eating in preparation for your race. “Eating a proper diet plays a large role in how well you perform come race day. Whether you are racing a short-track, marathon, stage race or downhill, eating the right fuel can literally make or break your race. In fact, eating a proper diet is important for everyone, in particular sports fanatics who often push their bodies to the brink during their sporting pursuits,” says Jean de Villiers, national rugby captain and brand ambassador for Resolution Health Medical Scheme and their loyalty and lifestyle programme, Zurreal. Clinical adviser for Resolution Health Medical Scheme, Dr Jacques Snyman, explains what you should be putting in your body in order to ensure optimal performance:The first tip is not to change your diet dramatically just before an important event, this should usually be done gradually and in consultation with a nutritionist as not everybody is the same or will perform the same with the same diet. The ideal general diet for a cyclist or mountain biker includes plenty of whole grains and complex carbohydrates that are rich in fibre. These foods include whole-grain products such as brown rice, whole-grain pasta, beans, wholewheat bread, whole oats, buckwheat, millet, whole rye, whole-grain barley and whole-grain corn. Fruits and vegetables are vital for any mountain biker because they are loaded with vitamins, nutrients and carbohydrates. Legumes such as beans, peas and lentils are high in fibre, carbohydrates and protein, which are essential for pre-race preparation. Foods high in “good fats” are essential for long-distance sportspeople. These foods include saturated fats found in animal products like meat, egg yolks, yoghurt, cheese, butter and milk. Fat is a very important part of any mountain bikers’ diet. It provides the highest concentration of energy of all the nutrients. One gram of fat equals nine calories. This makes fat the largest reserve of energy, perfect for long distance races. Proteins such as lean red meat, chicken, fish, nuts and beans are also important, especially for the post-recovery phase because they help repair muscle tissue and aid in recovery. To enter or find out more information visit http://www.renosterv...za/default.aspx

Event Name: Race The Rhino When: 20 September 2014 Where: Van Gaalen Cheese Farm on R512, Skeerpoort., Gauteng Category: MTB Be a Rhino Superhero this World Rhino Day, one pedal at a time! How? Answer the plight of our rhinos by entering the Resolution Health and Zurreal Race the Rhino cycling challenge! In answer to the desperate cries of our rhinos, 22 September was named World Rhino Day, a time where the globe unites in support of all anti-poaching initiatives. Add your voice to the cause by entering the Resolution Health and Zurreal Race the Rhino cycling challenge and become one of our Rhino Superheroes! When: Saturday, 20 September 2014 Where: Van Gaalens Cheese Farm Entries Close: 10 September 2014 Why Race the Rhino? It’s fun, it’s healthy and it’s a day that any mountain bike enthusiast can help save the rhinos in South Africa and join the fight against poaching. The majority of the event’s proceeds will go to Poachedrhino.org and the Renosterveld Trust who are dedicated to protecting our environment and wildlife diversity for generations to come. This will be our 3rd Race the Rhino at the van Gaalen MTB track in Magaliesberg and you can look forward to a challenging route for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders. There will also be loads of exciting entertainment, a playground for the kids, a prize giving ceremony and lucky draws. Lunch is included in your entry so bring the whole family to enjoy the cream of Durbanville Hills’ wine selection and sample the fine cheeses van Gaalen has on offer. The ins and the outs: ENTRIES CLOSE: 10 September 2014 RACE DAY REGISTRATION: From 06:30 where you will get your race number and goody bag. LATE ENTRIES: 50 km - R250 35 km - R200 8 km - R100 How to get there Van Gaalen Cheese Farm on R512, Skeerpoort. For more information on the venue, visit www.vangaalen.co.za Need a Superhero cape or want to add more muscle to the cause? Check out our Rhino Clothing Range when you register for the race at www.racetherhino.co.za Go to Event Page