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
