Longhill Challenge

Where: Queenstown

Distances: 70km & 40km

When: Saturday 27 March

For more Info contact: Ian McEwan 083 556 8439 or tony@bmcinc.co.za

The Longhill challenge is the brain child of Ian McEwan who is in charge of the Lawrence de Lange game reserve, Queenstown and a group of volunteers who assist him with patrols and fundraising for desperately needed equipment for the reserve. The Longhill challenge is held every year on the weekend before or after Easter and is a Border sanctioned event with the 70km and 40km rides being the main attraction. There is also a 20km and a 10km fun ride for those not so energetic ones. The organizers are ably assisted by the Komani Kamikaze cycling club from Queenstown who handle the entries and results.

The 70 and 40km rides set off from the Sunnyside picnic spot on the game reserve and then traverse the Longhill mountain towards town, around the mountain linking up with the Bonkolo dam, reaching the top of the reserve after riding some scenic farm roads in the Bonkolo basin. Looking down on Sunnyside the riders are faced with a technical mountain path developed especially for them by the resident herd of gemsbok, zebra and black wildebeest then its back onto the farm of Lawrence Moorcroft on mown paths through the farm and also making use of the farm roads and the main road where the 70km riders face the next obstacle, Mineshaft, back to the main dirt road and to the end at Sunnyside.

The route includes good dirt roads, tracks, paths and all the while riding in the beautifull scenic mountains of the Queenstown area. Jason Reid is the defending champion and we hope he will be defending his title for years to come.

The event is well sponsored and total prizes to the value of R11 000-00 are up for grabs. Shirts and medals are also awarded.

There is a lot more to the event than just the ride and there is a 10km run/walk as well as a 5km fun walk for moms and kids and we also have a 15km horse trail taking place simultaneously. After the run and the ride the fun starts and the Honorary Rangers will provide some of the best hamburgers in the country, refreshments are in full supply and there is also a lucky draw with biltong to the value of R1000-00 amongst others for those in attendance at the prize giving. There are a host of other activities including a touch farm, horse and donkey rides, target shooting and this year will see up to 25 stalls selling crafts, food items and other desirable goodies.

All in all the participants are offered a well run and challenging event. Camping is also available free of charge for participants at the event and there are hot showers, toilets and electricity available.

For Detailed Route Information CLICK HERE.



DOWNLOADS:

Longhill Challenge 2010.pdf (176kb)