The first day of NEDBANK’S SAVE THE RHINO 2-day MTB Event was a day of huge climbs, stampeding giraffes and ducking flying impalas for the fortunate field of mountain bikers who came to attend this feel-good event.

An easy-go-lucky 08h30 start by Hano Otto of TRISPORTS SA saw riders ascend the gruelling mountain pass winding like a giant mamba to the high Waterberg peaks overlooking the Legends Golf & Safari Resort.

Once on the plateau, the competitors cranked through herds of plains game and past the occasional lone rhino, standing silent testament to the contribution every rider was making to the survival of these giant mammals.

Red-hot disk brakes saw them blast back down into the valley for a dusty dash through wild syringa and marula trees, before finally crossing the finish line after a tough 60km ride.

Fritz Pienaar took no prisoners on the day, cruising home in a fun run stylee, without breaking too much of a sweat. Day 2 awaits, with 75km of breath-taking natural beauty along a new route tomorrow – let’s just hope the weather holds up here in Limpopo.

Click here to see the pics