The SLC Tri Challenge

 History

In 1998 Gray Braadvedt and Rudi Viljoen had a vision of hosting a premier mountain bike event, known as the Magoebaskloof Challenge. The Limpopo province has some of the most spectacular scenery and potential mountain bike trails in the country. This vision would include the Magoebaskloof community, the goal of improving local tourism, and benefiting local charities. Soon the Rotary, Lions and Roundtable clubs of Tzaneen were involved and the inaugural race was a huge success. The growth of this race has been spectacular, from 162 riders in 1999 to almost 1000 in 2003. Entries in subsequent years have averaged around 750 riders.

 The Routes

In 2008, a new route was designed which effectively moved away from the tea estates, and into the Woodbush Forest reserve.The organizers have gone out of their way to provide a route that is challenging, comprising difficult climbs, steep descents, spectacular views and awesome forest scenery. Forestry plantations of Pine and Saligna, indigenous closed canopy forest, crystal clear mountain streams, and the beautiful Dap Naude Dam, are some of the delights to be found along the trail. Included would be a view of some of the tallest trees in Africa, and spectacular indigenous trees including Yellowwoods.