It’s game on for the Mountain Bike Challenge 

 

Johannesburg speed freaks and adrenaline junkies will be pleased to know that the Hollard Jozi Urban Mountain Bike Adventure is going ahead as planned after the route was altered to accommodate residents’ concerns over environmental degradation.

The 22km and 52km races will take place on October 12 in partnership with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.

The adventure will turn the world’s biggest urban forest into the ultimate mountain biker’s playground. The challenge’s route starts and finishes at Marks Park in Emmarentia and includes areas such as Melville, Northcliff, Marlboro and Morningside.

Entries initially closed on July 12 but they have now been extended to October 5.

The race is aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle – in line with the City’s healthy lifestyle management programme – and building healthy socially-cohesive communities. 
 

It also seeks to create a relationship among Johannesburg residents and to garner support and resources to assist with the improvement of the Johannesburg spruit system.

The challenge will also encourage residents to use some of the most beautiful parts of the city and to reclaim these areas from vagrants, crime, alien vegetation and pollution. 
 

City Parks and Zoo will also get a massive shot in the arm for the upkeep of the spruit system. Only firebreaks around the fence-line of the Melville Koppies will be used during the adventure. 

Bohlale Mohlathe, City Parks and Zoo’s Corporate Funding, Sponsorships and Grants Manager, said: “An event like the Hollard Mountain Bike Adventure is a perfect opportunity to expose a group of new residents to the eco system.”