This past weekend on the 19th of November, while thousands took to the streets of JHB for the 947, 70 Enduro crazy riders took to Hakahana trails to compete for the title of Gauteng Enduro Champ 2017.
Riders briefing took place at 7:30 after which they took a casual ride to the top of the first stage. With the temperatures reaching the mid 30’s, it was a scorcher of a day to be out in the sun but the riders were determined to give it their all, and the spectators loved the action.
Wade Prinsloo squashing the new drop on SP10.
Oli Munnik taking on the off-camber on SP5.
The race consisted of 5 of the 12 Enduro stages that Hakahana trails have to offer, linking up a variety of different runs and in my opinion, choosing the best of all the stages for a rad day out on the bike.
Hercules Du Preez with some style on the lower stages.
I decided to start with stage 12 as it’s not a super fast stage and I thought I could use it to get my eye in for the other two top stages 6, 5 and 10 that are relatively fast with some sneaky rocks that will take you out if your reflexes are not up to scratch. So I started with stage 12, it was a clean run, although I felt slow, as every time I tried to push the bike would just drift (super cool, but not fast).
Onto stage 6 and 5, out the gate with a bang. I was super stoked to hit the top section the way I did, it felt really good, then I crashed on a sneaky tricky s-bend section just after the middle of the stage, got up as quick as I could and pushed to make up time, dinged the rear rim in the process (not an uncommon sight at Hakahana) finished the stage quite disappointed but it was what it was.
Stage 10 went well, a bit conservative at the top but I peddled klip hard to the road gap and just held on through those sneaky rocks… sent the new drop (awesome feature) and finished the stage feeling a bit better.
The technical stages were done and all that was left was to pedal hard and keep the flow, I did exactly that and felt I did what I could… what I could was 4 seconds off from being the Gauteng Enduro Champ… so close but yet so far, that is racing I suppose. Everyone had a war story to tell, and that is why we race, it brings out the best and sometimes the worst in us (if we don’t win). Hopefully we learn and it’s great to be a part of this amazing sport.
Hakahana delivered the goods as always, the trails were prime and the mood at prize giving was pure stoke.
Frank Meyer, 2nd overall
John-Michael Du Preez and Matt Minter pushing hard into the SP5 off-camber.
It is with a big smile that I look back and see how this sport has grown and developed into a very competitive discipline with top class, talented riders fighting it out for top step of the podium.
Gauteng Champs was no different!
The tracks tested every ounce of your technical ability, from riding steep, loose and rocky descents, to fast and flowy single track leading you over fun table tops to finish it off.
To walk away from a day like that without an OTB or mechanical is a huge achievement.
There is love in these trails, dedication and great enthusiasm. We are privileged to have this event in our backyard and I pray the passion for the sport becomes contagious.
Louise Kotze, 1st Ladies
The five stages totalled about 25km but with only the down runs being timed the fastest time of the day was Wade Prinsloo with a 13:14, with just 30 seconds between the top five men the racing was very tight, meaning the slightest slip up could cost you the race.
The overall podiums and Gauteng Champs are:
Ladies
1- Louise Kotze
2- Kaylin Prinsloo
3- Robin Stewart
4- Maude Badenhorst
5- Wendy Odendaal
Men
1- Wade Prinsloo
2- Frank Esias Meyer
3- Hilton Frost
4- Charl Van Zyl
5- John-Michael Du Preez.
Full list of results can be seen at – http://www.elitetiming.co.za/results/
Andre Van Aarde on SP5
Maude Badenhorst working her way down SP5
Justin Steyn going Moto on SP5
Wade Prinsloo on the lower section of SP5
Cory Schmitz on the transfer from 10 to 3
Luke Reece Meyer going flatbox on the SP9 flow section
Dustin Rudman keeping it low and fast over the final jumps of the stages
Spectators at the end of SP8 watching the final bit of action
Charl Van Zyl cutting it close to a tree on SP5
Bike Market
Pyga Industries
Dirt Merchant
Shreddtech
Leatt protectives
Maxxis
Mag Pedals
Sprocket & Jack
Gravity Hub
Ride with Zeal
John Burnett Insurance
Trailwolf
Sentient Security
Destination Medicine
Convergence Partners
Roger Hartley
Joe Diana