Lion Man MTB Series – Aldam Estate 29 September 2008 (08:07) *Lion Man MTB Series – Aldam Estate* Lion Man MTB Series – Aldam Estate 27 September 2008 By Terry Spinman
The final of the three race Lion Man Mountain Bike series took place at Aldam Estate in the Free State. Having ridden all three of the 2008 events I began wondering what makes riding a series different to riding just any one day classic. The main feature that stands out is the knowledge that quality will be consistent. Venue Experts Africa who coordinates all three of the Lion Man races has set a precedent that is hard to beat. From the meticulous marking of the course to the festive water points and finish line social area there is a consistent attention to the ultimate rider experience One of the key aspects of the Lion Man MTB series is that all three of the events take riders through pristine nature reserves offering close encounters with many animal species. Mabalingwe, the first race in the series, is a reserve that boasts the big five (lucky for the riders the big cats are in a separate enclosure). Hoedspruit, the second in the series boarders on the Kruger National Park, and Aldam has its fair share of wild life Even though all three races take place in typical Southern African bushveld each event has established its own distinct flavor. Aldam Estate is set in a typically sprawling Free State landscape next to the Allemanskraal dam. For those who come to the event thinking the Free State is flat, they are in for a big surprise as the only mountains on the far horizon is where the riders head. For the 80km riders there are three challenging climbs and for the 35km riders one to get the heart rate into the red zone. The huge dam, always in sight reassures riders that home is not too far away This was the second year that the series came to Aldam Estate and hours of work and negotiating with land owners had riders on a new course. The route was balanced with free rolling dual track, some game drive roads and some district road. The route was a typical shark's tooth profile with climbs and descents to challenge all level of riders Thanks have to go to the sponsors for their loyal commitment to this series making it top class. USN & Brand House made sure that the water points and finish line were stocked with much needed recovery drinks and Windhoek beer. Dairy Maid is at the finish line to hand each rider the series signature finisher's ice cream – YUM! For the top riders in each category there were awesome prizes to reward their efforts. Hi Tech sponsor shoes, hydration packs and bags. USN sponsor supplements and Venue Events Africa the generous cash prizes The 80km race was won by Philip Buys (USN) with Dana Coetzee (RED/Mongoose) second and Francois Theron (USN) third. Bonny Swanepoel (adidas Spinman) was over all ladies winner with Sanet Small (Scott) second and Michelle Chibulka third. In the 35km race Colin Brent was first male in and Sylvia van Tromp first lady For the Lion Man MTB series overall winners in the 80km race it was a big pay day. Francois Theron and Sanet Small each walked away with R10 000 cash prize sponsored by Venue Experts Africa Aldam Estate is a beautiful family resort with luxurious chalet accommodation perched overlooking the picturesque dam. With its close proximity to Johannesburg, Pretoria and Bloemfontein this is an ideal weekend getaway venue with or without your mountain bike. The resort offers water sports, boat cruises and game drives. There are 5 conference rooms and a restaurant serving delicious meals The Lion man MTB series no doubt will go from strength to strength as riders realize the quality of these events. Mabalingwe is the longest running and most well known in the series and has reached its 1500 limit, no doubt Aldam and Hoedspruit will follow suit soon. *Diarize these dates for 2009 and DON'T MISS ANY OF THEM* Mabalingwe 16 May 2009 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate 18 July 2009 Aldam Estate 12 September 2009 *See you at the Lion man Mountain Bike Series 2009 – Miss it you miss out!* For more information on the series contact *Kelly 014 736 7000* *Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] * --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "DarkAndDirty" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/DarkAndDirty?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
