The Bike4Beasts Mountain Bike Challenge is back for its second year and the organizers have invited one and all to join them on this exciting and adrenalin-filled cross-country challenge in the 33,000 hectare De Beers Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve.

Bruce Irvine-Smith, one of the riders in the 2007 challenge, said of his experience: "The ride was so unique - a must-do thing, especially for those of us with a love of the whole outdoor/environmental issue and it was a privilege to be part of this event in the unique geographical setting of the area."

The nature reserve is situated in the far northern Limpopo Province, just south of the international boundary between South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe (two hours’ drive north of Polokwane and 80km west from Musina). In this remote corner of our country lies one of the largest privately owned nature reserves in the country.

The Venetia Limpopo Bike4Beasts Challenge is a first for the Limpopo Valley and greater Mapungubwe region, providing a new and exciting venture that has already sparked much interest. The main objectives of the event are to raise funds for the conservation activities of the Endangered Wildlife Trust, as well as expose the tourism potential of this area.

The challenging route runs for 65km through the heart of the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve. It follows existing vehicle dirt tracks over undulating and varied terrain, through some of the most stunning scenery in the region. Participants should expect some fantastic sightings of bird and animal species. The course traverses some elevated rocky sections as well as some sandy river crossings and tracks; however, it has been designed for minimal walking and experienced riders will be able to cycle most of the route.

There are two race categories, an individual (90 riders) and a team (60 riders) category. The latter category consists of teams of three people. Entry details are available on www.lycaonlogistics.co.za The entry fee is R210 per person or R630 per team, but in order to secure an entry, all participants are required to raise a minimum of R500 in support of the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Participants who raise more than R1 000 will receive a year’s free membership to the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Cash prizes and floating trophies will be awarded to the first-placed team and individuals (male & female).

Taking place over the long weekend of the Freedom Day public holiday, participants and supporters can arrive on Saturday and register at a pre-race function. The race will start at 07:00 on Sunday, April 27.

For more information, visit the above website or call Wendy Collinson on 083 657 1551.