180 bikers expected for Makgadikgadi adventure
Koketso Kgoboge | Thursday July 26, 2018 17:17
The organisers, Muddy Face events have revealed that at least 180 riders, mostly from the Southern African region and Europe, have registered for the puffed up event.
Not only has the event has grown six-fold from the initial edition when 30 bikers took part in 2016, but the adventure will be galvanised by the longest eclipse of the 21st century that would last about four hours, this is according to the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA). The entire Southern Africa region will witness the total eclipse of the moon on Friday from 8:24 pm to 00:19.
A telltale roar of over 100 motorcycle engines is expected to fill the pans as riders take different loops under the magical moonlight. The competition includes a night flat track for senior riders and for junior riders, the Endurance-cross challenge, motorcycle loops and bicycle loops. Local top riders Ross Branch and Vincent Crosbie alongside South African, Kenny Gilbert are expected to put up a show under the moonlight.
Organising committee member, Lola Berrie of Muddy Face Events said at sunset and during the four hours of the spectacular eclipse, the spectators will be treated to a freestyle motocross show and an enduro cross test.
”We are expecting a fantastic show from a number of the best local and international riders under the eclipse while also stargaze not to miss the magical moment. It’s a unique experience for the riders,” she said indicating that the adventure is open to riders of dirt bikes, quads bikes and adventure bikes.
The junior riders will participate on a 5km loop, novice riders on a 15km loop and adventure riders on a 30km loop. The loops are all marked out with glow sticks and LED floodlights at marshal points.
She said at midday riders will be able to participate in an off-road adventure and a fun flat-track for junior and seniors. The Makgadikgadi heritage trail has been created for riders and spectators who would love to view the pans from high.
“There is also the bike limbo competition where we will be raising some money to help an NGO (non-governmental organisation) called Elephants for Africa. This is whereby we will be auctioning riders off and the winners will get a price and the funds raised goes to Elephants for Africa.”
She said the winners of the bike limbo would be rewarded with a two-night package for two to either Duba Lodge or Selinda Explorer camp in the Okavango Delta including full flights tickets.
The overall winner of the night endure challenge will win a P19, 000 worth of holiday package at the House of the Rising Sun in Mozambique. The package is inclusive of seven nights stay for eight people at the holiday home.
Zimbabwean band, The Djembe Monks, will provide live music during the event and the two-day adventure would be capped with a glow after party.
Skip Hire, House of the Rising Sun, Naledi Motors, Jolly Bushmen, P&T Windscreens, Great Plains Camps and Neutral Photography sponsor the Makgadikgadi moonlight adventure.