Ranked as one of the best mountain bike rides in South Africa, the Rhodes Extreme showed no mercy to local Rhodes University Management Department duo Theus Louw and Trevor Amos, otherwise known as team TnT.
Ranked as one of the best mountain bike rides in South Africa, the Rhodes Extreme showed no mercy to local Rhodes University Management Department duo Theus Louw and Trevor Amos, otherwise known as team TnT.
The village of Rhodes is buried deep in the heart of the Eastern Cape and once a year, over the Heritage Day long weekend, it is host to this intense two day, three stage race, which is SA's highest mountain bike stage race.
When asked why they choose to enter this high adrenaline competition, both agreed that after completing the Cape Argus and various other races they wanted to push themselves even further. “So why not test yourself under extreme conditions?” laughed Louw.
Stage one known as the lucky 13 is a 39km adventure track through the mountain, while the second stage was a 15km race that took place at night. “That was my first night ride,” said Amos. “So it was a new, exciting and enjoyable experience; not forgetting the shot of Old Brown Sherry at a compulsory stop,” he added.
The third stage was the 85km Grandfather Race which was enough to put hair on anyone’s teeth with extreme ascents and thrilling downhills. “It was a worthwhile experience, emotionally and physically,” said Amos reflecting on how they had to push and carry their bikes over gruelling terrain.
Team TnT finished 26th out of 30 other men’s groups. “Yes there were second thoughts, no regrets now though,” said Amos. “Would I do it again? If you had asked me at the end of the weekend to register for next year’s challenge I would have said no, but that response is no longer so definite,” said Amos.
“The best part of the weekend was possibly being able to experience the challenge with your cycling partner, sharing stories and simply be amazed at the terrain and scenery,” said Louw.
