Doubling up as the Gauteng regional series, Round 2 of the Bike Market Hakahana Enduro saw a strong turnout of rider numbers. Probably due to one of two, or both reasons; a break in the cold front with a warmer day and anticipation of the upcoming inaugural SA Enduro Champs on October 21, after the final round of the Hakahana Series on September 17.
By Dino Lloyd
That leaves nearly two months to prepare for the inaugural SA Enduro Champs, which landowner and passionate mountain biker, Johan Vorster, says will be a landmark and memorable event. While work is underway, the idea is to host the event in a 2-in-1 format. Six lines for the main event, for those who are racing for podiums. Then a second event with three more manageable lines making Enduro more accessible for those with an interest who’d like to ‘dabble’. There are some changes and surprises underway, these are a work in progress though.
You can view the event schedule here – SA Enduro champs 2017
Round 2 of the Bike Market Hakahana Enduro took place over five timed sections (SP 1-5). The performance of the day goes to 16 year old Keira Duncan from KZN, placing an overall fastest time by 34 seconds!
We’ve posted up a selection of images below. You can also view the full gallery here: Bike Market Hakahana Enduro 2
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
Full results can be viewed at – http://www.elitetiming.co.za/2017-2/
Elite Men
| WADE PRINSLOO | Elite | 15:05 | 1 |
| HILTON FROST | Elite | 15:19 | 2 |
| FRANK MEYER | Elite | 15:29 | 3 |
Women
| LOUISE KOTSE | Sub Veteran | 19:23 | 1 |
| SONJA ENGELBRECHT | Veteran | 20:55 | 2 |
| PHIA VAN DER MEULEN | Sub Veteran | 21:46 | 3 |
Overall
| KEIRA DUNCAN | Junior | 14:39 | 1 |
| WADE PRINSLOO | Elite | 15:05 | 2 |
| HILTON FROST | Elite | 15:19 | 3 |
| FRANK MEYER | Elite | 15:29 | 4 |
| RORY GROBLER | Veteran | 15:36 | 5 |
| PATRICK MOREWOOD | Veteran | 15:39 | 6 |
| JACO LE ROUX | Sub Veteran | 15:47 | 7 |
| JOHN-MICHAEL DU PREEZ | Elite | 16:10 | 8 |
| SHUAN OOSTHUIZEN | Elite | 16:15 | 9 |
| GARETH NORWOOD | Sub Veteran | 16:23 | 10 |
A last minute rush of entries meant one of the best attendances at Hakahana.
RMB Change a Life Academy rider, Mboneni Ngcobo rode his first ever enduro event. He entered the hardtail category, on a loan Wragley which was also his first ride on it, blind on each stage. He finished with a well earned 3rd place in the hardtail category.
Young Keira Duncan sending it off a drop, at 16 beat all the elites to take the overall fastest time for the day. Ok then.
Paterick Morewood, namesake and founder of Pyga bikes on a pre-production Slackline, proving that grey (silver) facial hair doesn’t slow a rider down. Competing in the veteran category Pat finished second, with a 6th overall.
Bright skies and more than enough indigenous flora.
Winter is typically dry and dusty until summer rains come, Hakahana is typically rocky year round.
Skids are for kids, but a cheeky slide never killed anyone.
Natty socks and bike specific ink. It’s a thing.
Enduro isn’t ‘blokes ‘n beers’ it’s fun for everyone. If you’re smilin, you’re dialin!
Hardtail category, on a carbon xc machine, wearing skinny jeans and tie dye sans body armour. Win.
Good vibes.
All rights reserved.
