Giving ordinary mountain bikers the chance to let their inner hero out is what the Hero Adventure Group is all about, says co-founder Darren Herbst.
Hero Adventure Group. Photo: Supplied
“We believe that every person has the chance to become a hero, whether it is to themselves, their family and friends or the public.
“The Hero brand’s message is simple and clear; it’s about reaching your full potential.”
With many sportspeople seeking new ways to push their limits, Herbst says the demand for exciting yet safe venues has spiked over the last three years.
“Because I organise so many events, I constantly get feedback from people that they would love to train and ride more, but that it’s too dangerous and unsociable in public areas.”
And so the idea of a multi-sport adventure park to cater for this gap in the market began to take shape as Herbst and his associates bounced ideas around.
“It was essentially the brainchild of a bunch of mates, all passionate about sport and people,” he says.
The Group opened its first Hero Adventure Park at Heia Safari Ranch near the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng this year.
“We started looking at a number of venues and it took the better part of a year to come across Heia Safari,” says Herbst.
“I’m not sure if it was a stroke of good luck or fate, but we started talking to the landowners and, after a few months and literally hundreds of meetings, we finally got the go-ahead.
“Heia Safari and the owners are very special. We have an amazing relationship and have worked hard together as a team to ensure that we deliver the best possible results.”
These include seven trails for mountain biking, trail running and walking and three courses for canoeing, kayaking and open-water swimming on the cleanest lake in Gauteng.
An obstacle course and cross-fit training facilities complete the varied offering.
“Hero doesn’t just cater for mountain bikers,” says Herbst. “All of these activities gel together to offer an outdoor lifestyle hub for families.
“And for those riding solo, it’s a great place to meet like-minded people.”
Possibly one of the most important aspects, he says, has been getting the balance right in terms of catering for all levels of experience, skill, fitness and technical ability.
“We’ve made sure there’s something for everyone from the newbie to the seasoned athlete. We want even beginners to feel comfortable while giving them ‘carrots’ so they keep on aspiring to achieve.
“Another exciting part is the focus on Little Heroes, including a secure kiddies’ area with party facilities, 300m pump track and obstacles.” The facility offers dedicated child minders over weekends.
Herbst says the recent mushrooming of mountain bike parks has not necessarily been beneficial to the sport.
“A lot of people seem to have the perception that you can just get a spade, clear some grass and, boom, you have a mountain bike trail.”
It’s a lot more detailed than that, says Herbst, with a number of legal, social, environmental, safety and other aspects to consider.
“The list of challenges is endless. We are still learning when it comes to the day-to-day operation of the park and we take each day as a positive lesson.”
The venue is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with night races by arrangement.
“Having a venue that provides several activities is exciting when it comes to hosting events. We are, however, very careful not to ‘overexpose’ the venue.”
One of the more popular events is the Jozi Night Series, which takes place on the last Friday of every month and comprises a kiddies’ race, 5km and 10km trail runs, plus 10km and 20km mountain bike races.
“Some of the events to look forward to in 2015 are the TriRock triathlon, two cross-fit championships and a three-day mountain bike race.”
The new membership option gives people unlimited access to the park’s activities and trails as well as discounts on events and kit.
Herbst says they are developing three more Hero Adventure Parks in the Joburg area, one in Pretoria and possibly one in Cape Town over the next 12 months.
