Mountain bikers will experience a variety of routes when the Sani Dragon takes place in the Himeville-Underberg region on September 30 and October 1.
Participants will be able to choose between the longer Dragon or shorter Dragon Lite, which combines a variety of terrains with the region’s distinctive landscapes and vistas in a challenging yet manageable format.
Teams working together up the iconic Sani Pass on day two of the Dragon are not an uncommon sight as riders tackle the 17km journey to the top. Photo: Greg Labuschagne Photography
“The Dragon is more about the journey than being a race.
“It’s an event that regardless of whether you do the Dragon or the Lite, you’ll know you’ve spent some time in the saddle by the time you cross the finish line,” said co-race organiser Doug Abbey.
Day one is all about showcasing the district from a mountain biking perspective.
Dragon riders complete an extra 18km loop compared to the Lite competitors. Besides that, the longer and shorter events are the same, taking riders along a variety of jeep track, farm roads, cattle paths and forest single track.
The first day also gives riders some incredible views of the mountains, including Rhino Peak, Hodgson’s Peaks and the entire Sani Valley.
The second stage is a bit shorter than the first and since last year, a high level technical section has been taken out.
“The first 10 kilometres on day two are extremely fast but with the Dragon riders still to make the incredible trip up Sani Pass, it would be wise for riders not to push too hard early on,” said Abbey.
While the clock stops at the South African border post for those involved in the Dragon Lite, Dragon competitors conclude their race upon summiting Sani Pass before making their way back down to the bottom at their leisure.
