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Gareth Stretch races past a home on the greenbelt
(PHOTO By CArL MArAIs)
introducing the improved track in line own time and compete with others, The committee’s goals included
with all necessary regulations,” says all while avoiding mass gatherings. introducing more residents to the
Marais. With the sponsorship of Xciter track and promoting mountain
sports Apparel, a whole new event, The To further encourage participation, biking as a sport and these proved
Xciter Lockdown Challenge, was born. Xciter donated a host of prizes from to be very successful. “We have had
brands such as Oakley, Merida, shimano, many people tell us that they are
The event worked as follows: Namedsport, Titan, Pearl iZumi and now really into the sport as a result
• A specific route was created Biogen, as well as bike services, repairs of the challenge,” Marais comments.
within the strava application and vouchers from their own store. “Having a track of this quality on one’s
and shared via various estate doorstep and within the safe confines
communication platforms. The event proved to be hugely popular, of the estate takes away many barriers
• Residents had to download the Strava with over 120 participants over the race that may be preventing people from
software and join the event club. period and a total of 7 000km ridden showing interest in this sport.”
• At any point during the event window on the route during the race - more
(21 to 30 August 2020), residents than double the distance of the Tour One of the event participants had
had to record a ride along the exact de France! “It got quite competitive,” this to say about the challenge: “I
route, namely The Xciter Lockdown says Marais, “with people going out love the way the event has brought
Challenge strava segment. trying to better their friends!” Overall everyone together and made people
• From there, the software collated winners shaun Keppler and Kirsty dust off their bikes. Well done, guys!”
everyone’s times, creating rankings searle recorded lap speeds of 25.4km/h
which could be sliced according to and 21km/h respectively, which were When asked if there will be more events
gender, weight (for the 90+kg buffalo particularly impressive considering like this, the team didn’t hesitate to
category) and age categories. the technical nature of the course. answer. Not only will there be more
bike challenges, but they are expanding
To comply with lockdown regulations, Among the many other achievements into skills training with professional
it was decided to limit participation to that were awarded prizes, of coaches and other activities targeted
Waterfall residents. Daily rankings were particular note were: stoof van Dyk at younger riders. “The reaction has
compiled and shared, so participants for completing the most laps (20) been overwhelmingly positive and
could see their rankings and follow during the race window; fastest juniors the strategy using strava has allowed
the results. This allowed people to take Kayden searle and Keira reynolds; people with busy lives to fit the event
part at any time that suited them, to and under-7 winner Daniel swart into their schedules. This has certainly
keep track of their times and rankings, who, at 6 years old, was the youngest built a great foundation for similar
challenge themselves to better their participant to complete the circuit. events in the future,” concludes Marais.

Riders tackling one of the more technical sections Kirsty Searle, winner of the ladies’ category, Lyla-Rose Stretch, one of the fastest juniors
(PHOTO By GArETH sTrETCH)
of the track (PHOTO By IAN KENT) on one of the downhills (PHOTO By CArL MArAIs)
Waterfall Issue 10 2020 17