On May 21st Jaci’s Lodges arranged the first ever cycling event in Madikwe Game Reserve, that is planned to be running twice a year. On this beautiful sunny morning, the seven enthusiastic participants met for their pre-cycling brief, just after breakfast. One of the lodge vehicles would go ahead with all the snacks and cooler boxes, to be on a look-out for any big animals and to scout for good drink stop spots along the way. A second vehicle would be driving in front of the cyclists to keep them safe, if any big animals were encountered. The last vehicle would drive behind the group, with a trailer and pick up anyone that may want to quit and also to help out if any bike related issues would arise. The three vehicles were also to be in constant radio contact with one another, to make sure everything went smoothly.
Image by Jacis Photographic Guide, Anja Riise
Image by Jacis Photographic Guide, Anja Riise
A friendly, but steady, pace was set out as everyone departed from Jaci’s Safari Lodge on their 40 km journey, taking the group past the Terrapin hide at the lodge’s waterhole. A lot of birds were seen on the way and made the morning excursion even more pleasurable. Starting the incline towards the eastern boundary of the reserve, a few impalas were curiously observing the weird looking, two-wheeled creatures making progress towards the much anticipated downhill. The 2 km long slope towards Molatedi gate was greatly appreciated and even had a few of the participants breaking the reserve’s speed limit, putting big grins on their faces.
Image by Jacis Photographic Guide, Anja Riise
Image by Jacis Photographic Guide, Anja Riise
After the more relaxing stretch, the gate was passed onto one of the main roads, which is rather even, with only a slight gradient as the group carried on in a westerly direction. This also meant that the participants now had the sun in the back and could fully enjoy the beauty of the scenery. Both impalas and wildebeests were passed at close quarters and most of them looked rather confused as to what these beings could be, but didn’t budge until the cyclists were right next to them. When they realised it was humans at a racing speed of about 20 km/h, they all went scattering, probably not believing their eyes, as the two-legged ones usually don’t move at these mind boggling speeds.
Image by Jacis Photographic Guide, Anja Riise
Image by Jacis Photographic Guide, Anja Riise
The first pit stop took place next to the road, with a wonderful view of a waterhole and the mountains, drenched in early morning sun light. Drinks, dried fruits, nuts, biltong and date balls quickly emerged from the lead car and were devoured almost as rapidly. An energy re-fill was by this time apparently much needed. After the short rest, the group continued west with just a slight breeze stirring the air. The vehicle in the front also helped out by asking oncoming cars to stop or slow down for the cyclists, as to not spray dust all over the group.
Image by Jacis Photographic Guide, Anja Riise
We had heard on the radio that a pride of lions had been seen close to the road the cyclists were going on. We therefore listened carefully to the other guides that were out on game drive to find out what their movements were, on the radio. As we approached the junction where the big cats had been seen, we were relieved to hear that they were slowly making their way south-west, away from the main road. It could have been an interesting sighting, but maybe a bit too exciting!
At the 20 km mark, which was also the turn-around point, another stop was made by the Park’s Board head quarters, while enjoying the shade of a few big trees and watching impalas feeding in the distance. Both bicycles and cyclists here enjoyed a well deserved few minutes of relaxation and rehydration.
Image by Jacis Photographic Guide, Anja Riise
Cycling back east on the main road proved to be much easier and quicker than the gentle westward incline had been. The group progressed quickly, but also had time to keep a lookout for animals. An elephant herd was spotted in the distance south of the road and we all stopped to enjoy the moment… and maybe it was also an excuse for the cyclists to be able catch their breaths again, before continuing. The elephants went about their own business without even noticing that they were being watched.
Image by Jacis Photographic Guide, Anja Riise
Image by Jacis Photographic Guide, Anja Riise
A third and last stop at Molatedi gate meant a long good look at the 2 km long uphill stretch along the fence, which earlier in the morning had entailed an exhilarating 45 km/h ride, with no effort. This time around, the hill seemed a bit less enjoyable I would imagine. As brunch time was approaching I think most of the participants were eager to get back to the lodge however and they were making good progress. Rounding the waterhole in front of the lodge, big smiles were on everyone’s faces, as a great outing and 40 km had been accomplished even before brunch.
On the second day another 20 km were accomplished, but this time outside the reserve. With sore legs and bums from the previous day, the group still managed to cover this route faster than the first 20 km the day before. The scenery was more or less as beautiful, but the animals encountered a little less wild and the gin and tonics a little less abundant…