Exciting MTB event coming to Shongweni
With Westown Square in Shongweni becoming the centre of the outer west area, the Balwin Properties WILD RIDE will offer riders a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the area on 19 October 2025, with the race beginning and ending at Westown Square.
The event will offer up three different distances for riders to enjoy; with the longer 35km Cactus ride, followed by the shorter 18km Tumbleweed ride and the shortest offering is the 8km Colt ride.
Set in the beautiful hills of the upper-highway area, the WILD RIDE is an event that is on your doorstep and will provide riders, families and spectators with a brilliant mountain biking and lifestyle experience.
With the rolling sugarcane fields that surround Westown Square providing a breath-taking backdrop, there will be challenges and rewards galore for riders with soon to be iconic views on offer.
The diverse terrain will change throughout the race, with rugged sections, beautiful patches of forest as well as the famous sugarcane fields. The various distances will provide non-stop action and excitement for riders of all abilities.
"We knew that the Upper Highway area had the potential to host a fantastic mountain biking event and Westown Square and Balwin Properties have come on board to make that a reality," race director Damian Bradley said.
"The area is perfectly set-up for us to host a memorable event, and we are excited to give riders the chance to compete on exciting trails in their own back yard.
"The WILD RIDE will come after the Balwin Properties WILD RUN so people will have a good idea of what to expect from the conditions and the terrain around Westown Square."
The event offers riders of all abilities the chance to take on the challenge and Bradley believes it's a great opportunity for those getting into the sport to take on an exhilarating yet rewarding route.
"With the three different routes we've catered to all abilities, and we feel that they will challenge riders from professionals to beginners.
"The shorter events are the perfect opportunity for novices to get into the sport or for youngsters to get into mountain biking in a safe, family-friendly environment."
Riders will also receive a fantastic goodie bag when they enter as well as race apparel and the chance to win R10 000 of prize money.
