On July 26, the Schoemansdal Environmental Education Centre (EEC) will proudly present the fourth annual Akkedis Mountainbike Challenge, hosted in collaboration with the P&L Hardware Cycle Club.

This mountain bike race takes place through previously restricted areas on the western side of the majestic Soutpansberg Mountains, an area rich in pioneer history and archaeological interest. The venue is the Schoemansdal EEC. There are three race options, namely a 70km race, a 35km race and a 10km fun ride.

The Akkedis also forms part of the Dirty Double series. This gives riders the opportunity to experience team stage racing. Teams enter for the 70km race on Saturday, July 26, and a 30km time-trial on Sunday, July 27. For further entry details for this race, go to www.dirtydouble.co.za

The 2007 race was won by Dion Guy, followed by Marco Glastra. Samantha Oosthuizen made it three in a row, followed by Alexi Loizou. The Dirty Double series was won by team Commencal’s Marais Dekker and Rynard van Hoven, and the ladies section by The Coega Ladies Anthea Gould and Andrea von Holt. The speed trap record still stands under the name of Smit van Zyl, clocking a whopping 100km/h.

Registration for the Akkedis will take place at the Schoemansdal EEC on Friday, July 25, from 12:00 to 22:00 and on Saturday, July 26 from 06:00 to 07:45. The races start at 08:00, with the 70km pedallers setting off first, followed by the shorter distance races at 08:30 and 08:45 respectively.

Entry fees are R100 (70km), R70 (35km) and R30 (10km) and pre-entries close on July 20. Line entries on race day cost an extra R20. For online entries, visit www.akkedismountainbike.co.za.