Photo Epic: Hellsend Mates Race Summer Series, Rd 5, Jonkershoek | p/b Trek
Summer evening racing in the Jonkershoek Valley.
With the season entering its latter third, the Hellsend Mates Race series partnered up with Trek Bikes and headed to the famous Jonkershoek trails for round number five of South Africa’s raddest mates race.
A clear summer’s evening with dry and dusty conditions awaited the riders, multiple other events on the horizon such as Cape Epic, Darkfest, and a DH National cup bought faces from all corners of the sport together for some friendly competition.
The early season excitement was almost palpable, as riders enjoyed some pre (and post) race practice laps, refreshments courtesy of Monster Energy – with a shot of banter. Registration complete and timers in place, the sun had just begun to slowly set as rider’s dropped into their runs under the evening light.
A first time layout was used again for this round, which began in the lower half of the Iron Monkey descent and continued all the way down to the gate at the parking lot. Rider’s could choose between an A or B line in the top section, which linked a couple of fast bursts with quick, blind turns. After a fast mid-section and short uphill, the track flowed through the foothills with a combination of fast berms and jumps, before ending right at the bottom. All in, it was a course that required some precision, a bit of flow and good legs.
Thanks to a cool mixture of all levels of riders from a wide range of disciplines, the riding was a non-stop carousel of different approaches formed with varied levels of skill, speed and style. From the eBikers and fast boys bringing the heat, to the XC snakes pushing their limits, or the jesters using the trail as a canvas, it’s great to see the series resonating with all riders, regardless of age, discipline, or skill level.
Once the timed runs were completed, some pedaled, some drove, and a few wheelied back toward Hellsend Bike Shop for the festivities. This round was proudly sponsored by Trek Bicycles South Africa, who have supported the series since its inception.
A large prize purse of electronic pumps, digital shock pumps, tools, hats, and other merchandise courtesy of Trek had a few riders looking with bright eyes. Who doesn’t love a free shock pump?
In an unusual but very welcomed approach to prize-giving, prizes did not go to podium finishers, Trek were happy to distribute the prizes over a broader group of people, rather than limiting everything to the victors of the day, and after a more random-fashioned series of challenges, giveaways and even a quiz, many lucky riders went home smiling.
Along with the stash of cool product given out by Trek, there was the standard Pit Viper lucky draw, as well as the Devil’s Peak and Monster Energy challenge to keep riders entertained.
With the festivities and challenges completed, the back area of Hellsend Bike Shop continued to bustle into the evening with the post-race chat between weekend warriors, school laaities, racers and freeriders echoing into the night. Without the support of this great community of riders, along with some awesome people and brands, none of this would be possible.
A big thank you as always to everyone involved in these races, another one done, one more to go. //
| WORDS: Jordan de Goede | IMAGES: Eric Palmer |