Wynberg Boys’ High goes all in on bikes
Last week cycling became an official sport of Wynberg Boys’ High in Cape Town. They celebrated the move with the opening of a new mountain bike track.
At ±3km in length, the predominantly single-track loop is within the school premises and winds its way between the school buildings and sports fields. Designed and created by one of the best trail builders in the business, Duran van Eeden, special attention has been given to enhancing the trail flow with the physical side of the sport.
For 15 years, the students of Wynberg Boys’ High rode as part of the school cycling club, however, for various reasons, it was not recognized as an official school sport. Thanks to the likes of Elaine Chesterton, Matthew Carter and a forward-thinking administration that has fully embraced cycling and its benefits, the school is now, ‘all in’ on bikes.
Mountain biking offers numerous physical health benefits. It is a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, and enhances coordination and balance. The benefits to students include improved endurance, agility, and motor skills. Beyond the physical advantages, mountain biking has a positive impact on mental health as well. The adrenaline rush experienced releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. This, in turn, reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, fostering a positive mental state.
In the not-too-distant future, the track will be open to the public and it is likely interschool racing and other events will be hosted here. The initial investment was around R100 000 and with a public membership system on the cards, additional funding will be allocated to track maintenance, features and more facilities.