Background to BIKE4BEASTS

Organised annually, the BIKE4BEASTS MTB Challenge first hit the MTB circuit back in 2007. Since its inauguration it has seen four extremely successful events held on two of the exquisite and exclusive Diamond Route Reserves. These are the De Beers Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve in northern Limpopo Province and the Ezemvelo Nature Reserve near Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng.

As the major sponsor, the Diamond Route is a massive national project which focuses on linking the conservation properties of the Oppenheimer family and De Beers. These properties conserve vast areas and provide a safe haven for a wide variety of unique, rare and ecologically important plants and wildlife. For more information about the Diamond Route visit www.diamondroute.co.za

With the aim of supporting the Endangered Wildlife Trust (www.ewt.org.za), the BIKE4BEASTS MTB Challenge has raised almost R200 000. Each year a different threatened species is chosen as our mascot. In 2007 it was the Black Rhino, in 2008 it was the African Wild Dog and for the 2009 challenge it was the Cheetah. For 2010 we have chosen the lion as our new mascot.