Lining up under the start/finish gantry at the Ride2Nowhere in the special village of McGregor was bittersweet and really special. Not only was it the 10^th anniversary of the event but it is also potentially the last – hence bittersweet . I think that most organized events strive to have something unique about them, they take on their own personality and become known as a particular type of event – so either it's super long, really hard, a great race to start a multi-stage event with, brilliant single tracks, gnarly, sandy, windy and so on. Ride2Nowhere isn’t really about any of these in my opinion. It doesn’t have a significantly difficult route (and that’s cool!), you have options to test your endurance, it can get pretty damn hot and the course has a mix of district road and some lovely singles.

The event organisers are a lekker bunch and a lot of the people involved volunteer or are happy to contribute for an entry. However there are challenges; with venues, politics with locals, considerations on routes traversing private or national parks land, accommodation choices, parking and a race village – raising money for the local church and the community all the while trying to make a profit or at least pay the organizing staff. It is a challenge. But year after year the race has gone ahead – nothing has stopped it except for Covid – and that as a result may see the event stop forever – which despite the challenges would be a tragedy. Let me tell you why ...

The MTB routes are really fab, gnarly enough to be a test but interspersed with lovely gravel roads that allow you to chat, recover and admire the countryside. There are different options and e-bikes are welcomed. Well marked and well stocked tables put the event on a par with most – the organizers know their business. The riding is tough at times but fun as well – it really is a great excuse to take a few days away from the cities and to experience platteland lifestyle at its best. I for one hope that this event is rescued and stays well entrenched on the MTB calendar! SPONSOR REQUIRED! With a cash injection this could be what it should be – a must on your to do list – every year!