Today only 4% of the original Renosterveld is left remaining in the Western Cape. The event goes one step further as it seeks to raise Rhino awareness, hence the title "Ride the Rhino". This year alone more than 288 rhino's have been poached in SA, this equates to one per day. And an increase of 1000% percent in the last four years.
"The event is supporting some important causes" said Yolandi Du Toit from bizhub. "Sometimes racing is not always about winning but it's also about social responsibility and putting something back into the community, which is why we have decided to support this event. I'll be partnering again with Nicci Grobler, the two of us rode well together in the Sani2C and the Kalahari Challenge. I always look forward to spending time on the bike with her."
Liani Morkel from bizhub will also be participating in the event together with team owner John Robertson "It's all part of a good cause" said Robertson, "and it will give the girls a chance to get their own back at me. Three days of racing with Liani is going to hurt a lot, and its way more difficult than shouting from a team car. Still I'm looking forward to the challenge and spending some time on the bike again in aid of a good cause".
On day three of the event all the riders in the Tour will be trading in their team jerseys for a red rhino jersey, the idea behind this I for the organizers to get 288 red jerseys into the field one for every poached rhino. The event seeks to do the same for the West coast as the Sani2C did for Umkomaas and its people in the form of social upliftment and community involvement.
The race starts at Langebaan Country Estate of Friday morning and finishes on Sunday at Nitida Wine Cellars in Durbanville.
