Waterberg Encounter offers bushveld experience

Waterberg Encounter offers bushveld experience

The Liberty Waterberg Encounter is perfectly poised to provide a wide range of mountain-biking enthusiasts with a memorable weekend getaway near Bela-Bela in Limpopo from June 7 to 9.

This three-stage race over 168km, which exposes competitors to exciting bushveld trails, is the final event of the Liberty Encounter Series. It started with the TransCape MTB Encounter in February and continued this past weekend with the Winelands Encounter.

Entries for the Waterberg race close on May 22 and ASG Events chief executive officer Erick Oosthuizen said there is plenty for riders to look forward to in the overall package.

"This is a wonderful chance for the whole family to experience a weekend in the bush," he said.

"The luxury tented accommodation at Elements Private Golf Reserve makes it the perfect chance to escape the city for a few days, with riders being exposed to mountain-bike trails through game farms.

"Once the hard work is done on the bike there is plenty of time to chill at the clubhouse."

Besides Elements, he said accommodation was also available at Sondela Nature Reserve, one of the most popular bush-lodge holiday spots in South Africa.

"Sondela offers a variety of accommodation, from four-star self-catering chalets to a caravan park and tent camp."

Besides the opportunity for a memorable family weekend, Oosthuizen said he felt the race was a perfect opportunity for those in the corporate world to have some fun away from the pressures of business.

"This is a great chance for corporates to experience a relaxed weekend, where they can either enjoy a team-building opportunity within their company or network with their colleagues in a chilled environment.

"Luxury tented accommodation packages are available for the Friday and Saturday night at Elements Golf Reserve and all bedding comes with electric blankets for the chilly nights.

"The race offers an opportunity for riders to get close to a variety of wildlife without compromising the safety aspect of the competitors.

"This will be followed by fun evenings, with lots of entertainment on offer."

Similar to the Winelands Encounter, the Waterberg offers team and solo categories.

Riders can opt for a luxury accommodation package, which includes two nights at Elements Golf Reserve and meals, or the basic package, which excludes accommodation but offers breakfast and lunch.

To enter, go to www.waterbergencounter.co.za.

CAPTION: Riders are in line for a memorable getaway when the Liberty Waterberg Encounter mountain-bike race takes place from June 7 to 9 near Bela-Bela in Limpopo. Photo: Gerrie Kriel/Twin Productions SA