AFRICA’s end-of-enduro-season showstopper has started and the Motul Roof of Africa, notoriously known as the “Mother of Hard Enduro”, will put riders through their paces in the spectacular mountains of Lesotho.
It has started yesterday and will finish on Sunday, December 9th.
The event has unveiled enduro riding paradise for 50 years with dizzying altitudes and over 400km of unrelenting terrain to offer.
While participants have become familiar with the pounding trails, infamous climbs and the popular “Round the Houses” seeding event; the 2018 Motul Roof of Africa will come with some exciting changes.
Daniel Pienaar biker
Jason Landman (17), a Grade 11 learner at Daniel Pienaar Technical High School, will be on the start line again this year for the 51st Edition of the Roof of Africa Extreme enduro.
Last year Jason finished 88th overall out of 130 riders and this year he is one of 64 riders competing in the Silver Class.
“Jason missed the local 2018 Enduro Race season owing to a severe injury he sustained in April when he broke his forearm in an off road accident in the run up to an event and had to undergo surgery which took him 6 months to recover from,” said Jacques Landman, Jason’s father.
As a result Jason decided not to compete in any other races in 2018 in order to ensure participation in the 2018 Roof of Africa.
Jason said, “There are times when the going gets so tough that you feel like giving up and then somewhere inside you find that extra bit to keep you going and this year will be no different.
“I am just going out there to bring that Silver finisher medal home with a good finishing position and enjoying every minute of the ride.”
In memory of Cyle Welgemoed
Any form of riding involving an off road bike is extremely dangerous and comes with its risks which struck riders closer to home recently with the tragic accident in which 12 year old Cyle Welgemoed lost his life.
“Jason who also started riding dirt bikes at a very young age associated with Cyle’s story and his love for these machines and will be dedicating his 2018 Roof of Africa race to the memory of young Cyle Welgemoed.
“We all started off like Cyle…the love for our off road bikes followed by the dreams of being able to race them someday in events like the Roof of Africa and then working hard to making this happen,” said Jacques.
Jason said, “With this being the second Roof of Africa I will be riding I am really looking forward to it and to the challenge that awaits me during these 3 days in the mountains.” – HEILIE COMBRINCK
