The opening day of the inaugural Glacier Waterberg Traverse saw the riders take on a singletrack packed 30 kilometre route, while the racers were tested by 29 additional kilometres. Summerplace Game Reserve provided a spectacular backdrop as well as incredible trails, which set the scene for the racing to come. At the sharp end Jan Withaar and Sarah Hill were first across the line, in the men’s and women’s races, but the primary focus of the day was on having fun.

Summerplace Game Reserve boasts 160 kilometres of singletracks on its 3 500 hectare grounds – which are also host to numerous species of antelope, giraffe and a plethora of birds – making it the ideal stage race destination. “I think, though Dave [Baber] will never agree, that they did too much work on the trails in preparation to the race,” stage winner Withaar praised. “You could see all the hard work the route team had put in grading roads, and sweeping the singletracks. It’s remarkable to see and was a great showcase of what the reserve has to offer.”

The offering was a mix of flowing and technical trails. Some fast and smooth, carving between thorn trees through the grasslands. Others were more testing, especially near the summits of the hills which dot the landscape. There rocky belts help create natural features which riders need to drop down or power up as they descend or climb the singletracks.

For the less competitive riders, taking on the short route, these sections presented significant challenges. Yet they were always short enough to easily walk. Rather than being discouraging those unable to ride the tricker pieces were inspired by their fellow riders who could conquer the features.

There will be more opportunities to attempt to ride some of those trails on Stage 2, when the Glacier Waterberg Traverse takes on a 36 kilometre Ride; on Saturday, 4 May. The Racers will again go longer, this time riding a 58 kilometre course with 1 200 metres of climbing. For highlights from the event follow Glacier Waterberg Traverse on Facebook page or @waterbergtraverse on Instagram.