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The FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic (taking place at the ATKV Buffelspoort on Saturday, 01 June 2019) has become a yearly \u2018must do\u2019 event for friends, Edwin Kgaswe (Kensington, Johannesburg) and Michael Wright (Kensington, Johannesburg).<\/p>\n
\u201cThe FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic has to be one of the best mountain bike (MTB) races in the world,\u201d says Kgaswe.\u00a0 \u201cIt holds a special place for me, because it was my first ever race when I started mountain biking.\u00a0 The Monster climb itself is what brings me back each year. The goal is to reach the top without putting your foot down! Sometimes it works, sometimes not. \u00a0That’s what brings me back every year, to achieve all these little milestones in the race. If I am not mistaken, this will be the 7th<\/sup> year that I partake in the event.\u201d<\/p>\n Each year Kgaswe takes on the FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic with long-time friend, Michael Wright.<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s always nice to laugh at Mike, especially when he’s pushing his bike up the Monster climb! I tend to have to wait a lot for Mike,\u201d laughs Kgaswe.\u00a0 \u201cWe encourage each other, compete a little and inspire one another as a team (even though this is an individual rider event).\u00a0 I haven’t always finished the Monster, but that’s a story for another time.\u00a0 We have loads of fond memories.\u00a0 The one year Mike and I crashed into each other on the descent of Breedt’s Nek<\/em>.<\/em>\u00a0 I broke my wrist, but looking back, the war scars bring back fond memories for me, especially when comparing injuries with other riders.\u00a0 I would definitely recommend the FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic to other mountain bikers.\u00a0 It’s the ultimate MTB race in Gauteng. There’s no other ride that challenges you as much, in a short distance (65 \u2013 70km).\u00a0 It’s packed with everything a rider could wish for on an MTB route.\u00a0 The only goal that I have as a weekend warrior is to stay upright on the bike!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic is just that, a classic, tough, push you to the limits race,\u201d says Wright.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not called \u2018The Monster\u2019 for nothing.\u00a0 It\u2019s not easy trying to tame this one, but it is worth the try.\u00a0 The toughest aspect is climbing \u2018The Monster\u2019.\u00a0 There are very steep gnarly<\/a> bits with lots of rocks and stones.\u00a0 The Magaliesberg is also quite hot at that time of year (June), so hydration is very important.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEdwin and I ride together for entertainment value,\u201d laughs Wright.\u00a0 \u201cHe keeps me going because he has a crazy sense of humour.\u00a0 We have been trying to tame \u2018The Monster\u2019 for years.\u00a0 Every year it\u2019s tough and we swear that we are going to train harder for the next one. The event must not be underestimated. Even once you have crossed the halfway mark (that\u2019s over the highest point) you still have a long way to go over rough terrain before you get to cross the finish line.\u00a0 My strength as a mountain biker is to never give up. There are times that you dislike your bike (it happens, like in any marriage). Just keep pushing through. At times it can be demoralizing being almost the last rider in, but at least there is no DNF (did not finish) to your name.\u00a0 At least you made it and got the medal. \u00a0We try to avoid the \u2018bakkie of shame\u2019.\u00a0 We all know what it is, when you\u2019re taking too long and are either diverted to a shorter route or told that you\u2019ve missed the cut off.\u00a0 Just keep your head down and keep peddling.\u201d<\/p>\n EVENT INFORMATION<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic<\/p>\n