Continue to support passionate and talented development riders? CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
The Hollard JUMA Organisers chatted to Calvin Mono and Siphesihle Nkosi, two development riders from Soweto Regatamogo Cycling Club and Bhoni 4 Kasi who can’t wait to take on the Hollard JUMA challenge for the second time!
Partnering with City Parks and Joburg Zoo, the Hollard Joburg Urban MTB Adventure takes place on the 6th September 2015 and turns Johannesburg into the ultimate mountain biker’s playground.
You rode the first ever Hollard JUMA last year, how was it?
Calvin: We absolutely loved it! It’s completely unadulterated mountain biking right in the middle of Joburg; we never expected to enjoy routes like that in the middle of the big city.
Russell Willis.
What were your highlights from last years Hollard JUMA?
Calvin: That man made bridge over 11th and Oxford – it was so epic and scary. When I saw it was tempted to get off and walk but I decided to just go for it and see what happens!
Siphesihle: For me it was the 700m underground tunnel, really dark but exciting and different.
How did you get into mountain biking?
Siphesihle: I’ve grown up with mountain biking and then started road biking in 2010. At the moment though my strength lies in road biking but I’ve been training with Calvin off road especially for the Hollard JUMA.
Calvin: I always loved bicycles; my first ride was on a borrowed BMX. I was a very excited to finally be on a bike and ended up going very very fast and I fell. After my fall I thought maybe this isn’t for me, but the next day I was back for more.
That’s the thing about mountain biking, you see guys take a fall and get hurt. You think that they’re done but the next weekend they’re back on the bike. There’s something about the sport that keeps you coming back for more – it creates a real passion!
How have you been training for the Hollard JUMA 2015?
Calvin: We train on borrowed bikes, so we’ve been doing most of our training on road bikes and just doubling the distances we ride. We also do a lot of training in and around Soweto when we get a hold of mountain bikes; we have some really great routes out there!
Are you aiming to win the Hollard JUMA this year?
Siphesihle: Definitely!
Calvin: Definitely, we know what to expect from the obstacles and we’re ready to do our best!
Along with Calvin and Siphesihle three other talented development riders, Nathi, Bheki and Sifiso have been selected to receive sponsored entries for the 2015 Hollard JUMA. Want to support their passion and talent? Calvin and his fellow riders rely on borrowed bicycles to use during races and training, so if you have a bike to lend or even donate to Calvin and his development team you can contact him on 072 810 3175 or at kellamj17@gmail.com.
Are you more into parking off than pedaling? Marks Park will be alive with activities for the whole family with exciting food stalls, a beer garden and the SAB “Gig Rig” music truck. Follow all the latest news and announcements via Social Media by following us on Facebook at UrbanMTB or on Twitter @JUMAMTB.
Entries are open, to enter visit www.juma.co.za. Entry fees are R399 for the 54km and R299 for the 22km. A whole new year, a whole new challenge! Enter NOW!
