Never mind the weather

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Despite the cold and rain that came over Plettenberg Bay over Easter, the Buco Adventure Weekend has been dubbed a resounding success as hundreds of participants – from serious athletes to weekend warriors – proved their mettle.

Every year about 400 athletes descend on Plettenberg Bay for the event which has not only become a popular one on the area's sporting calendar, but also an opportunity to showcase the town's natural beauty.

It includes a series of events including trail runs, mountain bike rides and a surf-ski challenge.

Organiser Muddy Foot Adventure's James Stewart said the Buco Adventure Weekend wrapped up on Easter Sunday with the 12th running of the Easter Surf-ski Challenge.

No dampening the spirit
"Some rain and wind did dampen the atmosphere on the beach a bit but the racing was still fast and furious," Stewart said.

On Easter Saturday, runners and mountain bike riders gathered at Cairnbrogie Farm to take part in a host trail runs and mountain bike races aimed at every age and fitness level.

"One of the highlights of the day was the 11 firemen who ran the 5km run in full firefighting gear to raise awareness for the charity beneficiary of the day, Sounds the Call."

Sounds the Call supports volunteer firefighters in Plettenberg Bay.

Other events included a 1.5km of pram-friendly event, a 12km and a 16km event for the more adventurous.

This was followed by the Kids Bike Ride for U9s and U11s, who rode a loop course for an hour to see who could complete the most laps.

Rallying around Cairnbrogie
In the Adventure Rally Ride, teams of two followed a rally-style route using a book of instructions around Cairnbrogie and the surrounding MTO plantations.

The day was complemented by stalls selling food and other wares in aid of the area's volunteer firefighters.

In terms of results, the women's single ski event was won by Chloe Bunnett who completed the course in 01:17:52. Bevan Manson took the win in the men's single ski event in a time of 01:06:48.

The winners in the mixed double ski competition were Chris and Chloe de Villiers who finished the event in 01:22:36. The men's double ski victory went to Ronald Pronk and Colin Wilson with a time of 01:10:33, while the U18 men's double ski event was won by Cullen MacMillan and Adrian Havenga with a time of 01:29:31.

Blistering times from riders
The Cairnbrogie Mountain Bike Rally produced blistering times by competitors and Zelda Kruger won the women's event in 02:28:34.

The men's race were won by John Bozman and Shannon Frist with a time of 01:32:58, while the mixed teams' event was won by Dirk Schreuder and Elzabie van Wyk with a time of 02:23:19. Martin and Brian Fraser-Mackenzie finished first in the family event with a time of 02:25:27.

Runners came out in their numbers to participate in the Cairnbrogie Trail Run.

The 5km U12 girls' event was won by Megan Plumbridge with a time of 00:34:01. The boys' event was won by Jaden Wright who managed a time of 00:28:35. With this time, Jaden also won the mixed event.

The 12km men's senior event was won by Murray Middleton with a time of 00:54:37, while the first woman to cross the line was Cara Middleton with a time of 01:04:04.

The 12km U18 event was won by Lojza Pisonic who crossed the line in 01:13:26 while the first U18 girl to finish was Lia Perks in 01:45:17.

The 16km men's event victory went to Georgie Minopetros who finished in a time of 01:11:56, and Liza Kingston took the honours in the women's category with a time of 01:21:53.

The 16km boys' U18 victory went to Rivaldo Camphor with a time of 01:52:57.

Read a previous article here: Cold, rain did not hamper easter sport

The Cairnbrogie Mountain Bike Rally produced blistering times by competitors. Photo: Supplied