Explore KZN like never before!

Everything is in place for the second edition of the big OUTsurance KZN Expedition, which takes place on 22 November 2009.

Backed up by Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World and Giba Gorge as world-class host venues, the routes for the two distances – 70km and 40km - are simply stunning and offer riders the chance to tackle some of the best mountain-bike terrain between the Valley of a Thousand Hills and Durban.

The first 1 000 online entrants receive a branded Fox T-shirt and complete bike tool kit. Fox are amongst a host of sponsors who have come on board and are working together to make the Expedition an event Durban and South Africa can be proud of.

The Expedition provides mountain-bikers with an easy-as-you’d-like experience off the bike, but in the same breath representing the essence of the sport when they’re out there testing themselves against the beautifully sculpted routes and nature’s elements.

All the sponsors in the event remain from last year with the exception of PowerAde, who are replaced by USN this year.

“Our idea is to present a tough and challenging mountain-bike event, but one which is close to enough creature comforts to keep the whole family entertained while mom or dad, or grandpa or grandma for that matter, are out cycling.

“Families can come and enjoy the festive atmosphere in Durban during the Expedition with their loved one who is riding. While he/she is sweating it out on the bike they can go shopping, go to the movies, or enjoy any one of the many attractions in Durban.

“We are once again putting on good entertainment at Suncoast, which means if you don’t fancy venturing into Durban, there will be enough to do at the venues,” he said.

Legendary cycling commentator Phil Liggett will act as master of ceremonies over the three days along with former professional and SABC commentator Johnny Koen.

“The Expedition takes place very close to the December holidays and we’re hoping that riders from all over South Africa will knock off a bit early and bring their families down to the coast.”

“Family time has become a precious commodity and we took good cognisance of this fact when we shaped the event. At the Expedition riders can get the best of both worlds.”

The Expedition is backed up by a significant marketing campaign in, including a solid stint on East Coast Radio, but marketing campaigns are only the start of making an event a success of an event.

“To make the event sustainable there are all sorts of crucial factors involved, such as putting together a true mountain-bikers course with lots of variety and single track – all against the backdrop of solid organisation,” said De Villiers.

The 70km event represents a challenging ride from Giba Gorge to Durban and riders in this event will take off at 6:00. Last year the 70km started at 7:00, but it proved to be too late and backmarkers in the 70km overlapped with the start of the 40km at Inanda.

This time around the entire 70km field should be past Inanda before the 40km start, which means the 70km riders will have a free ride all the way to Suncoast.

There are massive logistics involved on the route with various river crossings with the most spectacular undoubtedly the 600 metre pipe bridge, which presents itself around 20km from the finish.

It’s a truly exhilirating experience being suspended 300 metres in the air on a wooded latched bridge while you cross the river. The bridge is well marshalled and the marshalls will help slower riders get across – especially riders who suffer from a fear of heights.

Marshals and logistical back-up will again be provided by Craig Miller and his experienced crew from Enforce Security Services.

The 40km event (and the final 40km of the 70km ride) takes place on the second stage of the famous Jonsson Dusi Mfula route with the exception of Burma. In the Expedition riders will go around Burma and NOT over. The 40km event gives less accomplished riders who don’t fancy a two-stage event the opportunity of experiencing this special part of our country.

The route drops down into Durban coming out at the Umgeni River mouth and then routes to Suncoast via a 3km tar section on the beachfront.