THE EVENT

The Venue This year, it was at the Garden Route Trail Park outside Sedgefield; but it moves to another location every year – last year it was in Nieu Bethesda. Search for ‘SA Singlespeed Champs’ on Facebook.

The Bikes Old-school they may be, but that’s not to say they’re old or old-fashioned. These bikes feature the very latest frame geometry, tyres and brakes, and in skilled hands can handle everything a mountain bike trail can throw at them. Some have front suspension forks, but most are fully rigid.

The Riders They only look like this once a year. The rest of the time they’re in their lycra jerseys and trail shorts, out riding with everyone else. Most of them are experienced and often very strong riders who’ve competed in all of SA’s big multi-day stage races.