Standard Style 15 June 2014

24 THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY /GETAWAY
Bike Ride for
Borradaile:
Fun in the sun raising
money for a worthy cause
Rosie Mitchell
June 15 to 21 2014
MY choice of a birthday treat might not have
been everyone’s, but it ticked all my boxes
for the perfect way to spend a day! A while
ago the free Active Sports emailing list (wellworth
getting if you like outdoor adventures and
strenuous fun, see www.activesports.co.zw) circulated
a flyer for a mountain biking (MTB) event to raise
money for the retirement home Borradaile Trust
in Marondera. This caught my eye immediately as
it involved cycling 52km cross country through the
bush from Borradaile Trust to Imire Game Conservancy,
on dirt tracks and paths – definitely my idea of
fun. This event has been held for several years, with
participants increasing annually. A fun cycle rather
than a race, it attracts families and friends who team
up to enjoy a great day out. A longer 75km ride is also
offered for the “racing snakes”!
While some of our family headed out to the Imire
finishing point at the dam inside the Conservancy,
we cyclists arrived for the civilised 8.30am start at
Borradaile. 108 cyclists of all ages gathered to take
part so it was very festive! The route was wonderful;
a brief stretch of tar through the outskirts of
Marondera and soon we were onto dirt and into the
bush. The rolling landscape was really beautiful; a
mix of msasa woodland, granite dwala, kopje and
open grassland, on a well-marked route taking us
over whalebacks and rivers, grassy paths and dirt
roads and tracks. It was pretty easy going apart from
some very sandy segments, and one long stretch of
dirt road that had fierce corrugations and was a bone
rattling experience for all! There were two friendly
water points for a break, ice cold drink and banana,
and we carried extra drink and snacks. Our group
took it gently and stopped to take photos and admire
the landscape; others raced ahead and tested their
MTB skills on the varied terrain.
It was sunny, clear and surprisingly hot for the
time of year, and towards the end of our ride, we
were beginning to feel the heat but enjoying ourselves
nonetheless! The dam and picnic site where
the route ended was beautiful and there was a carnival
atmosphere, with cyclists, families and friends
braai-ing, eating and drinking. Soon, four elephants
arrived to drink, causing quite a stir, their presence
much enjoyed by everyone.
This fund-raiser was very successful; well-organised,
well-supported by sponsors and participants,
and bringing in a substantial amount for the longestablished
old people’s home, as well as giving those
who have not sampled the delights of Imire, a taste
of what is on offer. Lots of families went on guided
game drives during the afternoon, and enjoyed seeing
some of Imire’s other resident animals - rhino,
buffalo, kudu, zebra, giraffe, kudu, impala and more.
Imire offers day trips as well as lodge accommodation
for longer visits.
Family fun participating in fund-raising cycles/
walks/runs
This is just one example of many such events held
each year, both to raise money for worthy causes, and
to encourage families to get out in the fresh air and
enjoy some health-enhancing exercise with socialising
and fun at the end. These events are “feel good”
experiences in so many ways; the exercise itself is
good for you, you’ll feel great knowing your registration
fee and some of the sponsors’ contributions are
going to a charity or organisation really needing a
financial boost, and you can enjoy a weekend outing
with family and friends. Just a few examples are the
AWARE Trust’s Run-Walk-Ride for Rhino Conservation
events, with varied distances, through the scenic
Game Parks at Lake Chivero late last year, and Lake
Mutirikwe in May this year; the Veterinarians for
Animal Welfare (VAWZ) fundraising mountain bike
(MTB) cycle through the Mazowe Valley, annually
in late July; the Mukuvisi 21, a run/walk/ride with
10km and 21km routes through beautiful Mukuvisi
Woodlands, this year slated for September; the Jacaranda
Challenge each November, featuring a 20km
run and 45km and 60km MTB ride through Matobo
National Park; the Pink and Orange Triathlon events,
with distances for all abilities and ages, for Breast
Cancer Awareness and KidzCan and in October and
February respectively; and the Rooney’s Family Fun
run (5k, 15k) in September annually with varying
beneficiary charities – last year’s was Rhino Conservation.
Spar Family Fun Run for Childline today
Today, registration for the annual Spar Family Fun
Run/Walk in aid of Childline starts 8am at Old Georgians
Sport Club. The event kicks off at 9am with a
5km walk and 10km run. There are a host of sponsors
-- The Standard included – and lots of stands and
refreshments. This is always an enjoyable, festive
event -- so give it a go! Feedback: rosie@wildimaginings.net.