![\"ccs-62657-0-61116100-1473832347.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-61116100-1473832347.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>Teams working together up the iconic Sani Pass on day two of the Fedauto Sani Dragon, in association with Mortimer Toyota, is not an uncommon sight as riders tackle the 17km journey to the top. Greg Labuscagne Photography\/ Gameplan Media<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe Fedauto Sani Dragon is more about the journey than being a race,\u201d explains co-race organiser, Doug Abbey.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an event that regardless of whether you do the Dragon or the Lite, you\u2019ll know you\u2019ve spent some time in the saddle by the time you cross the finish line.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe mountain views and amazing scenery along the way more than make up for the effort riders put in over the two days though!\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n
Bar the difference in distances daily, the Sani Dragon and the Sani Dragon Lite offer riders markedly similar rider experiences.<\/p>\n
\u201cDay one is all about showcasing the district from a mountain biking perspective.<\/p>\n
\u201cDragon riders complete an extra 18km loop compared to the Lite competitors but other than that, the longer and shorter events are exactly the same and take riders along a variety of jeep track, farm roads, cattle paths and forest single track.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first day also gives riders some incredible views of the mountains, including Rhino Peak, Hodgson\u2019s Peaks and the entire Sani Valley.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe second stage is a bit shorter than the first and since last year, we\u2019ve taken a seriously technical section out.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first ten kilometres on day two are extremely fast but with the Dragon riders still to make the incredible trip up Sani Pass \u2013 one that most certainly will still test both the legs and the lungs \u2013 it would be wise for riders not to push too hard early on.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the clock stops at the South African Border Post for those involved in the Sani Dragon Lite, Sani Dragon competitors conclude their race upon summiting Sani Pass before then making their way back down to the bottom at their leisure.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year quite a few teams worked together and shared the load on their way up to the top,\u201d says Abbey.<\/p>\n
\u201cApart from the welcome sight of the finish line at the top, riders are also greeted by a fantastic water table where they can stock up and recharge a bit before heading back down in their own time, many stopping to take photos or appreciate the magnificent view along the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Offering enough technical challenges to satisfy the field\u2019s racing snakes, the organisers\u2019 primary focus remains on those embracing the event\u2019s relaxed, take-it-all-in atmosphere as they look to experience the Drakensberg \u2013 Afrikaans for \u2018Dragon\u2019s Mountains\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Fedauto Sani Dragon is a unique mountain biking stage race that offers participants two fantastic days of magical off-road cycling action in the Berg,\u201d says Abbey. \u201cIt is however great for the district from a tourism perspective as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe look to give riders the opportunity to \u2018experience the Dragon\u2019 by showing them the area\u2019s incredible sights and sounds as well as exposing them to the wealth of activities the region offers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is just so much to do in the area that hopefully each rider\u2019s great experiences at the Sani Dragon will see them come back to the region in the future as they bring their families with them for long weekends, during school holidays or a much needed getaway and look to explore the rest of what the Southern Berg has to offer outside of mountain biking.\u201d<\/p>\n