![\"ccs-62657-0-03277900-1465308362.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-03277900-1465308362.jpg\")
<\/a>Having completed every edition of the BSi Steel dusi2c, Mark Christie will return again in 2016 to take on the fourth edition of the event starting in Pietermaritzburg from 11-12 June. Anthony Grote\/ Gameplan Media<\/span><\/p>\nWith all three previous editions of the race under his belt, Christie returns for a second outing with partner Eric Bothma and maintains that the dusi2c has a very special place on his mountain biking calendar.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have done all of Glen\u2019s races but the dusi2c is very different to the joBerg2c and sani2c in a number of ways which makes it so unique and exciting for us as riders,\u201d Christie mentioned.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I\u2019ve done about seven joBerg2c\u2019s and eight sani2c\u2019s so I have ridden a lot of trails.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe dusi2c trails are far more rustic and a bit trickier but very ridable \u2013 especially for us guys who just plod along towards the back of the field!\u201d<\/p>\n
While the popular route incorporates small sections of dirt road and a few short tar stretches, much of its appeal surrounds the extensive natural trail that includes the local communities\u2019 foot and cattle paths as well as Durban Green Corridor\u2019s man-made single track.<\/p>\n
The trails appeal to all and while technical in sections, Christie believes that all riders will manage them if they just keep their wits about them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do find the track a bit more difficult than sani2c because there is quite a lot of single track throughout the race but it is very manageable for all the riders.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are some tricky technical sections but I am not a mountain biker and I can get through so it is clearly very rideable and it certainly is very enjoyable with the incredible scenery and views that we have the opportunity of enjoying,\u201d the 57 year-old Christie commented.<\/p>\n
The race does have a strong \u2018Farmer Glen\u2019 flavour to it but also has a very unique feel to its older brother event and in no way pretends to be a smaller version of Haw\u2019s sani2c, something Christie appreciates.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe overnight stop at the Mfula Store is completely different to the stops on joBerg2c and sani2c and it just has a very different vibe to it \u2013 a far more laid back vibe!<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fact that the race is only two days long and the stages are a lot shorter than those of the other races might have something to do with this.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe riders that do the dusi2c are different to sani2c riders though; the camaraderie is great both on the route as well as at Mfula Store.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the elements of the race make it a special two days and we really enjoy the more relaxed environment that the race takes on. It gives the entire event a very different feel and vibe which is very enjoyable,\u201d an appreciative Christie explained. <\/p>\n