![\"ccs-62657-0-72663900-1442497211.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-72663900-1442497211.jpg\")
<\/a>The Bestmed Ballito Expedition provides the ideal family mountain biking weekend getaway on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast on November 14. Photo: Jetline Action Photo<\/span><\/p>\nRoute director Darren Herbst said the race was perfectly positioned for a weekend of awesome riding before the crush of holidaymakers hit the Indian Ocean town.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great time of the season for a long weekend and one last push before the December holidays,\u201d said Herbst.<\/p>\n
Herbst said the race traditionally attracted a lot of Joburgers and out-of-towners and, closer to home, Durban riders.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s plenty to keep the family occupied while you\u2019re out riding because the coffee shop and restaurant are up and running and there has been a massive investment in the kiddies\u2019 area.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo on the day, there\u2019ll be a great vibe and we\u2019ll have plenty of entertainment for the little ones, while moms and dads relax and enjoy the winery and craft brewery.\u201d<\/p>\n
Herbst said the interesting terrain in the area made for some good riding and that negotiations were under way with local landowners to include a few new and exciting sections of trail.<\/p>\n
He said the 25km and 50km routes would be rideable throughout but still challenging as they were punctuated by short, punchy climbs to test the legs.<\/p>\n
The shorter route offers 400m of climbing with more than double that in the feature race.<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s 50km race was won by current KZN cross-country champion Tyron Bird.<\/p>\n
The Cancer Association of South Africa receives R10 from every entry and there will also be a bike wash in aid of the organisation.<\/p>\n