Umzumbe is a small coastal village in the Kwa-zulu Natal province an hour south of Durban. The land is rich and fertile with a warm climate, primarily sugar cane country. The land is also a perfect mix for Enduro riding, loads of rocks, dirt, rivers and mud, with plenty of steep contours which keep riders honest whichever direction they choose to head. Every year the area just inland from Umzumbe Village hosts the Umzumbe Extreme, a ride for all skill levels on a 35km loop track which can take anywhere from 90 mins to 8 hrs to complete depending on the rider.
The track meanders through all types of terrain and across 4 local farms who open there gates to over 80 riders which travel from near and far to ride the unique terrain the area has to offer. With televised Enduro races every week on TV, the scene in South Africa is really thriving, which has enabled the Umzumbe Extreme to go from strength to strength over the last 3 years.
One rider who stood out in the field was Chris Birch from New Zealand, this would be Chris's last ride before packing up and heading to Romania 2 days later. The Umzumbe ride, which shares many natural features and terrain types as Romaniacs was perfect ground in which to finish off a long training regime which has seen him win 5 out of the last 6 enduro races in South Africa and finish at Erzberg, a race which only 9 out 500 starters completed. Riding for the Consol team on his KTM Chris really enjoyed his ride and was stoked to share in the enthusiasm of the local riders. Chris was getting stuck in and helping many a rider with a friendly lift, hand shake and words of encouragement, the younger riders were particularly happy to receive a hand from one of their Enduro heroes.
By 12 pm much of the field was still clamboring around the course, thoroughly enjoying the challenge of a difficult ride. Chris manged his first lap in just over 2 hours, came in for a quick lunch and refreshment then headed out putting in a second lap for the day, a perfect pre Roamniacs shake down that he really enjoyed and promised to return to in 2012.
Chris will defend his Romaniacs title on July 16-20th, check back in right here for the next webisodes of The Road to Romania series.
Article Details
Related Content
Road To Romania Episode 6 22/07/2011
In 2010 Chris Birch won the Red Bull Romaniacs, the toughest 5 day Enduro race in the world. Join Chris on his Road to Romania in the quest to defend his title. In this episode it's crunch time on...
Road To Romania Episode 5 20/07/2011
Chris Birch is defending champion of the Red Bull Romaniacs, the toughest 5 day Enduro race in the world, join Chris on his Road to Romania in the quest to defend his title. In this episode it is...
Road To Romania Episode 4 18/07/2011
Chris Birch is defending champion of the Red Bull Romaniacs, the toughest 5 day Enduro race in the world, join Chris on his Road to Romania in the quest to defend his title. In this episode it's time...
Romaniacs Day One 18/07/2011
Red Bull Romaniacs is the most grueling multi day Enduro on the planet. Riders pit themselves and their machines against the elements and the rugged terrain of the Carpathian Mountains.
Road to Romania Episode 3 18/07/2011
Chris Birch is defending champion of the Red Bull Romaniacs, the toughest 5 day Enduro race in the world, join Chris on his Road to Romania in the quest to defend his title. In this episode after...
Romaniacs Prologue Practice - Onboard with Chris Birch 16/07/2011
What's it like to ride in the Romaniacs Prologue race? Get onboard with Chris Birch as he rides in the practice session the day before the big event.
Comments
Add a comment