This year’s Rattrace, only the second of its kind, was a triumph. Expanding on the success of last year’s race, 72 cyclists, including 20 local Zulus, set out along the 36km route from Isandlwana to Fugitives’ Drift in aid of the David Rattray Foundation.

The main race was this year preceded, on Friday night, by an ‘R’ themed fancy dress night race on the Fugitives’ Drift game reserve. Robots, rabbits, roosters, Robs and rabbabi wended their way for 4km through the bush, startling game and puncturing tyres, but remarkably not getting lost. After a few repairs and a good night’s rest, it was off to Isandlwana for the 7.30am race start.

It seems that honest cheating has become part of the Rattrace; the 2007 race saw some remarkable cheating on the part of Andrew Rattray who decided to cut 20km from the route. This year, however, the Rattray’s stuck firmly to the course.  The only (recorded) rule-bending came from an un-named reservationist who decided to cling to the wing mirror of a passing bakkie rather than pedal uphill. Retribution, though, was swift. A hefty fine, a scraped knee and bruised foot were LAUREN’S payment for such devious behaviour!

There were, however, some more serious riders. In a blur of special shoes, shock absorbers, disc brakes and clinging lycra, the race winner came through in a blistering time of 1hr and 6 minutes. The remainder of the field came through in good time, while the task of bringing-up-the-rear fell, as ever, to the lipstick brigade who shimmied their way across the line with a time of three hours.

Through entry fees, fines and generous sponsorship, a total of R43,066 was raised for the Foundation. This is an incredible achievement and all credit and thanks go to those who took part. The weekend was a great success and plans are already a-foot for the Rattrace 2009!

Prize Winners:-

Best Dressed at the Night Race:      Tony Lubner, winning 3 nights for 2 on a cycling safari with CycleMashatu in the Mashatu Game Reserve.

RattRace Winner:                             Andrew Murray Jnr., winning 2 nights for 2 at Rocktail Bay Lodge

RattRace 2nd Place:                        Mark Valentine, winning Eyes Over Africa by Michael Politza.

RattRace 3rd Place:                        Andrew Murray Snr., winning a case of wine donated by Peter Clarke.                     

RattRace 1st Woman Home:           Christine Valentine, winning 2 nights for 2 at Hartford House.

RattRace 1st Zulu Home:                  Mthofi Mkize, winning a Raleigh mountain bike donated by the Foundation and Ben Henderson.

RattRace First Family Home:           The Valentines, winning 2 nights at Phinda Zuka Lodge.