The Tour de Pilanesberg Wilderness started as a dream and a fundraiser for Rhino Protection in the Pilanesberg over 10 years ago in 2013. The dream was to have a cycle event that took cyclists to the very heart of where Rhino were being poached in the Park. The Wilderness. Poaching of Rhino started in 2010 in Pilanesberg and the 1st Rhino poached was Suzie, a beautiful black rhino mom. it continued to escalate till 202o when all the Rhinos in Pilanesberg were dehorned in am massive 9 day period. From what started as a little spark with only 6 cyclists joining the TdPW, has now escalated to full on spectacular event that is on fire with the amazing amount of participants that have all come on board by word of mouth over the passed 10 years. 2023 being the 10th annual event. The success story of the TdPW lies behind the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust (PWT), Park management, the cyclists, and the volunteers. The TdPW cycle initiative was implemented by the PWT manager, Perry Dell in 2013. Perry was looking at ways to support funding for Rhino Protection. At the time Cycling was becoming the new Golf.
It has taken 10 years for this event to be at the popularity level that would be considered its capped level. The event is only open to 80 cyclists due to the level of security needed to keep the cyclists safe.
Extreme care is taken with a helicopter in the air, armed ground teams in front of the cyclists as well as behind them, as well as guards on extreme parts of the route, every aspect of safety is covered.
This year saw 60 cyclists having one of the most amazing experiences of their lives. Routes that took them passed historical poaching sites as well as across the plains that Rain, the recently deceased cheetah that roamed Pilanesberg, considered her home. Wilderness areas so stunningly beautiful as to take ones breath away. Technical routes that put the cyclists through their paces, combined with free wheeling downhills with vistas beyond belief.
Many animals were seen. Rhino’s elephants, buffalo, kudu and giraffes to name but a few. Even the springbok after the great rugby world cup win! Participants ages from 17 to 77 years of age. All walks of life. This event has become a serious must do on the bucket list.
Thanks to all the volunteers and cyclists for making this event so successful.
Perry Dell – Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust Manager
Land line: +27 (0)14 555-1622 (oh)
Mobile: +27 (0)82 367 9026
pdell@nwpb.org.za
