Ixopo

How to get there: Take the R56 (Richmond Rd) out of PMB.

Roughly 80km outside of Pietermaritzburg, one finds themselves in the quaint little town of Ixopo. Situated alongside the tributary of the Mkhomazi River in the midlands this town plays an important role in the sugar and forestry industry. Known as "Clover Country" as it is home to Clover Dairy and several big names in the foresting industry, the small town also plays host to two schools. The centre of many armed clashes between the ANC and the IFP throughout the 90s, Ixopo is well known for the Buddhish Retreat situated on the outskirts of the area. Interestingly enough, it's name is derived from the isiZulu onomatopoeic word, eXobo, describing the sound made as cattle sqelch through the mud.

My reasons for heading out to Ixopo? Apart of curiousity, and wanting to trek far and wide throughout Natal, I was taking part in the Lynford Classic. A yearly event, taking place over a weekend, involves numerous sporting activites and leisurely items on the roster, all based at the Lynford School grounds. Sunday saw me partaking in the 20km Intermediate MTB ride. What a bundu bash! A great way to see the town. The 5km mark saw us portage at the dairy, and have a 10min water break. The most insane single track I've come across, and wow, it challenged me. With temperatures ranging between 30 and 35 degrees, it was lekker warm as they say, and come 21km mark, I was glad to be heading back through the gates of the school. The last obstacle of the race, a massive wooden bridge that we were required to come down. Tired, and weak, I very nearly bailed head first over the front of my handbars on the way down!

Well worth the drive out there, and a chance to see another part of Natal. Given another time when I wasn't so battered and bruised, I would have taken a drive around the town, and got explore some of the town life and see more of the scenary. Nog a dag!

For more info: http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionskzn/ixopo.php

Jetsetter.