If your passion is cycling, you love the bush and you need  a weekend away, you can combine all three and take part in the exciting, second Kasanka Challenge on the 25th of May in the surrounds of Kasanka National Park.

Whether you are a Racing Snake and want to do the 52 km Challenge, or a Weekend Cruiser who will be happy to complete the 22 km intermediate race, there is something for all and even a kid’s race to keep it all in the family.

This will be the second running of the Kasanka Challenge and we aim to  draw more entries this year so that the status of the race can grow nationally and even internationally in the near future.

Rated as a less technical event with free flowing single track through pristine woodland with very little ascent but exciting log bridge crossings, cheered on by local villagers along the route, this race is considered to be fun and exciting at the same time.

Various accommodation options are available at Kasanka ;

• Camping at Pontoon or Kabwe Campsites,

• Dormitories at  Kasanka Conservation Centre 

• En suite chalets at Wasa and Luwombwa  Lodges.

It will be held over a long weekend to allow for travel time which is 6-7 hours from Lusaka on a good tarred road up to the gate( where the race will start from) and then another 12km on a dirt road to Wasa Lodge.

Accommodation and entries can be booked at wasa@kasanka.com .
 

DOWNLOAD THE ENTRY FORM HERE

ROUTE THROUGH KASANKA NATIONAL PARK
 

1st May 2011

Kasanka Bicycle Challenge has potential!

Kasanka’s first Bicycle Challenge early May 2011 turned out to be a success. With 21 participants in the main race (55, 22 and 3kms kids race) and 11 participants in the Njinga village race the event turned out to be a friendly gathering of sports minded nature lovers of all ages.

According to one of many positive comments on the Kasanka Facebook page the event has the potential to grow out into a popular event in Zambia. One participant who is a semi-professional mountain biker remarked: ‘I've raced all over, but this weekend was easily the happiest, friendliest and one of the most enjoyable races I've ever done! You guys put in a lot of work and put on a great event and unforgettable experience, thanks and WELL DONE!’

The participants also appreciated the routes which were laid out through beautiful Miombo woodland passing through farms and traditional villages around Kasanka National Park.

The race could not have been a success without the help of the whole Kasanka staff, many volunteers and especially the help of Joyce Benade, a bike race specialist from SA.

Equally important was the support of 13 (!) organisations which helped with donations in kind (prizes, food, snacks and drinks) as well as much needed cash. Many thanks to our supporters RPS, Pick and Pay, Zambike, SAB Miller/ Zambia Breweries, Skytrails, Africa Insites, Southern Sun Hotel, Conservation Foundation, WWF Zambia, Pipeline networks, SAS, Majoru and Joyce Benade.

The main aim of the Kasanka Bicycle Challenge is to raise funds for the conservation of Kasanka National Park.

The first Kasanka Challenge was a trial to see if there would be a market. We had not expected to make any profit, but despite that we raised K 5.580.000 in race fees. This money will be used towards powering the scouts’ office at Wasa Camp.

See Gallery for more pics