THE inaugural MCM (Middelburg Critical Mass) family fun ride was held on Friday, May 11, organised by Maurice Hall, who has been riding for Cyclelab almost 20 years.
He moved to Middelburg from Johannesburg recently and has taken it upon himself to be the organiser of the mass ride in an attempt to bring the small Karoo town together.
The MCM started outside Nguni Lodge, on the corner of Meintjies and Van Niekerk streets, heading West. The 17:30 departure time turned out to be more like 17:40. The lights were on, the excitement was palpable, the weather was great, and 10 adventurers took to the streets of Middelburg in the semi-darkness. “More adventurers joined as we went and we ended up being 18 riders,” Hall said.
A real motley crew of cyclists of various ages and different size bikes took part.
Madelein Hall provided rear protection by driving behind the cyclists.
The route included perimeter roads of the town, dodging pot holes, over the railway line at the truck stop, past the cemetery and right, under the bridge into Midros, where the group turned left and left again back into town, then due west towards Nguni Lodge after a short bit on Meintjies Street.
The smiling participants promised to tell their friends and families about the next event. The ride dispersed at 18:30, well in time for supper.