'Duo Xtreme Bonaire 2011'
The very successful race-event took place on october 16th 2011 and there were contestants from, Aruba, Curacao, Venezuela, Colombia, Netherlands, U.S.A. and Bonaire.The 116 brave contestants (58 teams) conquered an extreme and challenging mountainbike trail of 79 kilometers in pairs, hence 'duo extreme'.
The teams were categorized as follows:
- Men (Combined age: 50 - 100jr)
- Woman (Combined age: 50 - 100jr)
- Mix (Combined age: 50 - 100jr)
- Junior (Combined age: <50)
- Senior (Combined age: ≥100)
There were several teams in all categories. On Friday & Saturday october 14th en 15th the registration of contestants took place and the rider-numbers were handed out in The Garden of Divi Flamingo Beach Resort.
The atmosphere was very relaxed an many riders had come to Bonaire 2 days early to be able to do a good 'warming up' and preparation for the race.There was Free Rum-punch, Fruit-punch and snacks and all riders got a T-shirt and a goodie-bag.
After the registration there was a rider-barbeque were many stories, 'tricks of the mountainbike-trade' and bike-adventures were shared and the ambiance was great and very family-like. The riders were very professional in their approach and many were extremely fit.
Sunday oct. 16th:At 05.00 AM the organization of the race arrived for the last preparations, All cool-boxes for the 5 water-stops were filled to the brim and the volunteers started to come in, pick up their equipment & Cool-boxes and got on their way to the designated stops. Also the first riders got on the scene and some were doing their warming-up, last technical checks, and filling the tires ánd their Camelbags.
The anticipation was clearly noticeable and there was adrenaline in the air. 06.20 AM everybody was gathered at the start/finish-line at the Divi Flamingo Resorts' side-entrance. And after a short - but important - briefing the countdown could begin.06.30 AM sharp!
3 - 2 - 1 - An off they went.
The race was on. A small but enthusiastic crowd had gathered to wave the riders of! For some it was a race against the clock, for others it was a race against the challenges the trail would bring, for some it was a race against the elements, but for all contestants it was an extreme mental an physical challenging race with themselves.
The mountainbike trail of 79 kilometers was laid out over a large part of Bonaire. Starting at Kralendijk over Kaya Grandi via Hato to Sabadeco, Goto-lake, through Washington Slagbaai National Park, Pink Trail, Seru Largu and Kralendijk again.
The Finish was again at Divi Flamingo Resort. It was a hot day and there were 5 waterstops along the route were the contestants could enjoy cold water & Gatorade to quench their thirst and replenish the fluids.Thankfully it had not rained very much the night before, but that certainly didn't make it a 'walk in the park'.
The fastest riders were expected at the finish after about 3,5-4 hours of grueling hard work, the last riders a couple of hours after that. At the finish the riders were welcomed by the organization and the volunteers who checked the time and presented each contestant with a beautiful medal. The mountainbikes were cleaned by Lando, courtesy of Divi Flamingo.
The First riders finished in a time of: 3 hours, 33 minutes and 57 seconds, which is an incredible fast time. At 12.00 AM the riders-lunch started and anticipation for the award-ceremonie grew. 13.00 AM: Awardceremonie: A happy crowd gathered for the ceremony and again there was an atmosphere of companionship.
They all shared the same - impressive - experience of the race! After all prizewinners were honored all FIRST-prize winners were gathered at the stage for a lovely champagne-shower to end the happening in a grand way and with many laughs and smiles!
We have allready heard from many contestants that they will be back next year. In 2012 the Race will take place on oct. 21st.
For more information and a visual impression please find us on Facebook under: Bonaire Xtreme MTB
Of course this event would not be possible without the help of our sponsors to whom we are very thankful:
Van Eps Kunneman & VanDoorne, Insel Air, Firgos, Divi Flamingo, Budget, Rent a Car, Bon Bida Spa & Gym, De Freewieler,Brugman Keukens, Alcon Wines & Spirits, Tafkah.nl, GAIA Pro and MCB Bankand our many, many volunteers.
The organization consisted of six people organizing the race in their valuable spare time:- Frank Bohm (De Freewieler, fiets & MTB winkel)- Robert Smaal (Bon Bida Spa& Gym & BonFysio)- Dirk-Jan Methorst (Budget Rent a Car)- Sara Matera (Divi Flamingo Beach Resort)- Albert 'Mocky' Arends (Alcon Wines & Spirits)- Marjolein Rijpkema (Bon Bida Spa & Gym & BonFysio)- Harry Schoffelen (Singer-Guitarist: Tafkah.nl)
We hope to make this event even bigger and more successful every year and therefore we hope to see you on next years' press-conference
Best Regards on behalf of the Duo Extreme Bonaire Mountain-bike organisation
Harry Schoffelen www.mtbbonaire.cominfo@mtbbonaire.comCell Bonaire +599-7-850.890
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