The start to the New Year has been epic, certainly if you are a cyclist. An unprecedented increase in rider numbers is evident everywhere you look. The trails are jam-packed with new folk trying their hand at mountain biking, while the bypass is a hive of activity with roadies of all shapes and sizes cruising happily in the great weather.

The fun is not exclusively for cyclists though. Multisport continues to attract new followers, and many trails are shared with avid trail runners, while the Avis dam is the local hotspot for open water swimming in the capitol. Events like the upcoming Nedbank Cycle Challenge attract thousands of riders over the weekend, while The Pointbreak Oanob Open Water Swim attracts hundreds of enthusiastic swimmers in mid-March. The end of the triathlon season is marked by the ever popular MTN Friedenau Off-road triathlon, which lures competitors to the idyllic Friedenau Dam for a multiport feast.

With the Nedbank Cycle Challenge new hosting three events on one weekend, expectation is high about record attendance. Will 2012 finally be the year where we see 2000 like-minded athletes get together to have the time of their lives on the trails and roads around Windhoek? If you have not entered yet, the time is now!

Namibia’s best off-road triathletes are preparing for the big one: Xterra SA Champs in Grabouw, South Africa. After a very strong showing by the Namibian crew at Buffelspoort late January, we can expect big things at Grabouw. Genevive Weber is a sure thing for the women’s podium in the lite distance, while the evergreen Irish leprechaun Paddy Murphy must be the favourite for the 50-54 SA title. 2012 will also be the year for record participation by Namibians at the South African Xterrra series.

All of this riding, running, swimming and cross training bodes well for the winter and the annual cross country series hosted by Rock and Rut Mountain bike club. The WPP road race series will see to a smooth transition for summer to winter, with great racing throughout.

Remember to pay up your annual club memberships, every membership increases the voice and footprint of cycling.