{"id":44673,"date":"2025-06-26T08:33:41","date_gmt":"2025-06-26T06:33:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/highway-berea\/?p=44673"},"modified":"2025-06-24T08:39:08","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T06:39:08","slug":"pedal-power-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/highway-berea\/blog\/2025\/06\/26\/pedal-power-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Pedal POWER"},"content":{"rendered":"

From a broken bike to Amashova legend, Mbuso Mhlongo\u2019s cycling journey is one of heart, grit and growth … proving how sport can unite, uplift and inspire lasting change.<\/p>\n

A husband, father of two, and a passionate cyclist, Mbuso Mhlongo lives in the tranquil suburb of Kloof, and his journey began with a simple invitation and a budget mountain bike. Today, he\u2019s a 10-time Tsogo Sun Amashova finisher, and proud Green Number holder, with his name permanently etched into the race\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n

Mbuso\u2019s cycling journey began modestly. A casual ride with a friend. A quick trip to Game for a basic mountain bike. And a first race that ended with him walking back to the start, bike in hand. But something clicked.<\/p>\n

\"\"\u201cI enjoyed that first outing and decided to start training from that point,\u201d Mbuso recalls. \u201cEven though my first race ended with my bike breaking halfway, I knew I had found something worth pursuing.\u201d<\/p>\n

His passion for the Amashova only deepens with time.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor me, it\u2019s about doing better than the previous year,\u201d he says. \u201cThe motivation is always progress, whether it\u2019s shaving time off the clock or tackling Fox Hill in Pietermaritzburg with a stronger warm-up. Every race has a lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s race, a special 132km edition starting in Howick, adds a unique twist. Registration takes place at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site on Mandela Day (July 18) and includes a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, in partnership with Rise Against Hunger Africa, so it promises to be more than a race – it\u2019s a celebration of unity, legacy and giving back.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe registration location means freedom to me. And the fact that we can all line up together, regardless of background, to do something we love – that\u2019s powerful.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Mbuso, the green number is about more than just personal achievement – it\u2019s about dedication and inspiring younger riders. \u201cConsistency not only leads to better results but also brings real satisfaction. You also gain the kind of race experience that no training plan can teach.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a family man with a demanding schedule, he says the sport gives him a crucial outlet.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I\u2019ve had a bad day, being out pedalling on the open road helps me reset. It\u2019s become part of who I am, physically, emotionally and socially.\u201d<\/p>\n

But perhaps the biggest reward is the sense of community. \u201cCycling brings people together. Whether you\u2019re riding for fitness, fun or just to hang out over a cup of coffee, you\u2019re part of something bigger. In Kloof, we have the Bring It On team – goal-driven, competitive and all about watts! This group has pushed me to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mbuso doesn\u2019t just ride for himself. He\u2019s passionate about uplifting others, especially newcomers and young cyclists.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mentor a few cyclists and not just from my area. I love seeing others improve and fall in love with the sport. That\u2019s what keeps the cycling culture alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"His advice for first-time Amashova riders?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cStick to what your body knows,\u201d he emphasises. \u201cDon\u2019t wait until you\u2019re hungry to eat or thirsty to drink – by then it\u2019s too late. Get used to timed nutrition and refuelling.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also stresses the race-day golden rule: \u201cAlways keep your lane. It\u2019s not just about etiquette – it prevents crashes and keeps everyone safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s collaboration with Rise Against Hunger is close to Mbuso\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a great initiative. Sport should be about more than medals and should help uplift others, especially those who can\u2019t help themselves. That\u2019s the real finish line.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though he won\u2019t be representing a corporate partner, Mbuso is committed to participating in the CSR effort on the day.<\/p>\n

With recent races marred by mechanical issues, he is focused on a clean, strong finish this year.<\/p>\n

\u201c2019 was a toughie. That was the year I clocked my best time (02:37), but not without a nasty crash just 500m from the finish line. I finished the race running. My goal has always been to focus on the journey and not on the time. Having said that, I am hoping to finish in under three hours. But more than anything, I want to finish well and enjoy the ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beyond Amashova, Mbuso has his sights set on the iQembu Cycle Challenge Team Time Trial that starts at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the Ride Joburg (formally known as the 94.7 Cycle Challenge) which is the world\u2019s second-largest timed cycle race, and the Double Century, a 202km team-based endurance cycling event in and around Swellendam.<\/p>\n

And no matter where his journey leads, cycling will remain his compass.<\/p>\n

\u201cCycling has taught me patience and humility. You won\u2019t always be at your peak. But if you keep your head high and stay the course, the rewards come.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re lucky enough to ride alongside Mbuso or spot him on route, cheer him on, as he\u2019s not just a cyclist but a mentor, a motivator, and someone who truly embodies the spirit of the sport.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Mbuso\u2019s must-haves for every ride<\/strong><\/p>\n