Downhill Dash

Renier hauling ass

So the surf's flat. So what. Get your ride on. Grab your board - the 4 wheeled not the 3 finned variety, and haul ass to the Donkin. I'm sure through sheer coincidence the esteemed Madiba Bay Development Agency built an Art Walk - a lekker tarred path snaking down the hill towards the Phoenix Hotel - which also happens to be quite a kick-ass downhill track.

For all your history heathens out there - Sir Rufane Donkin was the dude who arrived in Algoa Bay back in the day (1820) with 4000 of his mates...and called it Port Elizabeth (after his wife - guess who scored major points for that move!) He built the lighthouse on the Donkin so ships could find their way into port.

A coupla years back the MBDA dropped a cool chunk of change (~R20mil) to upgrade the Donkin area, so there's some pretty funky art stuff going on there, as well as the skate track, um, art walk.

The guys from Downhill Eastern Cape, Renier, Greg and Nick took on the challenge on Sunday, giving the photags the opportunity to capture some thrills n spills. You ride this spot, best you be ready to tumble.....unless you got your hairpin turns waxed! I'm glad I left my board at home. Mind you, the top of the run is a nice beginner section, just as you get further down things get a wee bit more technical. Make sure you ride with a helmet, unless you aren't too fussed about leaking brain cells onto the tarmac.

All you ou's with boards out there, the Downhill East Cape guys are keen for you to hook up with them as they aim to grow the sport in the Eastern Cape. So invite them on their Facebook page to keep up with what's going down.

Hopefully they'll get the go-ahead from the MBDA to organise a race down the Art Walk, so anyone interested, including potential sponsors, get in touch with Renier.