Introduction

The similarities between mountain bikers and bird enthusiasts are striking. Both groups enjoy the outdoors and both interests are two of the fastest growing in the country. South Africa offers some of the best mountain biking and bird-watching in the world. Importantly both groups of people have a vested interest in ensuring our natural habitats are protected. Could mountain biking become an eco-vehicle to conserve these valuable habitats and animals? With your support it will.

JoBerg2C 2011

The JoBerg2C is one of the longest mountain bike races in South Africa. Starting in Johannesburg on 29 April 2011, the race finishes in Scottburgh nine days later after 930 gruelling kilometres. Sponsored by Sappi and supported by Fairbairn Capital and Ride Magazine, team Fast and Featherless will be riding on behalf of BirdLife South Africa to raise awareness and funds for bird conservation.

The mountain bikers will pass through some of the most beautiful and diverse regions of the country - from grasslands and wetlands to woodlands and forests. Many of these habitats are home to some of the country's most threatened and endangered birds, such as the Southern Bald Ibis, Cape Parrot, Cape Vulture, Blue Korhaan and Blue and Wattled Crane. These habitats and species are facing an increasing number of human-induced threats. BirdLife South Africa is at the forefront of conserving these birds, but needs your support to succeed.

BirdLife South Africa's Important Bird Areas (IBAs) programme aims to conserve the habitats for our endangered birds. However many of South Africa's 123 IBAs are not protected and urgently need safe guarding. If BirdLife South Africa conserves these IBAs, it is not only the birds and other wildlife that benefit – nature lovers, birders and mountain bikers will also be able to continue to enjoy pristine countryside. The JoBerg2C race will pass through ten IBAs where riders will hopefully see some of our country's most threatened birds.

The Journey to Saving our Birds

Click here to read the Joberg2C 2011 Race Report.

Team Fast & Featherless give their blood, sweat and tears to raise money for our most threatened birds. All you have to do is click here to make a donation to the BirdLife South Africa. All funds raised go straight back into bird conservation. For more information contact Daniel Marnewick on 011 789 1122 or 082 772 4432 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Fast and Featherless Patron: Mr Phil Liggett

BirdLife South Africa are proud to announce that the voice of cycling, Phil Liggett, has become the patron of the Fast and Featherless cyclists. Phil has commentated on the Tour de France for over 30 years and has become a world-renowned cycling icon.

How you can help

BirdLife South Africa asks individuals and small businesses to sponsor our team members.

If you want to make this journey a worthwhile one for our birds, then click here to make a donation! BirdLife South Africa us a not-for-profit organisation. All sponsorships and donations received go directly into our Important Bird Area Programme. This helps to ensure that our organisation can perform its role in conserving South Africa's biodiversity and making it a healthy place to live.

The Fast and the Featherless is supported by