No fewer than one hundred bikers will take part in the second edition of Abuja Mountain Biking Festival, organisers announced.
The festival hosted by the foremost biking club in Abuja, Chaingang, is expected to promote cycling in Abuja and its environs and improve the general well-being of people in various communities through cycling.
Speaking ahead of the event slated for this Saturday, November 18th, 2023, the Chairman of the club, Dr. Andrew Etsetowaghan said the essence is to raise awareness on the health benefit of cycling and help in reducing carbon footprint in the society.
“There is this maxim that ''health is wealth' and there is no better time than now for Nigerians to embrace cycling. With the rise in population and the pressure to meet up with the daily needs of life, finding time to exercise is becoming more and more difficult which is the reason this club is set up to create avenue for regular exercise and promote the sport.
He noted that the Festival is also “an opportunity to raise awareness about carbon footprint which is a residual amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
“However, cycling helps reduce that effect because with cycling you are not faced with challenges of that nature," he explained.
On his part, the festival committee chairman, Mr. Tunji Olanrewaju said this year's edition would take off at Primus Hospital Karu to Karu Mountains and back to Karu at Primus Hospital. In addition to that, there are series of activities lined up by the organiser which include 40kilometers MTB (Mountain Bike Trail) competition Road Race, Cycling Clinic for Cycling Newbies, Bicycle Stunt Show and Cycling Gear Bazaar.
Forty-five riders participated in the maiden edition last year.