Mackinnon MTB family up for Drak Descent test

It didn’t take young Jodi Mackinnon long to decide that she would take on the full Euro Steel Drak Descent, presented by FNB, and her father Andrew was made to enter the 14 year-old as soon as she was able to.

Jodi, who turns 15 in February 2022, is now able to enter the full 87km event from 29-30 January and didn’t hesitate when entries opened although for her father Andrew, he didn’t make the cut as her partner for the team event.

“We have come a long way from when Jodi used to ride next to us when my wife and I went running!” Andrew Mackinnon said. “A few years after that I couldn’t keep up with her when I went running and now I can’t keep up with her when I’m on my bike!

“She has always wanted to ride the full Drak Descent and it’s going to be an exciting race for her as it’s her first full stage race.

“She will be riding with Luke Newlands in the mixed category.”

The Thomas More pupil has been working hard on her riding and will race it as hard as she can.

“Jodi is part of a training squad up in Pietermaritzburg with David Low and goes up there twice a week to train.

“She really enjoys her riding and is really excited for the challenge that the Drak Descent is going to give her.”

For the family from Summerveld just outside Hillcrest getting to Underberg and enjoying the Drak Descent and all that the area has to offer is an important part of why they go up.

“We love going up to Underberg for the Drak Descent and were really disappointed when they event was cancelled last year due to Covid but it’s going to be an awesome weekend up in the Berg.

“I am going to be riding the solo event because I’m too slow for Jodi,” he quipped. “We’re all looking forward to getting back on our bikes in such a beautiful part of the world.”