JoBerg2C is one of the longest mountain-bike races in South Africa. Starting south of Johannesburg on 23 April 2010, the race will finish in Scottburgh nine days and 830 gruelling kilometres later. Sponsored by Sappi and riding on behalf of BirdLife South Africa to raise awareness and funds for bird conservation are two conservation warriors, Daniel and Kelly Marnewick, the Fast and Featherless team.

JoBerg2C will take them 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, Blue Korhaan and both Blue and Wattled cranes. BirdLife South Africa is at the forefront of conserving these habitats for our birds, but we cannot do it without financial support from the general public.

One of BirdLife South Africa’s programmes is to conserve Important Bird Areas (IBAs), sites **or** habitats that host important populations of birds. South Africa has 102 internationally registered IBAs, many of which fall outside protected areas and urgently need safeguarding. 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 continue to enjoy pristine countryside. JoBerg2C will pass through approximately 10 IBAs and provide the ideal opportunity for the Fast and Featherless riders to raise much-needed money for BirdLife South Africa’s IBA work.

Pledge your support by visiting www.birdlife.org.za (click on ‘Events’ and go to ‘The Fast &amp,amp, Featherless’) and make a donation. An SMS donation line will also be set up.

For more information, contact Daniel Marnewick on 27 (0)11 789 1122 **or**
27 (0)82 772 4432.