A slight drizzle didn't deter the thousand-plus mountain bikers who took part in the third annual Compendium MTB Derby this past Sunday.
The race proved to be a perfect test of mountain biking skill and fitness, with Andrew Hill winning with flying colours. The in-form Hill enjoyed a two and a half minute win over talented Luke Roberts.
The 47km event was run through Giba Gorge and then onto the Summerveld circuit and Hill managed to open a small lead over Roberts by the time the riders returned to the start at Shongweni after the first half of the course. From there it was a case of the two leaders time trialing against each other with Hill slowly extending his lead to take the win in a time of 1:53:11. Carl Calverly rode a steady race to claim third ahead of Warren Price and Justin Porteous.
In the battle of the two Jackies for the women's race, Jackie Church was a bit too strong for Jackie Moore and took the win in a time of 2:20:53, just less than five minutes ahead of Moore.
The weather played its part perfectly - a bit of rain overnight just dampened the course enough to make it fast but not muddy, while the clouds helped keep riders cool. Riders were able to test themselves on a course that provides plenty of single track and a fair sprinkling of hills to make sure the best prepared riders were able to shine.
Mountain bikers and runners are promised a weekend fuelled with top shelf events with the fourth event in the ROAG Series, The Lizzard Howick MTB Classic presented by Sappi and an all-time favourite family event, the Royal Drakensberg MTB Challenge.
The 2012 edition of the Lizzard Howick MTB Classic presented by Sappi, is in its 26th year, rolling out the tradition of challenging mountain biking routes and as the club phrases it, "Raw and Unplugged Mountain Biking!"
The Howick Mountain Bike Club, an affiliate of Amarider, has delivered two longer race routes, primarily traversing Sappi's plantations for those who thrive on challenging mountain biking with plenty of single track.
The 20km route, though much shorter, will still give you the full experience of Howick's renowned single track.
The 40km race, part of the new ROAG Series, is truly single track nirvana, with course designer Ken Pascoe, throwing as much of Howick's central single track into the route as possible. Having set out with this intention, jeep track sections allow for flow of cyclists and will reduce "single track congestion". Two large "Chicken Runs" later on route allow the weary bodies to make choices, which will be decisive in respect to who finishes ahead of whom. Older sections like Harry's, Fast Track and New Track will delight those familiar with the area, whilst new section like, Sheep's Pass, PuffAdder Pass and Dragon's Back will ensure no regular riders are too comfortable!
For the younger set, the 10km River route provides a challenging race, along the Umgeni river conservancy area. The event starts at Howick High School on June, 3.
Currently in line to win the R 20 000 ROAG Series Prize money is Carl Calverley in the overall men's category and Natalie Bergstrom in the women's category.
Falling over Saturday and Sunday, the Royal Drakensberg MTB Challenge offers mountain bikers of all ages an opportunity to participate in their MTB Gymkhana and Skills Challenge, Family Fun Ride, Family Fun Walk, Night Ride and Dinner and Night Ride only on Saturday, with a 15km Trail Run, 6km Fun Run, 45km Classic, 19km Intermediate and 10km Beginner races taking place on Sunday.
Sunday's 15km Trail Run follows a spectacular route in the foothills of the Drakensberg, offering boulder-hopping, river crossings and hill scrambles.
A motorbike escort will get you out of the forest in the The Alpine Heath 45km Classic, after which riders will take the quad trail and head down to Lizelle's Drifts. The category two 7km climb through Alpine Heath to Drifters Camp follows, however, riders will quickly be rewarded by the Nook Road Down Hill. The race promises riding down a waterfall, steep downhills, and 5km of rolling 4X4 track tucked beneath sandstone cliffs.
For more information or to enter online for both events, visit
www.roag.co.za. Online entries close on May 31 for both events; however, both events allow you to enter on the day.
For all Hilton residents from the UK and others who have previously lived in London and hold fond memories, London by Night will be especially beautiful to enjoy.
Sunday the 17th June 2012 brings us another Father's Day celebration, these cooler temperatures sharpen appetites so a leisurely lunch at Nicolson's Country Cafe, Garlington, Hilton, KZN could be the perfrect treat for your Dad. Their menu will make you salivate and Nicolson's fill up fast, book now!
The Grade 10 Science pupils have been conducting research and performing experiments in preparation for the Hilton College Science Expo on Monday 6 June. During the expo boys present their results in the form of a poster, journal and experiment results. The boys are interviewed by two judges during their presentation. A few of the projects on show are:
Hilton College is proud to announce that the following boys have been selected for the KZN Squash teams. Each age group consists of 5 players and we were delighted that the u14 team has 3 Hilton boys who have been selected.
HiltonVillage.co.za launched Hilton Cares in September 2011 in a campaign aimed at encouraging Hilton residents to support local projects by putting our community first. We have a bold Logo, designed by Doreen Philip of DP Design as well as an exciting new project in the pipeline geared to helping one of the projects in our Hilton Cares category in the Directory at HiltonVillage.co.za.
Do you believe in Soulmates?
Rusty is spreading the word about Art in the Park and is gearing up for Comrades at the weekend – watch this space!
Brookfield Farmhouse is a welcoming Country retreat, offering private and comfortable accommodation in the form of long-term lease self-catering units.
Laddsworth Primary School in Hilton has enjoyed a very successful cross country season. The school has fielded the largest team at the seven events that took place locally: 120 runners. Laddsworth athletes won the U10, U11 and U12 age groups and regularly placed first in the Open Girls' section. Laddsworth U8 athlete, Luke van Niekerk, set a new record for the Cordwalles cross country course.
James McFadzean, a Grade 11 pupil at Grace College, won a bronze and silver medal in the South African Kimura Shukokai Karate Championship recently. "Well done, James!" 
Congratulations to the boys who have been selected for the various KwaZulu-Natal Inland Hockey Teams who will be participating at the various Inter-provincial tournaments during the course of the holidays. We wish them well and all the very best for the various tournaments.
Congratulations to the Hilton College boys who have gone through an exhausting series of rugby trials and have been selected for the various KwaZulu-Natal teams. We wish them well at their provincial weeks which will take place during the holidays.
Grace College would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Mr Greg Perrett who completed his LEAP (Learner Enhancing Advancement Program) challenge on Saturday, 2 June. He cycled a total of 1656 kilometres from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg over a period of 9 days, to raise funds for the Grace College LEAP program. This is an amazing achievement, as Mr. Perrett cycled this challenging route completely unaided. A number of family, friends and curious onlookers met him at the Pietermaritzburg Town Hall to welcome him home. "Well done, Greg and THANK YOU!"
At a certain time in life every parent faces the lull that accompanies children's increasing independence, Suzie Hilliar, the Head at Hilton Pre-Primary is in this transformative zone and has chosen to fill her extra time with an innovative hobby. 
Grace College had the privilege of welcoming Gary Kirsten to the School on Monday, 28 May 2012. He addressed the pupils and staff, giving us a brief overview of his cricketing career, sharing on some highlights as well as on challenging times. Gary encouraged us to live with integrity and focus on our life's journey, rather than dwell on results, whether good or bad. He also inspired the School to be good role models in this society. He then proceeded to answer questions posed to him by our pupils and staff. Grace College would like to thank Gary for his time to come and encourage us and wishes him well in his career as the National Cricket Coach and all future endeavours.
Seedlings Montessori Pre-School in Hilton registered with the Eco-Schools Program in 2011. Our focus of learning has always been on the world around us and over the years our children have been actively involved with various projects and themes that encourage making a difference to our beautiful Planet Earth. We strive to create and keep alive an awareness of environmental issues in a way that is concrete and meaningful for young learners. We have found that the Eco-Schools program and resources have given us focus and direction and especially love the "Year of Special Days" diary that gives dates for environmental events both locally and globally.
Another successful HiltonVillage.co.za Business Network session was hosted at Lindsay's yesterday. Mark Heinrich (Mark is pictured on the left with Danny from Lifestyle Fitness Gym and Karin from ITA Business Communication Services now open at The Quarry Centre) shared some insights from his perspective as the owner of Jaxx Restaurant, one of Hilton's success stories, Mike Forsyth from MGF Attorneys imparted a brief and informative review of the Consumer Protection Act which really got people thinking about their relationships with consumers and the sparkle of the evening was the smooth rendition of four well loved songs by Di Veness of Jewellery by Diana! I personally took a look at Lindsay's this morning to ensure that the roof was still in place and discovered that it is. Di is awesome, a lady imbued with many talents.