Ride The Karoo 3-Day MTB Stage Race: Third-Party Event

Please note this event is not organised by the Pedal Power Association. The Ride The Karoo is a Third Party Event advertised by the PPA.

Ride The Karoo stage race takes place in the heart of the Karoo at Dwarsvlei farm. Each stage passes by historical 100-year-old stables and 200-year-old stone walls leading onto double lane “sheep tracks” while riding past familiar windpump scenes along the way. Experience authentic Karoo hospitality with braais, fresh farm bread, condensed milk coffee, koeksisters & craft beer amidst picturesque sunsets. Ride the Karoo is not about crossing the finish line as quickly as possible but rather about a riding experience like no other.

DATE:

20-22 SEPTEMBER 2024 & 27-29 SEPTEMBER 2024

REGISTRATION:

Registration will take place at Dwarsvlei Farm: 13:00-17:30

Date: 20 September 2024 #FARMTRAIL

Date: 27 September 2024 #SHEEPTRAIL

START TIMES:

Start your Karoo experience:

20 September 2024 @18:15 #FARMTRAIL

27 September 2024 @18:15 #SHEEPTRAIL

ROUTE:

STAGE 1

REGISTRATION: 13:00 – 17:30
START: From 18:15
DISTANCE: 20km
ELEVATION: 230m
PREPARE: Bicycle lights, warm clothing, bridge crossing
ROUTE: The Night Ride starts at sunset and leads onto the jeep track towards the Dwarsvlei dam. With a sharp left onto your first single track, followed by a low culvert pass-through. This will be marked by a Caution sign. You will now have your last visible view of the mountain while the beautiful starry Karoo night sky unfolds. Remember to switch on your light! As you make your way up the infamous Renosterberg don’t forget you paid to do this… Participants will enjoy a fast, smooth, twisty downhill just before heading back underneath the second culvert. We threw in a last little kicker that leads you back down the 200-year-old stone walls. Last but not least we remind you to tap your timing chip as you enter the Dwarsvlei finish line!

STAGE 2

START: 07:30 | E-Bike 07:45
DISTANCE: 73km
ELEVATION: 660m
SUPPORTERS: Today supporters can visit Middelburg or Nieu Bethesda. Supporter maps and info available at registration.
ROUTE: Day two is not for the faint-hearted but does enjoy breathtaking views. As we cross the N9 towards Renosterberg, please be cautious. The route passes through neighbouring farms on mostly jeep tracks around the beautiful Karoo koppies as you head towards Water Point 1. Please note this is a two-way traffic section. Please keep left. Water Point 2 welcomes you to Twiskraal farm’s shearing shed, where you can fill up, lube your bike and take a koeksister for the rest of the way! After a short steep climb, you will make your way back to the familiar first water point stop which is now Water Point 3. Heading back towards home, you will encounter a Low Bridge Culvert. Please get off your bike, duck and walk this short adventure through. Please do not cross the tar road. Remember to tap your timing chip and take a dip in the Farm Dam.

STAGE 3

START: 07:30 | E-Bikes 07:45
DISTANCE: 46km
ELEVATION: 520m
SUPPORTERS: You are welcome to support your riders along the route and enjoy a complimentary cappuccino from Atlantic Coffee Co at the Waterpoint at Dwarsvlei station. Supporters can collect a map provided at registration that indicates the spectator points.
ROUTE: Today’s ride is a short and sweet summary of the tour. You will start with a short gravel road section as you cross the border to a neighbouring farm. Segments of rocky terrain will challenge you as you make your way toward the old Dwarsvlei train station, where you can enjoy a cappuccino and a glorious view of Renosterberg, Take note of the Low Culvert. From here, the route takes you up a short, rocky Renosterberg, where you will be awe-struck with beautiful Karoo vistas. You might even encounter Kudus and Gemsbuck along the way. Next, you will descend from here towards a Low Culvert. Before heading into the last section of the single track, you will enjoy a refreshing second water point stop. As you breathe in the last gasp of Karoo air on the open gravel road, you will pass the A.W. Barn, on your right, dated 1890 to conclude your Karoo journey.