The Dirty South

The Dirty South Gravel Race 2022

This is the race for the Explorers.

The rebels, the ruffians and the refined.

This race is unlike any other. It forges its own way.

This race is everything you’ve been missing in bicycle races.

Flat out segment racing. Flat out dirt. All the support.

You race, we’ll do the rest.

This is The Dirty South Gravel Race.

Just 100 lucky souls will snap up an entry. Do it. Do it now.

Event schedule:

Rock up and ride - we take care of everything else.

Day 1.

The stage will start from the old harbour in Stilbaai and after a short neutral section will head onto some amazing gravel roads through the canola fields. The track is mainly hardpack with some loose stony sections. 

The route is primarily along district roads with a few ‘in and outs’ through private farmers land.

The rolling hills will take their toll towards the end of this day so leave some juice in the tank.

Day 2.

We’ll leave Witsand and again, after a short neutral section, hit the farmland gravel while we make our way to Arniston. 

The track is mainly clay and depending on the rainfall, will have pot holes and corrugations to deal with for short periods.

The clear blue waters of Arniston await.

Day 3.

Will be an all-out effort as we wind through the Overberg farmland before veering inland, over the mountain to Stanford.

Course info:

Race format

· 3 stages

· Each stage has 3(plus minus 30kms) legs. Regroup after each leg. Points for first, second and third on each leg (3,2,1)

· Rider with most points after the tour wins

Day 1: 30 September 2022 - 83 km - Stilbaai to Witsand

· 09:00* race starts to Witsand (Start time TBC)

· 12:00 race finishes at Breede River Lodge – Witsand

· 13:00 check in and freshen up

· 13:30 lunch on the deck

· 18:00 meet for pre-dinner drinks & day 2 briefing

· 19:00 dinner to be served

Day 2: 1 October 2022 - 86 km - Witsand to Old Sam’s Farm, Arniston

· 06:00 meet for breakfast

· 08:30 race starts to Old Sam’s Farm, Arniston

· 12:00 race finishes at Sam’s Farm

· 13:00 beers, burgers and braai at the farm

· Transfer to the hotel

· 18:00 meet for pre-dinner drinks

· 19:00 dinner to be served

Day 3: 2 October 2022 - 66 km - Arniston

· 06:00 meet for breakfast

· 07:00 transfer to Old Sam’s Farm

· 08:30 race starts to Stanford

· 12:00 race finishes at Birkenhead Brewery

· 13:00 The Awards Ceremony

Accommodation:

Night 1 - The Breede River Lodge

Luxury shared accommodation at The Breede River. Right on the water. Large shared rooms.

Night 2 - The Arniston Hotel

The 4-star Arniston Hotel speaks for itself. Magnificent views, a superb bar… and a delightful menu. Large rooms shared.