Tomorrow entries open for the fourth Tour of Ara – the six-day all-gravel vintage road bike stage race that burns through 800km of spectacular Karoo desert every year. Last year the Tour sold out in 30 seconds, so head on over to http://www.tourofara.co.za/ if you want to take on the challenge in 2017.
In 2016 the the Tour started in Vanrhynsdorp on the N7, and and stage 1 took racers up and over the Vanrhyns Pass all the way clear to the tiny outpost of Middelpos. At 200kms, it was the longest stage of the Tour yet. There was a lot of fear and trepidation on the start line.
Stage 1 features some tarmac, but that would be the last for the next 800kms. Over the next six days the Tour would overnight in Middelpos, Williston, Fraserburg, Sutherland, Merweville and end in picturesque Prince Albert.
Into the Karoo proper. There is no support on the Tour, just occasional route markers and a map to keep you heading in the right direction. The Karoo can be a harsh and inhospitable place, so you don’t want to get lost.
Travelling through the vast open space of the beautiful Karoo semi-desert, and riding only vintage steel road bikes built pre-1999 makes for a testing but hugely rewarding experience.
Each year the Tour sponsors strong riders from underprivileged backgrounds who would not normally be able to participate in such an event. If you know of anyone you’d like to nominate for a sponsored position, please get in touch through the website.
Typical Ara aftermath on stage 1
Stage 2 is even harder. Middelpos to Williston would prove to have some of the worst roads imaginable.
When things go wrong… Daniel Peat’s vintage RIH separated under him at speed on stage 2, while he was leading the race! The relentlessly bad gravel roads are rough on your body and your bike. Daily checks for cracks in your steel frame is compulsory.
Dan was found unconscious and bleeding, spread out next to his bifurcated bike. He was lucky – he got away with a few stitches from the local Williston clinic and a swollen face.
Ara, and it’s racers, really embody the wild nature and surroundings of the Karoo.
Every morning starts with a map briefing and a hearty breakfast.
The Tour of Ara is a bicycle race primarily, but there is a lot more to be said for this six-day epic. Now in it’s fourth year the Tour has evolved over the short period since it began. Starting out limited to just 35 riders in 2014, this year will see two race categories running in tandem, with 40 riders in each category. The ‘Sport Category’ is for cyclists who want to make the epic journey across the finish line, and the ‘Race Category’ is for those who are serious about taking that first place.
Some of the towns which the Tour travels through at are so small that they can barely accommodate 40 cyclists, hence the two categories for 2017. All food is included in the entry fee too, and consists of deliciously prepared traditional cuisine, with food stops along the way also supplied by locals. And then there is the now-traditional cheese and wine table to look forward to at the finish line on each stage.
The race has, no sponsors, no support team and no prize money, so it’s really a departure from your typical bicycle racing event.
Not everyone races the Tour – some take it on as a unique way to experience this beautiful Karoo.
But those who race take it seriously…
Dark places in the blazing sun.
The Tour goes to great lengths to include locals as much as possible. Here the Prince Albert Vastrappers lay down some serious ‘rieldans’ moves, after we gifted each of them a brand new pair of red ‘vellies’ to kick up the dust!
We are Ara!
I really, really, really, really want to do this race...but i'm under no illusion as to how HARD it is.
bucket list.