In just a few short months, the 11th edition of Ride The Karoo #Farmtrail 22-24 September 2023 and Ride The Karoo #Sheeptrail 29 September – 1 October 2023 kicks off with a Ring of the Bell and a 20km night ride underneath countless stars and fading silhouettes of mountains and koppies that will be part of your journey for the weekend.
Each morning participants can look forward to a freshly brewed cup of “moer koffie” with ample amounts of condensed milk and locally sourced rusks as a pre-snack to a full hearty breakfast. With a full belly and adequately caffeinated, riders line up next to a 200-year-old stone wall for a short ride briefing to explain your 73km journey ahead. Day 2 is not for the faint-hearted but does enjoy breathtaking views. The route consists of mostly jeep tracks as it passes through neighbouring farms and around Karoo Koppies. The three water points on day two include various yummy treats like koeksisters, bananas, cola and much more to keep you rejuvenated throughout the day.
Food plays a role at Ride The Karoo, and each day you can look forward to delicious karoo-inspired Lunches and Diners prepared with great care from our local caters. They take great pride in ensuring you have enough to eat and have many happy stories to tell to loved ones back home.
Day 3 is a short and sweet 48km summary of the tour. The route takes you along a jeep track around and through the dam towards the old Dwarsvlei train station, where you can enjoy a cappuccino and a glorious view of Renosterberg. From this point on the route, it takes you up a short rocky section, where you will be awe-struck with beautiful Karoo vistas. You might even encounter Kudus and Gemsbuck while you slowly circle back towards Dwarsvlei.
So what’s included with your entry?
Exclusively Designed Merchandise Kit And Goody Bag
All early bird entries receive a Kakiebos merchandise kit and an exclusively designed cycling shirt valued at R1500.
Live Entertainment
Expect brilliant live entertainment throughout the weekend to further set the mood.
Timing – By Mobii
All riders will receive a timing chip to track their time for the three stages. The event has no cut-off time.
All Meals
All Tour meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch are included in your entry. Sunday can be booked as an optional extra.
Tented Accommodation
3-Nights complimentary tour tented accommodation, along with a comfy mattress for each participant. Upgraded accommodation is available.
Handmade Karoo Medal
Each finisher receives a unique handmade Karoo “medal” made by local artists.
Equipped Tour Village
Well-equipped Tour village includes a bar station, a rider chill zone and ample Karoo open spaces.
Well Designed Routes
Riders can enjoy 3 days of exclusively selected routes only allowed being ridden during the Ride the Karoo events.
Medical Services
Trained medical personnel will handle any emergencies that may occur during the event.
Ablution Facilities
The venue has an ample amount of ablutions and piping-hot showers.
En Route Support
Staffed water points serving everything from water to koeksisters! Backup vehicle to assist should you not be able to ride any further.
Free Coffee En Route
Participants will be surprised by a coffee stop in the middle of the veld to enjoy the scenery while sipping away on a freshly brewed cappuccino!
E-bike Friendly
The race village will have a dedicated e-bike charging station with backup power in case load-shedding hits.
Avoid disappointment, and enter quickly as entries for #Farmtrail are 95% full and #Sheeptrail at 70% capacity! Use this link to enter and view more information related to Ride The Karoo: https://stagerace.ridethekaroo.co.za
