With less than two weeks until entries close for the 2013 Aspen Trans Karoo MTB Race, the site has seen a flurry of activity with biking enthusiasts scrambling for entries. Due to the sensitive eco-systems that the race traverses, only 500 entries are issued for the race, making it a sought after event to take part in.
The 2013 event, dubbed the “Down Ride”, is being ridden from Sutherland to Ceres and is one of the longest single stage endurance mountain bike races in South Africa. Pitting man against the Karoo the distance, including 5 compulsory check point stops, must be completed within 17 hours in order for participants to avoid elimination.
Starting at the Jupiter Lounge in Sutherland, and covering a staggering 240km of off road terrain across the Ceres and Tankwa Karoo, the race will finish at the Kaleo Guest Farm, 25km north of Ceres and includes the long steep ascent up Skittery Pass at 70km’s from the finishing line.
For those not sure about being able to survive the entire 240km in 17hours, the race also offers the Sifiso Charity Relay, for teams of 3 riders to each cycle 80km of the course, with all funds being donated to the Long Ride for Sifiso Trust, that has been established to support paediatric healthcare for underprivileged children.
For more info and to enter please visit http://www.transkaroomtb.co.za.
Find and “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter on @TransKarooMTB . Entries close on Friday 22 March 2013.
Photo credit: Kolesky/ Nikon/ Lexar
