The Tankwa is an incredibly special place, if you have been here you will know what I mean. Riding a bike through this vast and desolate landscape seems to take you back to simpler times. It is a place that truly helps you switch off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Bicycle racing in the Tankwa is few and far between, but the few that exist are really long and really hard. Which is great if you are into suffering through 47 degree heat in a mild state of sleep deprivation and dehydration, for those like things a little more chilled there is good news because there is a new kid on the block…
The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race
This year was the second running of the event and the organisers did not disappoint. The race is a two day affair based at the Tankwa Tented Camp. Day 1 covers 116km and Day 2 around 50km. Both days have very little climbing, less than 600m total over the two days to be exact. Don’t let that fool you into thinking this is an easy ride, though. The terrain and weather will still test you, leaving you feeling like you have accomplished something great.
The festivities start on Friday afternoon as riders start arriving for Check In. The entry is all inclusive meaning your accommodation and food is taken care of. The base entry gets you a canvas tent with two beds in it, all very basic but more than adequate. If you require a little more comfort there are larger permanent tents or chalets available.
Once checked in riders chill in the boma, chatting excitedly while the amazing staff at the Tankwa Tented Camp prepare supper. The one thing that is never in short supply over the weekend is food. The Tented Camp is used to hosting large festivals and getaways in the desert, and they really know how to make great food! After a delicious super and welcoming from the TQBR team we head off to bed for an early night.
Saturday starts early with breakfast from 05h30. It’s still dark when the alarm goes off, the tent is shaking in the wind, wind that was only supposed to arrive in the afternoon. Once kitted up for the ride it’s a short walk back to the Boma for breakfast. The sun is starting to peak over the horizon. There are few sunrises as beautiful as those in the desert. The sky is a brilliant orange and we are thankful that we aren’t there in the summer.
The Tankwa Karoo is roughly a 4 hour drive from Cape Town. We had the pleasure of taking the impressive new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid out to the location and it did not disappoint. More on the vehicle later.
The thing that sets this race apart from others is the race is split up into segments, the actual racing happens on the segments meaning you can kick back and relax during the neutral zones. This gives you time and space to really take it all in, to soak up the views and appreciate the fact that you are riding your bicycle through one of the driest and harshest environments in South Africa. After the first segment of around 20km you cross this incredible salt pan which used to be a large dam before it dried up many years ago. It’s quite a surreal feeling. At the end of the Pan is probably the greatest aid station of all time. Flowing with fruit, cheeses, crackers, salted baby potatoes and freshly braaid steak.
Where else can you enjoy a nice steak on a bike ride in the middle of nowhere? The aid station is around the halfway mark for the day but what lies ahead is a lot harder than what you have already ridden through. With some sections of soft, deep sand, getting off your bike to push through is inevitable. Once you have conquered the ride and you round that corner with the Tankwa Tented Camp in sight, a feeling of relief and joy floods over you as you play back in your mind the memories from the ride. Memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
After an amazing lunch the afternoon is filled with some great activities. One of them being a drag race on the Tankwa International Airport landing strip. A voluntary race with lots of bragging rights if you come out on top. After the drag race you will enjoy a sunset drive through all the amazing artworks and sculptures that have been put up, with a short stop to enjoy some gin as the sun sets and Dion from the camp shares some great analogies on the importance of time and how we should cherish the time that we have left. Unfortunately the strong winds meant that we couldn’t enjoy the Tankwa Burn this year so I guess it will be something to look forward to in 2023.
The second day’s route is an absolute peach as you ride west of the camp into the Tankwa Karoo National Park, the soft morning light hitting the shrubs and sand makes you feel like you are riding on Mars. It is truly remote and awe-inspiring. Flat plains as far as the eye can see with more soft sand sections to navigate as you race your way through the two segments of the day.
Just like day 1 the aid station at the “Kiff Kafe” has an awesome vibe. Great food and smiling people who are now friends, friends who have gone through the crucible that is the Tankwa and come out the other side changed. As the race slogan goes, “come find yourself, come lose yourself”.
The Tankwa tests you in ways you can never imagine, and the TQBR has taken the essence of the Tankwa, shaken in some flair and poured out a wonderful gem that is the Tanqua Quru Bicycle Race.
Getting there in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Two electric motors means the Rav4 has a “Trail” mode which engages all four wheels when you need the extra grip. Driving the loose, sandy Tankwa on Trail mode was a blast, there was no skitting from side to side under power that you get from a 2 wheel drive. The car felt rock solid. It is also important to note that the Rav4, although classified as an SUV, doesn’t have the ground clearance that you will find on a Fortuner or Hilux. Gnarly off roading will be a bit of a stretch for it, but gravel road adventures on the Rav4 will take it in its stride.
Some extra features on the 2.5i GX-R model include, a wireless charging pad for your phone, keyless entry, cruise control, full audio and phone control via the steering wheel and four driving modes (ECO, Standard, Sport, and Trail which engages all wheel drive).
For more info on the RAV4 2.5 GX-R CVT HYBRID E-FOUR visit https://www.toyota.co.za/ranges/rav4
