Revisiting the Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race

When you hear people talk about the Tankwa Karoo, some things that might spring to mind are vast expanses, the institutional Tankwa Padstal, the infamous tyre-munching R355, and of course Afrikaburn. Gravel bike racing is almost certainly not top of mind.

Now in its 4th year, the Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race has set itself firmly in the gravel calendar. With a 60% participant return rate, it has certainly struck a chord with those fortunate enough to have experienced this unique event set at the Tankwa Tented Camp.

What sets the event apart from others, is that the riding itself forms only a part of the weekend activities. 

We were fortunate enough to be there one night earlier, and got to experience a beautiful and still Tankwa morning the day before participants arrived. The Sling Aircraft crew were among the first to arrive later that afternoon by plane, flying in convoy over the Tankwa. Watching the planes land one by one was quite a spectacle.

The weekend kicked off with dinner on Friday night, followed by a huge bonfire under the Karoo stars. This really set the tone for the weekend as participants watched the flames engulf the wooden structure, with riders getting to know each other a bit better as the temperatures dropped and the fire kept us warm.

The riding on Day 1 gave riders the choice of two distances. The 130km long route took riders through the Tankwa National Park before heading up the infamous Ganagga pass, then heading back down the pass onto a circular route, grinding back to the Tankwa Tented Camp through the national park on some tough terrain. 

For those less fit, or who over-hydrated at the Onverklaar Bar the previous evening, the shorter 61km route option offered substantially less climbing through the National Park. Both routes contained a fair amount of sand and corrugation. This is the Tankwa after all!

Bike choice for the varying terrain out in the Tankwa was critical. My weapon of choice was my trusty titanium gravel bike fitted out with 2.2 mountain bike tyres. This ensured I was able to ride all the sandy parts of the route, while the low tyre pressures absorbed some of the bumps.

As I mentioned earlier, bike riding is just a small part of the event. Saturday afternoon entailed a Le Mans-style bicycle drag race down the Tankwa International Airport’s runway strip in fancy dress. Those who were bold enough to participate stood a chance to win a flip in one of the beautiful Sling planes that were flown in by some Sling Aircraft crew on the Friday afternoon.

We capped off the day with G and T’s on Sunset Hill on what has to have been one of the most perfect evenings you can find in the Tankwa; Clear skies, wind still and warm.

Day 2 featured only one route option, which was welcomed by our tired legs. The circular route of 67km featured a bit of everything that the Tankwa had to offer; pristine hard-pack gravel, dried-up lake beds, corrugations, and of course a fair share of Tankwa sand. 

Those who have ridden the TKBR before will know that the water points are a feature of this event. Droe worse, jelly snakes, cheese and crackers, ice cold cokes, toasted sarmies and even fire-cooked prego rolls are what you can find at these colorful waterpoints with some funky EDM tunes playing as you stand sipping your coke in the middle of the Tankwa.

What the TKBR and Sling Aircraft pulled off this year has to be a world-first; An airborne water point!

As riders entered the final kilometers of day 2 which crossed the top of the Tankwa Airstrip, the final refreshment stop of the day awaited them; The Sling Saloon. A few lucky riders were chosen to have their refreshments served from the comfort of a Sling TSI plane as they took in the views of the Tankwa on yet another windless clear day in the Karoo. Tell me where you’ve seen a better water point!

With the riding done and the weekend’s activities concluded, riders regretfully packed their cars or planes and disappeared into the sky or dust-filled horizon, telling epic tales of a perfect weekend in the Tankwa filled with riding bikes, bonfires, a few too many beers, great vibes, dust and amazing views. The dates have been set for TKBR 2025!