Events

It’s Man vs Nature again in the 2013 Aspen Trans Karoo

· By Matt · 0 comments

On Saturday 06 April 2013, Orange Anvil will be hosting the Aspen Trans Karoo in association with

the Northern Cape Tourism Authority. 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 .

Photo credit: Kolesky/ Nikon/ Lexar

“I am thrilled to once again be able to host my dream race, The Aspen Trans Karoo, in 2013,” says

Orange Anvil Director, Glyn Broomberg. “Starting at 1 459m above sea level, the route includes a

hair raising trip down the infamous Ou Berg Pass which must be approached with a very cool head

and nerves of steel. The first 150km will be the exact reverse of last year’s route, with the last 90km

swinging to the North instead of the South, as it did last year.”

Aspen places significant focus on corporate responsibilities, which includes providing opportunities

to improve the quality of healthcare facilities in South Africa. As a consequence of the untimely

passing of Sifiso Nxasana, Aspen established the “Long Ride for Sifiso Trust” (the Trust) to raise funds

and awareness for paediatric healthcare. This initiative, which has been endorsed by the Minister

of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, was adopted by Orange Anvil as the primary CSI beneficiary of

the Aspen Trans Karoo and in 2012 Stephen Saad, Aspen Group CEO raised R10 million through

corporate and private sponsorships by completing the gruelling race in just under 16 hours. The

2013 race sees this initiative being extended to the corporate world in the form of the Long Ride

Corporate Relay, which will allow teams to test their physical and mental endurance capacities and

to contribute towards raising additional, much needed funds for the Trust.

Photo credit: Kolesky/ Nikon/ Lexar

The official website is now live and has full route descriptions and info. Entries are still open ,

and will be capped at a maximum of 500 competitors as the race traverses eco-sensitive

national parks. The competitor format will be solo riders or as a team of 2 members. Team

members will be required to ride together at all times. There will be 5 check points along the

route, with food, water and sports nutrition available. 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

Photo credit: Kolesky/ Nikon/ Lexar

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