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
Photo credit: Kolesky/ Nikon/ Lexar