Gav.S

Hi Guys and Girls, The single track section is less than 400m long, very easy and has no rocks etc. This was done to avoid a potential tree block harvest that would have cut out some very cool Gravel sections if we had done a rework to the course. The jeep tracks heading towards the falls are jeep tracks, not single tracks. Nothing technical, perfectly Gravel. As far as route markers go we are required as part of the safety plan to have Marshall's at all district and main roads, so putting out markers is not hard. The challenge with our Karkloof area is that timber harvesting changes drastically with weather conditions and haul routes change. So we say follow arrows to avoid people using gpx files that have had to change due to last minute harvest and haul routes. GPX files are available on the https://www.karkloofclub.co.za/events/ page under the Gravel event. No need to create an account to obtain these as these are Wikiloc download link. You unfortunately do need to register on EasyReg to enter (as with most other entry portals) , but this is for good reason. To make sure we get the most up to date info from you to make sure that IF there is an oopsie, we know your emergency details and our teams can look after you. Looking forward to an Epic day. 🤙🏼 Happy riding guys! Gav.

Early Bird entries close on Tuesday 11th March at 9am.

All routes have been updated on the Karkloof Website. Link below. https://www.karkloofclub.co.za/events/karkloof-gravel/ Happy riding!

Event Name: Karkloof Gravel (SA Gravel Champs)When: 06/04/2025Where: Karkloof Country Club, Howick, KwaZulu-NatalCategory: GravelHave you ever wondered what it would feel like to whizz through the pristine countryside of the Karkloof Valley surrounded by the serenity of nature? Now is your chance! The Absa Karkloof Country Club in inviting you join us for Karkloof Gravel, hosting SA Gravel Champs this year. Not only is this a great opportunity to explore the Beautiful Karkloof Valley, but this event will also give you the opportunity to rub shoulders with some cycling royalty as this race will determine South Africa’s Gravel Champions of 2025. There are 4 race distances so whether you’re gunning for the title or want to try out the incredible discipline of gravel racing, we’ve got something for you. Come and join us for fun day out on some exclusive lesser known tracks, designed by Kev Benkenstein to deliver some proper stoke in the pristine Karkloof Valley. Race options: 168km Gravel 106km Gravel 53km Gravel 28Km Gravel Fun ride Visit https://www.karkloofclub.co.za/events/ for more information, start times, batching, routes files and possible route deviations due to harvesting. Entry portal: https://www.easyreg.co.za/select_registration_type?event_id=614 Go to Event Page.

Event Name: Sappi Karkloof Trails FestivalWhen: 25/05/2024 - 26/05/2024Where: Karkloof Country Club, Howick, KwaZulu-NatalCategory: Mountain BikeThe Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival will again be hosting the SA MTB Marathon Champs at the Karkloof Country Club on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May 2024. On Saturday there will be two trail run options to chose from, a 9 and 21km Trail run. Sunday will offer a packed day of Mountain Biking for the whole family with distances ranging from 10km Family adventure to the ultra-tough 85km Marathon champs race. SAT | 21km Trail Run A challenging timed running race through the Karkloof forests, boulder hopping over the majestic Karkloof river, through a working dairy farms, with some testing climbs to reach some magnificent views not available to the public. With a newly introduced KOM and QOM cash prize for the first Men’s and Women’s runners up to the crest. SAT | 9km Trail Run A less strenuous timed running race through the Karkloof forests, boulder hopping over the majestic Karkloof river, through a working dairy farm, with some manageable climbing. SAT | 1km Kiddies Fun Run A free and easy fun run for Kids and Parents around the Karkloof Country club to stretch and test those little legs, ideal for those waiting for loved ones doing other events. SUN | 85km MTB Marathon An ultra-tough Marathon Champs timed race for elite riders, speeding through Karkloof forests, testing your fitness up mountains and your technical ability through some of the best flowing singles tracks in the country. With a newly introduced KOM and QOM cash prize for the first Men’s and Women’s timed cyclists up to the top of the mountain. Pre-qualified entrants with CSA racing license holders only, E-bikes not permitted. SUN | 60km MTB A challenging timed race aimed at riders with good technical ability and fitness to experience the best the Karkloof has the offer on climbs and flowing technical single tracks. With a newly introduced KOM and QOM cash prize for the first Men’s and Women’s timed cyclists up to the top of the mountain. SUN | 40km MTB A moderate timed race aimed at fitter riders wanting to test themselves on the slightly longer routes of combined single track and jeep track, with a few good climbs thrown in but less technical single track to keep the flows going with views of the majestic Karkloof Falls along the route. SUN | 20km MTB An easier timed race for riders looking to experience the serenity of the Karkloof forests along mostly jeep tracks and some single track without any technical obstacles to worry about, ensuring smiles all round and an enjoyable event with views of the majestic Karkloof Falls along the route. SUN | 10km MTB Fun Ride An easy fun ride for Kids and Parents to enjoy through the scenic jeep track roads in the forests of the Karkloof. SUN | 9km Fun Trail Run A less strenuous fun run through the Karkloof forests, boulder hopping over the majestic Karkloof river, through a working dairy farm, with the Karkloof beauty, sights and sounds to take in all around See ROAG entry page for details of categories and entries Go to Event Page.

Just a note when using a new chain is to remove the factory oil used to protect the chain during its shelf life. The oil is incredibly tacky and causes links to jump on the smaller cogs of the cassette. Dump the new chain in some paraffin, dry it off, lube up with your normal lube and away you go. I had the chain skipping problem on a brand new SRAM cassette and chain combo and this solved it. Gav.