Julian.Robinet

Event Name: ROAD TO DESOLATION '24When: 13/07/2024Where: Graaff-Reinet, Eastern CapeCategory: GravelThe ROAD TO DESOLATION is a one day race in the heart of Karoo. Graaff-Reinet. Since you are most probably travelling to join us we are planning a whole weekend Event. Shake out rides, community dinners and sundowners at the top of the valley of desolation are just a few happenings to mention.  The little town of Graaff-Reinet sits neatly on a bend in the Sunday’s River surrounded by the Camdeboo national park and its inhabitants.   After a hugely successful inaugural event in 2023, We are looking forward to our second edition. The route takes you through the karoo heartland which you will share with animals and will most likely only see humans at one of the 4 waterpoints. This event is true south african gravel racing. Ask anyone who was there last year. The Valley of desolation is no joke. It has been built up from the ground with a lot of love to detail and the idea of uplifting a community and creating memories for the competitors at heart.  We ran a great raffle to win a bike frame last year, and we’re working on something just as exciting this year.  join us to find Desolation. Go to Event Page.

Hi! i have put the routes together there is a really fun 66km loop which by no means is easy but is doable without proper training - which I can't say for the long route. here are the STRAVA links to the routes - They are going through the Camdeboo national park and some private land but the farmers are very friendly towards cyclists in the area but feel free to get in touch to get more info. Taste of Desolation https://www.strava.com/routes/2867303519100854680 Road to Desolation https://www.strava.com/routes/3069339774123174186 there is loads more info on the website: https://roadtodesolation.cc/ :)

Event Name: ROAD TO DESOLATIONWhen: 07/10/2023Where: Graaff-Reinet, Eastern CapeCategory: GravelOCTOBER 7TH 2023 GRAVEL RACING IN THE HEART OF THE KAROO Graaff-Reinet, EC, South Africa two routes to choose from ROAD TO DESOLATION - 179km | 2,773m - Gravel bikes only TASTE OF DESOLATION - 66 km | 1,275 m - all bikes excl. E-bikes Heat And Cold In The Land Of Sheep & Goats Rocky columns extend their crooked fingers heavenwards as we stare out over the Valley Of Desolation. A vast eden nestled on the edge of the dry expanse of the Karoo in South Africa. The little town of Graaff-Reinet sits neatly on a bend in The Sunday’s River. Shafts of light spear down and and illuminate puddles dotted across the scrubland while small black dots on green hint towards shapes of wild animals. The skies seem endless, vast and mighty as distant thunderstorms litter the scene.  This forms the backdrop of our race. The Road To Desolation is a gravel race through the semi-desert area of the Karoo in South Africa. No exact definition of what constitutes the Karoo is available, so its extent is also not precisely defined. So too, our Race is slightly ambiguous and its rigours speak to the area itself. With two options available to test your mettle against the environment and other riders, The Road To Desolation is no mean feat. Two unique choices face interested participants, ROAD TO DESOLATION (179km) and A TASTE OF DESOLATION (66km), to choose your course and your approach. The longer version will only be open to drop-bar Gravel Bikes, whereas the shorter version can be raced on anything, as long as it doesn’t have a motor! No matter which you choose, the last 7km’s will be a reminder that you have taken on The Road To Desolation. ROAD TO DESOLATION As its name suggests, this one is going to empty the tank. An onslaught of 178km’s with nearly 2800m of vertical gain. Road to Desolation is a true test of racing in these vast expanses and is a real test of attrition. Restraint is key as the mountain-top finish up to The Valley Of Desolation will decimate anyone who hasn’t left a little in the tank for finale. Distance: 179km Elevation: 2,773m Surface: 85% Gravel 15% Paved Start Time: 5:30AM  Cut Off: 4PM for anyone entering the Climb to the Valley of Desolation Refuel Stops: 41km, 78km, 107km, 154km  TASTE OF DESOLATION At over 1200m of vertical gain in 65km’s suggests, this is no walk in the park, again a climb out of the valley awaits those who those who opt for the ‘easy’ route. With a late start and unique route, this one is going to sting. A high-paced affair from the gun is anticipated and one must make sure not to burn all their matches before the brutal ascent that will decide the victor. Distance: 66 km Elevation: 1,275 m Surface: 53% Gravel 47% Paved Start time: 11 AM  Cut Off: 4PM for anyone entering the Climb to the Valley of Desolation Refuel Stops: One at 36km Visit the website for more information. Entries open June 21st 2023 Go to Event Page.

The Erdgeschoss was found at adderly street, CBD, cycling on the Road yesterday. It was pure luck as we were out on the street handing out flyers to public safety officer, when the bike came past us and we chased him down the road. The new „owner“ claimed to have brought it of a tall skinny coloured guy with a pointy nose. He stated that he bought the bike close to the flower market by the cash crusaders there. A lady running one of the flower shops came forward and stated that she saw the original seller of the bike selling other bikes before (but couldn’t recall the red YT). The guy who bought the bike stated that those kind of stolen bikes mostly get sold of at the taxi rank at the main station or by the flowers on the street. So everyone keep your eyes open. There have been a lot of bikes stolen recently. We are excited to carry on with the project and I’m still looking for my personal YT. a Great Sunday everyone.

Hello everyone, we started an initiative together with Standert to share bikes within the community of cyclists in South Africa. This bike isn’t owned by us and we have been given it on a loan basis to manage and share it amongst people that might not have the means to purchase a(nother) bike to leave the tarred roads. It got returned from the one guy that had been using it last night and was supposed to go out to the next guy this morning. Unfortunately it got stolen this night out of our storage in sea point (it was loud shedding and we assume that the thieves made use of that to get into the secure compound and broke two pad locks and into neighboring garages as well) My personal Mountainbike got stolen as well. Both bikes are rather recognizable. The Standert Erdgeschoss though is only one of two bikes in the country. We are offering a reward of R3000 for any Leads that help finding the bikes. thanks a lot for considering Julian (community connect)