Event Name: The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle RaceWhen: 24/05/2024 - 26/05/2024Where: Tankwa Tented Camp, Category: Mountain BikeTHE INTRO. Now in its 4th year, The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race is a heavenly bicycle race through the harsh Tankwa Karoo. This year, we’ve change both routes entirely. The longer route will turnaround at The Gannaga Lodge where our magically themed lunch stop will be situated. The long route is really tough and suited for experienced riders. Or for those who don’t care and are happy to ride in the desert. We like those people. Like a lot. They are us people. The medium route is no gimmie and we’re sending you way out into the rocky desert to bake. Will there be a Kief Kafé ready to refuel you? You betcha. Will there be a vintage fridge hidden with ice cold cokes in glass bottles – obviously. We’re also looking to have an ice cream van parked somewhere dishing out the goodness – who knows what we’ll come up with. Day 2 is shorter with some epic hike-a-bike sections across three river crossings. A hidden Kief Kafè will keep you moist, as usual. Will there be banging beats played at full volume – OH YEAH! We’ve stopped calling the route short, as it’s a bit misleading. Not a single free mile is to be found on this course. Pack your big boy panties for this one. We’re going to ride flippin’ hard. We’re going to eat like desert royalty. Some no doubt will over hydrate in the Onverklaarbar. We’re going to light things on fire and shoot up some fireworks. One thing that we’re going to do more than anything though, is to disconnect so we can reconnect. Come and play in the desert. We’d love to have you. THE FORMAT. Day 1 – 129km – 1164m ascent (long)
or Day 1 – 59km – 150m ascent (medium) Day 2 – 62 km – 250m ascent THE PLAN. Friday 24 May 2024 16:00, arrival at The Tankwa Tented Camp. Cruise around the artworks19:00, dinner served in the boma20:00, race briefing20:00, campfire bicycle stories Saturday 25 May 2024 05:30, farm breakfast will be served in the Boma07:00, race start12:00, lunchAfternoon at leisure, cool off and have a dip at Stoney Beach15:00, for the sprinters, there will be a 400m drag race on the airstrip, winner takes all.16:30, depart for gins on Sunset Hill19:30, a wholesome dinner will be served in the Boma21:00, the Bicycle Burn will be lit Sunday 26 May 2024 06:30, a slightly later start, farm breakfast will be served in the Boma.07:30, race start THE ACCOMMODATION. A-Frames – Large canvas A-frame with 2 X steel beds with linen. We only have 13 of those, they go quick too. They come at a slight premium. Dome tents – Included in the price, you will be staying in a large 3x3m dome canvas tent which are per person sharing, stretcher beds, thick mattress and comfy white linen. There will be more than adequate ablution facilities with hot water in the morning and evening. THE CAMP. Tankwa Tented Camp has the following facilities: Full cash barSwimming damAblutionsBoma indoor and outdoorSolar electricitySome of the most mind bending artwork structures you’ll ever see YOUR ENTRY INCLUDES. R 6900 pps Includes: 2 X breakfasts2 X lunches2 X dinners1 X hand made musetteDome tented accommodation with linen2 X refreshment stops en routeAccess to Tankwa Karoo National Park2 X Tanqua Tonics1 x beer at the end of each day’s rideSweep vehicleMobile medicPhotographyMore than anything though, this race gives you access to find yourself, and lose yourself.The first 30 entries will receive a free Tanqua Tee NON RIDERS. LOVE YOU GUYS TOO. You may bring your partner to enjoy the magic of the Tankwa who will share the tent with you, all meals and entertainment. They will be able to explore the artworks, sundowners and lounge at Stoney Beach. Spectators may choose to be driven to and from Gannaga Lodge to cheer on the riders of the long course or may drive themselves. Park fees will be included. Spouse entry = R 5900 THE ENTRY PROCEDURE. Please note that entries will be extremely limited. We’re not just saying that to get you to buy entries quickly. We’re very well aware that that ship has sailed for cycling events. We’re capping entries at 200 and we’ll be closing entries 4 weeks before the event so we can get all the goodies made up in good time. So don’t fiddle around, when they are gone, they really are gone and you’ll be sad. We really don’t want sad people. 😉 THE PRIZES. There will be a unique Tanqua Trophy for the winners of each race category. TRANSPORT. There is a registered airstrip on the farm. If you are going to fly in, please contact us so we can send you the landing information. We can also arrange flights from JHB and CPT – pricing is dependant on numbers, bit its WAY cheaper than you think. It’s also WAY more fun than driving. Way. While we’re on the driving thing, if you don’t feel like doing it, we can also sort that out for you. Event partners, Zulu Overland have you covered there. Some nice words by our friend and new mom, Eeden Eekers. Ride more. Ride because you want to. Because it’s needed. Ride for the hell of it. For the unknown. The good times. And moer koffie. The end-of-race fines. The heat haze. The friendly faces. Always pacing. Let’s go racing. Over gravel, good or unrideable. Impossible? Only until it’s not. Dangerous? Define it, first. Get moving. Reconnect. Get outside. Disconnect. The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race. Join us. Come explore. Ride more. Go to Event Page.
