I remember this well. Did my first one in 2011 and a few more thereafter.
I think that it lost its unique character when the manne derided it as a "dirt roadie" race and they responded by adding more and more singletrack - i.e. congestion in the sandy footpaths next to the river - into the event, making it less and less special.
The climb over Eben's hill was lekker but eventually it became a wannabe MTB event. It was held in September and October and it was so hot, dusty and congested that its only saving grace was that every other event that season could only be better.
It was the original 100km gravel race and something very different until they messed with the formula. I hope it reverts to something that can be done on a gravel bike, in which case I look forward to giving it a go again. I loved the first one, but maybe that was only me.
Oh, it also had a halfway stop where you could have a swim in the river and the clock stopped. I think you were given up to 15mins or so before the clock started again.
