Event Name: Val2Verkykerskop 240km Bike Packing When: 1 June 2018 - 3 June 2018 Where: Val Hotel, Mpumulanga Category: MTB This BADAss Bike Packing ride is a SOCIAL event over 3 days, at your own pace, together with a bunch of friendly riders (always waving) to get you 'out' of Gauteng, start in Mpumalanga, experience the ''Not-so-Flat' Free State and end up in Kwa-Zulu Natal on the TOP of the Drakensberg. Thursday 31st May Arrive at Val Hotel (Mpumalanga) - or arrive 'in time' for brekkies on the Friday 1st June. Val is about 2hours drive from Pta (160kms) - but allow for additional time as fog is sometimes present in the mornings. Friday 1st June We'll leave Val Hotel after a light brekkies at the hotel (no rush), cross the Vaal River into the Free State after about 35kms ( no passport control ;-)) and get to Farmer Zirk's Watering Hole (55kms). We'll then head towards Cornelia (75kms) for a MAGIC Hamburger. You'll need this for the long drag and a bit of climbing to the town of Vrede ahead (115kms). We can pop in at the Vrede Hotel for a meal (or make our own meal at the campsite) and get Alfred at the Emanzini Resort, Vrede, to get a fire going for us while we pitch our tents, get coffee on the boil, shower, eat, war stories etc and sleeeeeeep!!! ;-) Today has a total of about 1200m ascent over the 115kms. A long day in the saddle - but the loooong stretches are now 'over' Saturday 2nd June Off again after brekkies, a short 7km tarred road to warm up - then continue heading South. Today we'll be climbing a fair bit with some AMAZING views of sandstone formations of the Free State. You'll need to pack enough food and water (we can refill at farmhouses along the way) and stop quite a few time for selfies. We have the whole day to get to Smiley's Pub in Verkykerskop (190kms) - for a VERY WELL deserved beer (or more) We'll set up camp and head back to Smiley's (2 minute walk) ;-). Today has a total of 1300m ascent over 75kms bike packing - you deserve a medal by now ;-) Sunday is Fun Day 3rd June A quick coffee and brekkies, shed ALL our bike packing gear (we'll be coming back the same way) and ONLY take water,some nutrition, wind breaker . . . and come for an UNFORGETABLE 50km ride through hills and dales. A water point is at 30kms (Coke and Jelly Babies) and then head UP a further 20k's to The Ark (view point) for a sit down lunch, whilst absorbing the MAGNIFICENT views of Kwazulu Natal from the TOP of the Drakensberg. 950m of ascent over 50km's - so be carefull at Smiley's the night before ;-) Your support vehicle will go ahead to set up the Lunch Spot at The Ark Your Budget - Your Choice R250 Val Accommodation R150 Val Hotel Dinner R100 Brekkies at Val Hotel R50 Lunch Hamburger at Cornelia R150 Vrede Hotel Dinner R100 Emanzini Resort Campsite R150 Smiley's Dinner R100 Verkykerskop Campsite R495 DBB at Smiley's Bike Packing Requirements Please check 'Files' on the PEMBI BADAss Face Book Page and find "checklist-bike-multiday-touring.pdf. This list is a good reference. Space is limited - so please send confirmation email to me scottspark940.rvdb@gmail.com Go to Event Page
