Kylie

I can't find the exact value in CHF now, but it was about R95k/ team. I think they are able to get great deals on Ski hotels in the summer when the towns are empty: https://www.epic-series.com/swissepic-riders-package Still a huge amount of cash, but compares favourably with Cape Epic in terms of value!

Aside from the entry: 2 nights Accommodation R2k/ night including breakfast Flights R20k Trains etc. R3k So say R30k all-in. I made the hotel breakfasts go pretty far and didn't dive into the wine (or anything else- prices are pretty wild!)

It was! The level of riding really impressed me, I felt like a small fish in a big pond in those mountains. It was also so cool to see Kim and Vera smashing the ladies field. With no team support either!

Hey guys, feel free to add this to the events calendar 😊: https://bikehub.co.za/events

WIN with Maxxis and Trail Daze Tell us in the comments where you’d like to see Trail Daze explore next, and subscribe to the Bike Hub roundup to stand a chance to win a set of Maxxis tyres of your choice. *Terms and Conditions The winner will be selected by way of a random draw. Entries close on 18 August 2023 at midnight. The winner will be announced on Monday 21 August 2023. The winner will be contacted via email. If no response is received within 48 hours the winner will be redrawn. This competition is only open to residents of South Africa. The prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash Tyres are subject to stock availability Sign up to the Bike Hub roundup here: https://mailchi.mp/bikehub/maxxis-trail-daze

As far as I know they are 😊

I'm trying to get organisers to list their events in our events calendar, so if anyone has contact details for these events please ping me 😊

Clint is a gem! He serviced our bikes at Epic this year, and even in the most horrific conditions imaginable he always had a smile on his face!

Thanks so much! My word it is tough. Not an easy ride- that is for sure But an incredible experience! Fingers crossed the last two days go smoothly.

Awesome, those rollers are unforgiving! But a spectacular ride

This is the standard "Lollipop" - about 50km from Kenton (I ride from Bushmans River), and a loop through Alexandria if you are looking for a longer ride Game_ride_.gpx Morning_Ride (1).gpx

I'd recommend doing at least one or two single day races with similar elevation and distance to the stages you'll be doing, just so you can get an idea of pacing and practice eating and drinking regularly while on the move

They're having some trouble with their new registration platform. I'll let you know as soon as it's up and running

Please add it to the calendar, and I'll include in the article 😊

Thank you! Do you have organiser details or a website I can check?

Please add it to the calendar: https://bikehub.co.za/events/create/440 I'll update the article 😊

Event Name: The Karoo BurnWhen: 25/02/2023Where: Calvinia, , Calvinia, Northern CapeCategory: GravelMany races claim that their true essence is captured by their defining name, but none of them can get close to the calefaction and intensity of the race known as The News24 Karoo Burn. The News24 Karoo Burn boasts the longest straight gravel road in Southern Africa! With scorching temperatures and vigorous winds, this race will separate the braggarts from the brawn. Do not miss out on this Great Karoo mountain and gravel bike race. Go to Event Page.

I have dropped them into the article, but see attached...

Bucket list topper:

Event Name: Euro Steel Drak DescentWhen: 28/01/2023 - 29/01/2023Where: The Olde Duck, , Underberg, KwaZulu-NatalCategory: Mountain BikeThe original concept of the Drak Descent was for riders and runners to see and follow the paddlers for short sections of the river as they did their annual Drak Challenge canoe race. That was until the human spirit kicked in! Now it’s a question of can we ride all the way next to the Umzimkulu river – from Restmount Children’s Home to the Umzimkulu River Lodge – and more importantly can we ride and/or run faster than the canoeists? Well, that will depend on a number of factors! The River Gods, how much rain we have had, when it fell and how fast the river is now flowing. As any canoeist knows, the Umzimkulu can be at an all-time low on the Wednesday and be flooding by race day Saturday. The Euro Steel Drak Descent is unique for many reasons – and this is why:The numbers for the MTB race/ride are strictly capped.It’s a race (there are very nice prizes and give-aways – but no cash)Or it is a leisure ride, if you want. But whatever you want it to be, it’s assured to be testing, spectacular and lots of fun.Much of the route is along the banks of the Umzimkulu river and its tributaries and also from the plateaus – right alongside the canoeists doing their race, . But don’t watch them for too long ….or you’ll be in the water – without a paddle!!This is an annual ride only and much of the route is on private property (part of a World Heritage Site) – that is otherwise inaccessible during the rest of the year.There will be a race/ride come hell or high water. The race is held in afternoon thunder-storm season in the Drakensberg – and if the rain or river gods are not with us, we may well be swimming and not riding. But at least it’s bound to be warm at that time of year!It’s the first stage race/ride of the season and will test your early season fitness and skills – as it’s definitely not for the inexperienced beginner! You’ll see the river from close – and also up from plateaus – giving some spectacular views. It is a “descent” but as you may well have heard “Life is not all downhill!!”The race is one of the pillars of the FNB Drak Adventure Weekend, together with the Euro Steel Run the Rivers and N3TC Drak Challenge.Go to Event Page.

If you have any questions for Benky, pop them in the comments here:

Really looking forward to this! Huge kudos to the organisers

Yes, I'm here 👋

Looks incredible Renay!

I must admit was a little hurt by the colour choice, there must have been something other than pink available? Yellow? Neon green? Anything! I know it's trivial but the sad reality is pink is widely associated with women. But my gender studies warped brain aside: looked like a great event well done!