Kranswurm Posted April 4, 2012 Posted April 4, 2012 (edited) Event Name: Botswana Tourism Kalahari Challenge 2012When: 21 July 2012 - 22nd July 2012Where: Gaborone Wharic Park Rugby Club, InternationalCategory: MTB THE BOTSWANA TOURISM KALAHARI CHALLENGE2 DAY MTB RACEBOTSWANA 2012 PRESENTED BY THE GABORONE CYCLING CLUBSaturday July 21 to Sunday, July 22 2012 Update No. 1 : 28th March 2012“boutique race, great value for money” The Gaborone Cycling Club is grateful and proud to haveBOTSWANA TOURISM ORGANISATIONas its lead sponsor of the 2012 event. The CourseThe 2012 route will be a little different to that in 2011.The Start and Finish is now at Wharic Park(Rugby Club) in Commerce ParkWe have a new overnight camp, which means new routes and challenges and more exciting single track. Day 1 which will be a tough and challenging day with some short technical climbs and a few gnarly decents finishing at the over night camp (approx 97km).Day 2 will be a similarly technical and demanding day as you wend your way back towards Gaborone through the most interesting scenery/ bush and flowing single track (approx. 90km).We have dodged most of the desert, but there’ll still be the odd patch of sand (“horizontal hills as we call them in Botswana”) guaranteed to blip the heart-rate, and the ham strings We have found some real hills, a bit of wildlife, and every variety of thorn known to man. Our Southern African visitors have learnt to their surprise that “flat” in Botswana does not mean “easy”, it just means you have to pedal all the way! But don’t be frightened, the event is structured so that any (marathon) fit rider can have a great ride in a great country amongst really friendly people with great water stops, and an overnight stop, while providing more than enough challenges for the racing snakes. Application, Entrance, Participation & BriefingYou can enter ON LINE at the Gaborone Cycling Club’s website www.gcc.org.bwOr Alternatively ENTER on the application form provided, and send to Marius mpdewet@gmail.com or fax to +267 3931659. The event is strictly limited to 140 teams and 30 solo entriesEntries Close On 15th June 2012 No Entry Changes will be accepted after 15 July 2012 so make sure to get the correct partner on board. Age Categories. Open (19 – 39), Veterans (40 – 49), Masters (50 and over), Juniors (Under 19), Mixed and Women’s team categories. Your age will be as at the date of the event 21st July 2012. Where team members are different age categories the younger member age will apply. The exception to the rule is where one of the team members is a Junior, then the opposite will apply. Entrance FeesIn Botswana: P3800 per team /P2000 Solo entryIncludes 2 Man Tent/1 Man Tent, Bedding, Meals, Goodie Bag and Cycle Shirt In South Africa: R3,800.00 per team./R2000.00 Solo entryIncludes 2 Man Tent/1 Man Tent, Bedding, Meals, Goodie Bag and Cycle Shirt Please note accommodation for guests is not provided, however there is ample space to pitch tents, park camper vans and other vehicles at the campsite. Meals for guests will be P50 for the Registration Meal and P80 per meal at the campsite. Please indicate your requirements on the entry form. Refund PolicyCancellation prior to 15th June 2012- 50% refundCancellation after 15th June 2012 – No refund Payment DetailsIn South AfricaAccount Name : Pula PrintBank: First National BankBranch: MafikengBranch No: 240340Current Account No: 52910490508Reference: “KalChal + (one team member’s surname)” In BotswanaAccount Name : Gaborone Cycling ClubStanbic BankBranch: FairgroundsBranch No: 06-49-67Cheque Account No: 0140006192300Reference: “KalChal + (one team member’s surname)” The Registration will be held on Friday evening from 3pm July 20th, 2012 at Wharic Park (Rugby Club) and the Briefing will take place at 7pm. A free pasta meal will be provided for the entrants and pre-event carbo-loading refreshments will be on sale. Good cash prizes and impressive trophies will be awarded to Open (19 – 39), Veterans (40 – 49), Masters (50 and over), Juniors (Under 19), first Botswana resident team - Mixed and Women’s team categories. All participants will receive a memorable high quality event-specific mountain bike shirt and lots more in their fabulous goodie bags (like you used to get in the good old days!) Out of town VisitorsYou will have to sort out your own accommodation requirements before and after the event. The Start and Finish is at the Wharic Park Rugby Club (see directions attached). A truck will pick up your overnight gear at the Start, for transport to the overnight venue, and will return the gear back to the Finish on the Sunday morning. Accommodation in GaboroneLimited chalet and campsite accommodation is available at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, a long-time supporter of the event (see www.mokolodi.com for details). Accommodation information follows:Hotels & Lodges -(in order of proximity to the start)Mokolodi Nature Reserve (267) 3911414 cheapCresta Lodge 3975375 midMetcourt Inn (Grand Palm) 3637777 midGaborone Sun Hotel (Maru-a-Pula) 3616000 expensive Limited home-hosting is available. Like minded mountain bike families will be able to offer some down-home Botswana comfort. There will also be some Camping capacity at the Gaborone Yacht club which is approx 5kms from the start Contact Marius if you want to be home hosted, and we will see if we can fit you in. Border PostsBotswana is a sovereign country and visitors must have a passport. Visitors will also have to pay a road tax on the Botswana side, so bring along P130 if possible, otherwise you will have to find a money changer at the border and get ripped off. Tlokweng (main road from Zeerust to Gaborone) 0600 - 2400Ramotswa (from Zeerust via Lehurutshe and Witkiegat) 0700 - 1900 (brings you out close to Mokolodi Nature Reserve)Pioneer Gate (Lobatse) (main road from Zeerust to Lobatse) 0600 - 2400 The Overnight Stop Is in a lovely valley, in the bush near Lekolobotlho village, off the main Gaborone- Lobatse road. You turn at the Otse Police College turnoff, and follow the signs for about 15kms *WARNING – IT GET’s PRETTY COLD AT NIGHT* Although the camp is in a remote area the access in and out is not very technical and normal sedan vehicles will be able to get in and out. We’ll have plenty of big fires and lights. Transport of riders’ personal gear to and from the overnight stop is provided. There will be plenty to eat and drink (spirits, beer, wine and soft drinks). The event will provide Light lunch, Substantial dinner and Hearty breakfast at the overnight stop for the riders. There will be HOT showers and we might even have some light entertainment and music in the evening. On the trackWe will have 3 main refuelling stations and an additional water stop on each day (read the reviews – they are very good), which could well delay your progress, as you sample the stunning array of drinks and snacks available (with thanks to our many wonderful sponsors). For the riding parts, we strongly recommend a hydrapak (you’ve gotta carry a spare tube anyway!) and maybe some trail-food. You’ll also want to carry cosmetics, sunscreen, tools, a cellphone (international roaming please). RIDE Magazine recommends a dual-suss bike for most riders, with tubeless tires. There will be a travelling bike shop with us, and medical back-up available. Marshals will help with the few significant road crossings. Otherwise, route-marking will be our standard orange paint and tape Botswana dilemna: sand or thorns??? We face it every weekend, and have the scratches and cuts to show. But, beware the thorns: they are many, various and vicious. Preferably go tubeless, or, wear double tyre-liners with plenty of fresh slime. We can guarantee that you will leave at least a small part of your anatomy attached to Botswana’s ubiquitous flora (as Fritz Pienaar said, it’s hard to do 30km/h on Botswana single-track without getting scratched!). Adele Tait calls them “Kalahari Kisses” Bring a few plasters, and look to ride with arm warmers or long sleeve shirts Sand-riding: We in Botswana pride ourselves on our sand-riding (and sand-avoidance) techniques. We will share some of them with our foreign visitors unless of course, you are faster than us. SupportersRiders will not need support from start to finish (all to be provided by the event), but family and friends are welcome, especially at the overnight stop. Spectator points will be advised at the briefing. TrainingMany people underestimate this ride, and did not do enough training last year. They hurt. There are 17 weeks to go, so it’s time to start your training with some long slow distance rides with some hard weekend back to back training rides Sat and Sunday. You will need a few weekends of double-day distance rides under your belt. Your hands, shoulders and butt (as well as your legs) need to get habituated to the long hours in the saddle. Any queries, contact Marius de Wet at e-mail: mpdewet@gmail.com or check the website www.gcc.org.bw GET THOSE ENTRIES IN EARLY – INTEREST IN OUR EVENT IS STRONGER THAN EVER Until our next update……..stay on the bike, and stay fit More Event Quotes “We couldn’t have asked for a better first experience of Botswana.What made this event truly special for us was the passion the eventorganizers showed for their race and their warm hospitality.Thanks again for making us part of this unique event.” Yolandi Du Toit “One has to marvel at the effort that the race organizers put in to creating and marking a single-track route that covers such a distance” (Gavin Briggs) “…an amazing two days of mountain biking, amazing trails, beautiful scenery and superb event organization! I couldn't have wished for a better first Botswana experience” (Yolande Speedy) “…we got to ride through amazing country side and never once were subjected to kilometers of “epic type” roads” (Paul Cordes) “A whole chapter could be written about this race under the heading of “’hospitality’”“…it is almost surreal to meet so many apparently content people… bemused elders and cheering kids waving Botswana flags…”“Despite the fact that the race has a character unique to Botswana, the event is staged at a level that puts many races with more lavish resources to shame.”“More singletrack in one day, than I have seen all year...”“It is so good you just want to tell everyone to go… but don’t…”“…best value…” Check out the “RIDE MAGAZINE” race reports of October 2011 Go to Event Page Edited April 5, 2012 by Kranswurm paulk 1
Gliders Posted April 4, 2012 Posted April 4, 2012 I will be filling in my entry form this evening! Was there last year and had a blast!
Kranswurm Posted April 4, 2012 Author Posted April 4, 2012 I will be filling in my entry form this evening! Was there last year and had a blast! Great...
Ikonic Posted April 5, 2012 Posted April 5, 2012 Kranswurm, I would love to go back to 1970!!!When: 21 July 2012 - 1 January 1970Always wanted to do this one and perhaps this year it will be.
Ikonic Posted April 5, 2012 Posted April 5, 2012 Just realized it is the same weekend as the Jock, pity.
Kranswurm Posted April 5, 2012 Author Posted April 5, 2012 Kranswurm, I would love to go back to 1970!!!When: 21 July 2012 - 1 January 1970Always wanted to do this one and perhaps this year it will be. Not sure what happened thereFixed.Thanks for the heads up.Make a plan!!
Kranswurm Posted April 11, 2012 Author Posted April 11, 2012 Event Name: Botswana Tourism Kalahari Challenge 2012When: 21 July 2012 - 22nd July 2012Where: Gaborone Wharic Park Rugby Club, InternationalCategory: MTB THE BOTSWANA TOURISM KALAHARI CHALLENGE2 DAY MTB RACEBOTSWANA 2012 PRESENTED BY THE GABORONE CYCLING CLUBSaturday July 21 to Sunday, July 22 2012 Update No. 1 : 28th March 2012“boutique race, great value for money” The Gaborone Cycling Club is grateful and proud to haveBOTSWANA TOURISM ORGANISATIONas its lead sponsor of the 2012 event. The CourseThe 2012 route will be a little different to that in 2011.The Start and Finish is now at Wharic Park(Rugby Club) in Commerce ParkWe have a new overnight camp, which means new routes and challenges and more exciting single track. Day 1 which will be a tough and challenging day with some short technical climbs and a few gnarly decents finishing at the over night camp (approx 97km).Day 2 will be a similarly technical and demanding day as you wend your way back towards Gaborone through the most interesting scenery/ bush and flowing single track (approx. 90km).We have dodged most of the desert, but there’ll still be the odd patch of sand (“horizontal hills as we call them in Botswana”) guaranteed to blip the heart-rate, and the ham strings We have found some real hills, a bit of wildlife, and every variety of thorn known to man. Our Southern African visitors have learnt to their surprise that “flat” in Botswana does not mean “easy”, it just means you have to pedal all the way! But don’t be frightened, the event is structured so that any (marathon) fit rider can have a great ride in a great country amongst really friendly people with great water stops, and an overnight stop, while providing more than enough challenges for the racing snakes. Application, Entrance, Participation & BriefingYou can enter ON LINE at the Gaborone Cycling Club’s website www.gcc.org.bwOr Alternatively ENTER on the application form provided, and send to Marius mpdewet@gmail.com or fax to +267 3931659. The event is strictly limited to 140 teams and 30 solo entriesEntries Close On 15th June 2012 No Entry Changes will be accepted after 15 July 2012 so make sure to get the correct partner on board. Age Categories. Open (19 – 39), Veterans (40 – 49), Masters (50 and over), Juniors (Under 19), Mixed and Women’s team categories. Your age will be as at the date of the event 21st July 2012. Where team members are different age categories the younger member age will apply. The exception to the rule is where one of the team members is a Junior, then the opposite will apply. Entrance FeesIn Botswana: P3800 per team /P2000 Solo entryIncludes 2 Man Tent/1 Man Tent, Bedding, Meals, Goodie Bag and Cycle Shirt In South Africa: R3,800.00 per team./R2000.00 Solo entryIncludes 2 Man Tent/1 Man Tent, Bedding, Meals, Goodie Bag and Cycle Shirt Please note accommodation for guests is not provided, however there is ample space to pitch tents, park camper vans and other vehicles at the campsite. Meals for guests will be P50 for the Registration Meal and P80 per meal at the campsite. Please indicate your requirements on the entry form. Refund PolicyCancellation prior to 15th June 2012- 50% refundCancellation after 15th June 2012 – No refund Payment DetailsIn South AfricaAccount Name : Pula PrintBank: First National BankBranch: MafikengBranch No: 240340Current Account No: 52910490508Reference: “KalChal + (one team member’s surname)” In BotswanaAccount Name : Gaborone Cycling ClubStanbic BankBranch: FairgroundsBranch No: 06-49-67Cheque Account No: 0140006192300Reference: “KalChal + (one team member’s surname)” The Registration will be held on Friday evening from 3pm July 20th, 2012 at Wharic Park (Rugby Club) and the Briefing will take place at 7pm. A free pasta meal will be provided for the entrants and pre-event carbo-loading refreshments will be on sale. Good cash prizes and impressive trophies will be awarded to Open (19 – 39), Veterans (40 – 49), Masters (50 and over), Juniors (Under 19), first Botswana resident team - Mixed and Women’s team categories. All participants will receive a memorable high quality event-specific mountain bike shirt and lots more in their fabulous goodie bags (like you used to get in the good old days!) Out of town VisitorsYou will have to sort out your own accommodation requirements before and after the event. The Start and Finish is at the Wharic Park Rugby Club (see directions attached). A truck will pick up your overnight gear at the Start, for transport to the overnight venue, and will return the gear back to the Finish on the Sunday morning. Accommodation in GaboroneLimited chalet and campsite accommodation is available at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, a long-time supporter of the event (see www.mokolodi.com for details). Accommodation information follows:Hotels & Lodges -(in order of proximity to the start)Mokolodi Nature Reserve (267) 3911414 cheapCresta Lodge 3975375 midMetcourt Inn (Grand Palm) 3637777 midGaborone Sun Hotel (Maru-a-Pula) 3616000 expensive Limited home-hosting is available. Like minded mountain bike families will be able to offer some down-home Botswana comfort. There will also be some Camping capacity at the Gaborone Yacht club which is approx 5kms from the start Contact Marius if you want to be home hosted, and we will see if we can fit you in. Border PostsBotswana is a sovereign country and visitors must have a passport. Visitors will also have to pay a road tax on the Botswana side, so bring along P130 if possible, otherwise you will have to find a money changer at the border and get ripped off. Tlokweng (main road from Zeerust to Gaborone) 0600 - 2400Ramotswa (from Zeerust via Lehurutshe and Witkiegat) 0700 - 1900 (brings you out close to Mokolodi Nature Reserve)Pioneer Gate (Lobatse) (main road from Zeerust to Lobatse) 0600 - 2400 The Overnight Stop Is in a lovely valley, in the bush near Lekolobotlho village, off the main Gaborone- Lobatse road. You turn at the Otse Police College turnoff, and follow the signs for about 15kms *WARNING – IT GET’s PRETTY COLD AT NIGHT* Although the camp is in a remote area the access in and out is not very technical and normal sedan vehicles will be able to get in and out. We’ll have plenty of big fires and lights. Transport of riders’ personal gear to and from the overnight stop is provided. There will be plenty to eat and drink (spirits, beer, wine and soft drinks). The event will provide Light lunch, Substantial dinner and Hearty breakfast at the overnight stop for the riders. There will be HOT showers and we might even have some light entertainment and music in the evening. On the trackWe will have 3 main refuelling stations and an additional water stop on each day (read the reviews – they are very good), which could well delay your progress, as you sample the stunning array of drinks and snacks available (with thanks to our many wonderful sponsors). For the riding parts, we strongly recommend a hydrapak (you’ve gotta carry a spare tube anyway!) and maybe some trail-food. You’ll also want to carry cosmetics, sunscreen, tools, a cellphone (international roaming please). RIDE Magazine recommends a dual-suss bike for most riders, with tubeless tires. There will be a travelling bike shop with us, and medical back-up available. Marshals will help with the few significant road crossings. Otherwise, route-marking will be our standard orange paint and tape Botswana dilemna: sand or thorns??? We face it every weekend, and have the scratches and cuts to show. But, beware the thorns: they are many, various and vicious. Preferably go tubeless, or, wear double tyre-liners with plenty of fresh slime. We can guarantee that you will leave at least a small part of your anatomy attached to Botswana’s ubiquitous flora (as Fritz Pienaar said, it’s hard to do 30km/h on Botswana single-track without getting scratched!). Adele Tait calls them “Kalahari Kisses” Bring a few plasters, and look to ride with arm warmers or long sleeve shirts Sand-riding: We in Botswana pride ourselves on our sand-riding (and sand-avoidance) techniques. We will share some of them with our foreign visitors unless of course, you are faster than us. SupportersRiders will not need support from start to finish (all to be provided by the event), but family and friends are welcome, especially at the overnight stop. Spectator points will be advised at the briefing. TrainingMany people underestimate this ride, and did not do enough training last year. They hurt. There are 17 weeks to go, so it’s time to start your training with some long slow distance rides with some hard weekend back to back training rides Sat and Sunday. You will need a few weekends of double-day distance rides under your belt. Your hands, shoulders and butt (as well as your legs) need to get habituated to the long hours in the saddle. Any queries, contact Marius de Wet at e-mail: mpdewet@gmail.com or check the website www.gcc.org.bw GET THOSE ENTRIES IN EARLY – INTEREST IN OUR EVENT IS STRONGER THAN EVER Until our next update……..stay on the bike, and stay fit More Event Quotes “We couldn’t have asked for a better first experience of Botswana.What made this event truly special for us was the passion the eventorganizers showed for their race and their warm hospitality.Thanks again for making us part of this unique event.” Yolandi Du Toit “One has to marvel at the effort that the race organizers put in to creating and marking a single-track route that covers such a distance” (Gavin Briggs) “…an amazing two days of mountain biking, amazing trails, beautiful scenery and superb event organization! I couldn't have wished for a better first Botswana experience” (Yolande Speedy) “…we got to ride through amazing country side and never once were subjected to kilometers of “epic type” roads” (Paul Cordes) “A whole chapter could be written about this race under the heading of “’hospitality’”“…it is almost surreal to meet so many apparently content people… bemused elders and cheering kids waving Botswana flags…”“Despite the fact that the race has a character unique to Botswana, the event is staged at a level that puts many races with more lavish resources to shame.”“More singletrack in one day, than I have seen all year...”“It is so good you just want to tell everyone to go… but don’t…”“…best value…” Check out the “RIDE MAGAZINE” race reports of October 2011 Go to Event Page Bump
Kranswurm Posted April 24, 2012 Author Posted April 24, 2012 Event Name: Botswana Tourism Kalahari Challenge 2012When: 21 July 2012 - 22nd July 2012Where: Gaborone Wharic Park Rugby Club, InternationalCategory: MTB THE BOTSWANA TOURISM KALAHARI CHALLENGE2 DAY MTB RACEBOTSWANA 2012 PRESENTED BY THE GABORONE CYCLING CLUBSaturday July 21 to Sunday, July 22 2012 Update No. 1 : 28th March 2012“boutique race, great value for money” The Gaborone Cycling Club is grateful and proud to haveBOTSWANA TOURISM ORGANISATIONas its lead sponsor of the 2012 event. The CourseThe 2012 route will be a little different to that in 2011.The Start and Finish is now at Wharic Park(Rugby Club) in Commerce ParkWe have a new overnight camp, which means new routes and challenges and more exciting single track. Day 1 which will be a tough and challenging day with some short technical climbs and a few gnarly decents finishing at the over night camp (approx 97km).Day 2 will be a similarly technical and demanding day as you wend your way back towards Gaborone through the most interesting scenery/ bush and flowing single track (approx. 90km).We have dodged most of the desert, but there’ll still be the odd patch of sand (“horizontal hills as we call them in Botswana”) guaranteed to blip the heart-rate, and the ham strings We have found some real hills, a bit of wildlife, and every variety of thorn known to man. Our Southern African visitors have learnt to their surprise that “flat” in Botswana does not mean “easy”, it just means you have to pedal all the way! But don’t be frightened, the event is structured so that any (marathon) fit rider can have a great ride in a great country amongst really friendly people with great water stops, and an overnight stop, while providing more than enough challenges for the racing snakes. Application, Entrance, Participation & BriefingYou can enter ON LINE at the Gaborone Cycling Club’s website www.gcc.org.bwOr Alternatively ENTER on the application form provided, and send to Marius mpdewet@gmail.com or fax to +267 3931659. The event is strictly limited to 140 teams and 30 solo entriesEntries Close On 15th June 2012 No Entry Changes will be accepted after 15 July 2012 so make sure to get the correct partner on board. Age Categories. Open (19 – 39), Veterans (40 – 49), Masters (50 and over), Juniors (Under 19), Mixed and Women’s team categories. Your age will be as at the date of the event 21st July 2012. Where team members are different age categories the younger member age will apply. The exception to the rule is where one of the team members is a Junior, then the opposite will apply. Entrance FeesIn Botswana: P3800 per team /P2000 Solo entryIncludes 2 Man Tent/1 Man Tent, Bedding, Meals, Goodie Bag and Cycle Shirt In South Africa: R3,800.00 per team./R2000.00 Solo entryIncludes 2 Man Tent/1 Man Tent, Bedding, Meals, Goodie Bag and Cycle Shirt Please note accommodation for guests is not provided, however there is ample space to pitch tents, park camper vans and other vehicles at the campsite. Meals for guests will be P50 for the Registration Meal and P80 per meal at the campsite. Please indicate your requirements on the entry form. Refund PolicyCancellation prior to 15th June 2012- 50% refundCancellation after 15th June 2012 – No refund Payment DetailsIn South AfricaAccount Name : Pula PrintBank: First National BankBranch: MafikengBranch No: 240340Current Account No: 52910490508Reference: “KalChal + (one team member’s surname)” In BotswanaAccount Name : Gaborone Cycling ClubStanbic BankBranch: FairgroundsBranch No: 06-49-67Cheque Account No: 0140006192300Reference: “KalChal + (one team member’s surname)” The Registration will be held on Friday evening from 3pm July 20th, 2012 at Wharic Park (Rugby Club) and the Briefing will take place at 7pm. A free pasta meal will be provided for the entrants and pre-event carbo-loading refreshments will be on sale. Good cash prizes and impressive trophies will be awarded to Open (19 – 39), Veterans (40 – 49), Masters (50 and over), Juniors (Under 19), first Botswana resident team - Mixed and Women’s team categories. All participants will receive a memorable high quality event-specific mountain bike shirt and lots more in their fabulous goodie bags (like you used to get in the good old days!) Out of town VisitorsYou will have to sort out your own accommodation requirements before and after the event. The Start and Finish is at the Wharic Park Rugby Club (see directions attached). A truck will pick up your overnight gear at the Start, for transport to the overnight venue, and will return the gear back to the Finish on the Sunday morning. Accommodation in GaboroneLimited chalet and campsite accommodation is available at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, a long-time supporter of the event (see www.mokolodi.com for details). Accommodation information follows:Hotels & Lodges -(in order of proximity to the start)Mokolodi Nature Reserve (267) 3911414 cheapCresta Lodge 3975375 midMetcourt Inn (Grand Palm) 3637777 midGaborone Sun Hotel (Maru-a-Pula) 3616000 expensive Limited home-hosting is available. Like minded mountain bike families will be able to offer some down-home Botswana comfort. There will also be some Camping capacity at the Gaborone Yacht club which is approx 5kms from the start Contact Marius if you want to be home hosted, and we will see if we can fit you in. Border PostsBotswana is a sovereign country and visitors must have a passport. Visitors will also have to pay a road tax on the Botswana side, so bring along P130 if possible, otherwise you will have to find a money changer at the border and get ripped off. Tlokweng (main road from Zeerust to Gaborone) 0600 - 2400Ramotswa (from Zeerust via Lehurutshe and Witkiegat) 0700 - 1900 (brings you out close to Mokolodi Nature Reserve)Pioneer Gate (Lobatse) (main road from Zeerust to Lobatse) 0600 - 2400 The Overnight Stop Is in a lovely valley, in the bush near Lekolobotlho village, off the main Gaborone- Lobatse road. You turn at the Otse Police College turnoff, and follow the signs for about 15kms *WARNING – IT GET’s PRETTY COLD AT NIGHT* Although the camp is in a remote area the access in and out is not very technical and normal sedan vehicles will be able to get in and out. We’ll have plenty of big fires and lights. Transport of riders’ personal gear to and from the overnight stop is provided. There will be plenty to eat and drink (spirits, beer, wine and soft drinks). The event will provide Light lunch, Substantial dinner and Hearty breakfast at the overnight stop for the riders. There will be HOT showers and we might even have some light entertainment and music in the evening. On the trackWe will have 3 main refuelling stations and an additional water stop on each day (read the reviews – they are very good), which could well delay your progress, as you sample the stunning array of drinks and snacks available (with thanks to our many wonderful sponsors). For the riding parts, we strongly recommend a hydrapak (you’ve gotta carry a spare tube anyway!) and maybe some trail-food. You’ll also want to carry cosmetics, sunscreen, tools, a cellphone (international roaming please). RIDE Magazine recommends a dual-suss bike for most riders, with tubeless tires. There will be a travelling bike shop with us, and medical back-up available. Marshals will help with the few significant road crossings. Otherwise, route-marking will be our standard orange paint and tape Botswana dilemna: sand or thorns??? We face it every weekend, and have the scratches and cuts to show. But, beware the thorns: they are many, various and vicious. Preferably go tubeless, or, wear double tyre-liners with plenty of fresh slime. We can guarantee that you will leave at least a small part of your anatomy attached to Botswana’s ubiquitous flora (as Fritz Pienaar said, it’s hard to do 30km/h on Botswana single-track without getting scratched!). Adele Tait calls them “Kalahari Kisses” Bring a few plasters, and look to ride with arm warmers or long sleeve shirts Sand-riding: We in Botswana pride ourselves on our sand-riding (and sand-avoidance) techniques. We will share some of them with our foreign visitors unless of course, you are faster than us. SupportersRiders will not need support from start to finish (all to be provided by the event), but family and friends are welcome, especially at the overnight stop. Spectator points will be advised at the briefing. TrainingMany people underestimate this ride, and did not do enough training last year. They hurt. There are 17 weeks to go, so it’s time to start your training with some long slow distance rides with some hard weekend back to back training rides Sat and Sunday. You will need a few weekends of double-day distance rides under your belt. Your hands, shoulders and butt (as well as your legs) need to get habituated to the long hours in the saddle. Any queries, contact Marius de Wet at e-mail: mpdewet@gmail.com or check the website www.gcc.org.bw GET THOSE ENTRIES IN EARLY – INTEREST IN OUR EVENT IS STRONGER THAN EVER Until our next update……..stay on the bike, and stay fit More Event Quotes “We couldn’t have asked for a better first experience of Botswana.What made this event truly special for us was the passion the eventorganizers showed for their race and their warm hospitality.Thanks again for making us part of this unique event.” Yolandi Du Toit “One has to marvel at the effort that the race organizers put in to creating and marking a single-track route that covers such a distance” (Gavin Briggs) “…an amazing two days of mountain biking, amazing trails, beautiful scenery and superb event organization! I couldn't have wished for a better first Botswana experience” (Yolande Speedy) “…we got to ride through amazing country side and never once were subjected to kilometers of “epic type” roads” (Paul Cordes) “A whole chapter could be written about this race under the heading of “’hospitality’”“…it is almost surreal to meet so many apparently content people… bemused elders and cheering kids waving Botswana flags…”“Despite the fact that the race has a character unique to Botswana, the event is staged at a level that puts many races with more lavish resources to shame.”“More singletrack in one day, than I have seen all year...”“It is so good you just want to tell everyone to go… but don’t…”“…best value…” Check out the “RIDE MAGAZINE” race reports of October 2011 Go to Event Page Bump
Kranswurm Posted May 16, 2012 Author Posted May 16, 2012 THE BOTSWANA TOURISM KALAHARI CHALLENGE2 DAY MTB RACEBOTSWANA 2012 PRESENTED BY THE GABORONE CYCLING CLUBSaturday July 21 to Sunday, July 22 2012 Update No. 1 : 28th March 2012“boutique race, great value for money” The Gaborone Cycling Club is grateful and proud to haveBOTSWANA TOURISM ORGANISATIONas its lead sponsor of the 2012 event. The CourseThe 2012 route will be a little different to that in 2011.The Start and Finish is now at Wharic Park(Rugby Club) in Commerce ParkWe have a new overnight camp, which means new routes and challenges and more exciting single track. Day 1 which will be a tough and challenging day with some short technical climbs and a few gnarly decents finishing at the over night camp (approx 97km).Day 2 will be a similarly technical and demanding day as you wend your way back towards Gaborone through the most interesting scenery/ bush and flowing single track (approx. 90km).We have dodged most of the desert, but there’ll still be the odd patch of sand (“horizontal hills as we call them in Botswana”) guaranteed to blip the heart-rate, and the ham strings We have found some real hills, a bit of wildlife, and every variety of thorn known to man. Our Southern African visitors have learnt to their surprise that “flat” in Botswana does not mean “easy”, it just means you have to pedal all the way! But don’t be frightened, the event is structured so that any (marathon) fit rider can have a great ride in a great country amongst really friendly people with great water stops, and an overnight stop, while providing more than enough challenges for the racing snakes. Application, Entrance, Participation & BriefingYou can enter ON LINE at the Gaborone Cycling Club’s website www.gcc.org.bwOr Alternatively ENTER on the application form provided, and send to Marius mpdewet@gmail.com or fax to +267 3931659. The event is strictly limited to 140 teams and 30 solo entriesEntries Close On 15th June 2012 No Entry Changes will be accepted after 15 July 2012 so make sure to get the correct partner on board. Age Categories. Open (19 – 39), Veterans (40 – 49), Masters (50 and over), Juniors (Under 19), Mixed and Women’s team categories. Your age will be as at the date of the event 21st July 2012. Where team members are different age categories the younger member age will apply. The exception to the rule is where one of the team members is a Junior, then the opposite will apply. Entrance FeesIn Botswana: P3800 per team /P2000 Solo entryIncludes 2 Man Tent/1 Man Tent, Bedding, Meals, Goodie Bag and Cycle Shirt In South Africa: R3,800.00 per team./R2000.00 Solo entryIncludes 2 Man Tent/1 Man Tent, Bedding, Meals, Goodie Bag and Cycle Shirt Please note accommodation for guests is not provided, however there is ample space to pitch tents, park camper vans and other vehicles at the campsite. Meals for guests will be P50 for the Registration Meal and P80 per meal at the campsite. Please indicate your requirements on the entry form. Refund PolicyCancellation prior to 15th June 2012- 50% refundCancellation after 15th June 2012 – No refund Payment DetailsIn South AfricaAccount Name : Pula PrintBank: First National BankBranch: MafikengBranch No: 240340Current Account No: 52910490508Reference: “KalChal + (one team member’s surname)” In BotswanaAccount Name : Gaborone Cycling ClubStanbic BankBranch: FairgroundsBranch No: 06-49-67Cheque Account No: 0140006192300Reference: “KalChal + (one team member’s surname)” The Registration will be held on Friday evening from 3pm July 20th, 2012 at Wharic Park (Rugby Club) and the Briefing will take place at 7pm. A free pasta meal will be provided for the entrants and pre-event carbo-loading refreshments will be on sale. Good cash prizes and impressive trophies will be awarded to Open (19 – 39), Veterans (40 – 49), Masters (50 and over), Juniors (Under 19), first Botswana resident team - Mixed and Women’s team categories. All participants will receive a memorable high quality event-specific mountain bike shirt and lots more in their fabulous goodie bags (like you used to get in the good old days!) Out of town VisitorsYou will have to sort out your own accommodation requirements before and after the event. The Start and Finish is at the Wharic Park Rugby Club (see directions attached). A truck will pick up your overnight gear at the Start, for transport to the overnight venue, and will return the gear back to the Finish on the Sunday morning. Accommodation in GaboroneLimited chalet and campsite accommodation is available at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, a long-time supporter of the event (see www.mokolodi.com for details). Accommodation information follows:Hotels & Lodges -(in order of proximity to the start)Mokolodi Nature Reserve (267) 3911414 cheapCresta Lodge 3975375 midMetcourt Inn (Grand Palm) 3637777 midGaborone Sun Hotel (Maru-a-Pula) 3616000 expensive Limited home-hosting is available. Like minded mountain bike families will be able to offer some down-home Botswana comfort. There will also be some Camping capacity at the Gaborone Yacht club which is approx 5kms from the start Contact Marius if you want to be home hosted, and we will see if we can fit you in. Border PostsBotswana is a sovereign country and visitors must have a passport. Visitors will also have to pay a road tax on the Botswana side, so bring along P130 if possible, otherwise you will have to find a money changer at the border and get ripped off. Tlokweng (main road from Zeerust to Gaborone) 0600 - 2400Ramotswa (from Zeerust via Lehurutshe and Witkiegat) 0700 - 1900 (brings you out close to Mokolodi Nature Reserve)Pioneer Gate (Lobatse) (main road from Zeerust to Lobatse) 0600 - 2400 The Overnight Stop Is in a lovely valley, in the bush near Lekolobotlho village, off the main Gaborone- Lobatse road. You turn at the Otse Police College turnoff, and follow the signs for about 15kms *WARNING – IT GET’s PRETTY COLD AT NIGHT* Although the camp is in a remote area the access in and out is not very technical and normal sedan vehicles will be able to get in and out. We’ll have plenty of big fires and lights. Transport of riders’ personal gear to and from the overnight stop is provided. There will be plenty to eat and drink (spirits, beer, wine and soft drinks). The event will provide Light lunch, Substantial dinner and Hearty breakfast at the overnight stop for the riders. There will be HOT showers and we might even have some light entertainment and music in the evening. On the trackWe will have 3 main refuelling stations and an additional water stop on each day (read the reviews – they are very good), which could well delay your progress, as you sample the stunning array of drinks and snacks available (with thanks to our many wonderful sponsors). For the riding parts, we strongly recommend a hydrapak (you’ve gotta carry a spare tube anyway!) and maybe some trail-food. You’ll also want to carry cosmetics, sunscreen, tools, a cellphone (international roaming please). RIDE Magazine recommends a dual-suss bike for most riders, with tubeless tires. There will be a travelling bike shop with us, and medical back-up available. Marshals will help with the few significant road crossings. Otherwise, route-marking will be our standard orange paint and tape Botswana dilemna: sand or thorns??? We face it every weekend, and have the scratches and cuts to show. But, beware the thorns: they are many, various and vicious. Preferably go tubeless, or, wear double tyre-liners with plenty of fresh slime. We can guarantee that you will leave at least a small part of your anatomy attached to Botswana’s ubiquitous flora (as Fritz Pienaar said, it’s hard to do 30km/h on Botswana single-track without getting scratched!). Adele Tait calls them “Kalahari Kisses” Bring a few plasters, and look to ride with arm warmers or long sleeve shirts Sand-riding: We in Botswana pride ourselves on our sand-riding (and sand-avoidance) techniques. We will share some of them with our foreign visitors unless of course, you are faster than us. SupportersRiders will not need support from start to finish (all to be provided by the event), but family and friends are welcome, especially at the overnight stop. Spectator points will be advised at the briefing. TrainingMany people underestimate this ride, and did not do enough training last year. They hurt. There are 17 weeks to go, so it’s time to start your training with some long slow distance rides with some hard weekend back to back training rides Sat and Sunday. You will need a few weekends of double-day distance rides under your belt. Your hands, shoulders and butt (as well as your legs) need to get habituated to the long hours in the saddle. Any queries, contact Marius de Wet at e-mail: mpdewet@gmail.com or check the website www.gcc.org.bw GET THOSE ENTRIES IN EARLY – INTEREST IN OUR EVENT IS STRONGER THAN EVER Until our next update……..stay on the bike, and stay fit More Event Quotes “We couldn’t have asked for a better first experience of Botswana.What made this event truly special for us was the passion the eventorganizers showed for their race and their warm hospitality.Thanks again for making us part of this unique event.” Yolandi Du Toit “One has to marvel at the effort that the race organizers put in to creating and marking a single-track route that covers such a distance” (Gavin Briggs) “…an amazing two days of mountain biking, amazing trails, beautiful scenery and superb event organization! I couldn't have wished for a better first Botswana experience” (Yolande Speedy) “…we got to ride through amazing country side and never once were subjected to kilometers of “epic type” roads” (Paul Cordes) “A whole chapter could be written about this race under the heading of “’hospitality’”“…it is almost surreal to meet so many apparently content people… bemused elders and cheering kids waving Botswana flags…”“Despite the fact that the race has a character unique to Botswana, the event is staged at a level that puts many races with more lavish resources to shame.”“More singletrack in one day, than I have seen all year...”“It is so good you just want to tell everyone to go… but don’t…”“…best value…” Check out the “RIDE MAGAZINE” race reports of October 2011 Go to Event PageBump
Ysterman Posted July 5, 2012 Posted July 5, 2012 Morning Hubbers, I'm looking for an entry please? Anyone out there that entered & cant make it anymore? Cheers
narra Posted July 18, 2012 Posted July 18, 2012 (edited) Me... Solo entry... Vassago SS Edited July 18, 2012 by narra
Darryl O Posted July 20, 2012 Posted July 20, 2012 Good luck to everyone doing this race. See you there tomorrow morning.
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