[Event] TransKaroo MTB

[Twaatie]

Thank you Gary, Rob and the rest of the PPA team for making this a very well organised and executed Transkaroo. Everything was simply perfect [emoji106]

 

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https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1547252788675962&id=267873316613922&set=a.1547248008676440.1073741886.267873316613922&source=48 [emoji6]

[Kranswurm]

Thank you Gary, Rob and the rest of the PPA team for making this a very well organised and executed Transkaroo. Everything was simply perfect 

 

IMG_20170902_144811852_s.jpg

 

IMG_20170902_170510090_s.jpg

Very cool pics on FB.I need to look into these long Karoo dirt road thingies

[Skubarra]

In 48 hours we will be going down Ouberg pass ! 

 

I trust everyone else is as excited as I am ? 

 

So how was the turnout Rouxenator? Will this event stay on the calender (I hope..)

 

Will be interesting to see if the Sept date works better than April

[Rouxenator]

I spoke to some of the PPA folks after the ride, there was just under 100 entrants and due to sponsorship issues they did not break even on this event. So more riders than last year, but if it is going to happen again we will need at least 200 riders. 

 

They plan to move it to May, which will be much colder I think. We started in -4'C on Saturday. the April date has been taken up by the Cederberg 100 miler.

[Heel Drop]

I spoke to some of the PPA folks after the ride, there was just under 100 entrants and due to sponsorship issues they did not break even on this event. So more riders than last year, but if it is going to happen again we will need at least 200 riders. 

 

They plan to move it to May, which will be much colder I think. We started in -4'C on Saturday. the April date has been taken up by the Cederberg 100 miler.

I think its a fantastic event - its a real challenge - some things can def be improved on but as we know it does take allot of money and effort to make it happen - well done to the team at PPA for making this event happen its been a great event. I really hope to see this one back next year for the "up ride" . The scenery , the hospitality was all great and the race itself tough as hell. 

[Rouxenator]

The only thing I would change for a down ride on this route is a water point at the top of that kloof climb towards the end. Much like they have a water-only point at the bottom of Ouberg pass on an up ride. I did hold back a bit because I only carried two water bottles and it needed to last the distance.

 

Quite stoked to see I made place 5th out of 55 finishers. I was not racing, just trying to get to the finish so I could start the braai en enjoy that nice IPA : 

 

 

 

[Skubarra]

I spoke to some of the PPA folks after the ride, there was just under 100 entrants and due to sponsorship issues they did not break even on this event. So more riders than last year, but if it is going to happen again we will need at least 200 riders. 

 

They plan to move it to May, which will be much colder I think. We started in -4'C on Saturday. the April date has been taken up by the Cederberg 100 miler.

 

As much as I have a soft spot for this race I don't really see it surviving beyond next year - seems the appeal is just not picking up among the cycling public.

 

So next year might be the last chance to all who still have it on their to-do list.

[Rouxenator]

Sadly I have to agree with you. I love this ride but if it does happen next year it will need at least 200 riders to keep it going. Not sure if that will happen, it did attract those numbers back in the early years...

[sucramuk]

Just a heads up, after receiving correspondence from the PPA about the possible cancellation of the 2018 event and ideas for how it may happen on the 22/01

 

Nothing received since this, on checking the Transkaroo site today it states it was cancelled on the 25/01.

 

Nice of the PPA to let me and possible others know the event had been cancelled, and arranging my refund!

[Rouxenator]

I have been in touch with Rozanne from PPA. They really were very keen to do this event again. Last year we were a handful of people taking part but it was one of the best TransKaroos I have done - and I have done all of them. Sadly the turnout this year has not been great so they have to cancel and they will do a full refund. Expect an email from them short.

You are also welcome to email rozanne@pedalpower.org.za with your EFT details and they will do a refund for you.

 

While it is sad that this event is not longer taking place I do look back on the 6 years in which it was running with fond memories. If you are looking for a similar challenge from the same "creator" of TransKaroo then be sure to enter the Cerderberg 100 miler.

Edited February 6, 2018 by Rouxenator

[sucramuk]

I have no doubt they will refund me, just a bit disappointing that they hadn't been in touch prior to listing the event cancelled on the site.

Yes, I was one of the few last year!!

 

I'm doing the 361 same weekend of the Cederberg 100miler.

 

I had  it all worked out to do the 361, Swartberg 100 and Transkaroo with back tob ack weekends, seems thats not going to happen now!!

[Skubarra]

Truely sad that this event never quite took off. Climbing Ouberg pass after almost 200km is easily the most epic & difficult thing I have ever done in a mtb race. Lots of other memories from this race I will cherish. Kudos to PPA for trying to keep it alive a bit longer but sadly the writing was already on the wall last time I did it in 2016

[Rouxenator]

2016 was a beast, those super chill temperatures at the start and end. Each and everyone of the TK rides was memorable to me.

Anyone else that did all 6?

[eddy]

 

Anyone else that did all 6?

 

 

I only did the first one, and it was a wonderful and memorable ride.

 

Unfortunately the logistics for someone who lives in Jo'burg made it (practically) impossible for me to get there again although I promised myself that I would do another.