[Event] Waterberg Traverse - 299km | 170km

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Event Name: Waterberg Traverse - 299km | 170km
When: 2 June 2018 - 3 June 2018
Where: AKTV Klein Kariba, Limpopo
Category: MTB

The 2018 edition of the Waterberg Traverse (previously known as the Waterberg Extreme) MTB race has found a new home at ATKV Klein Kariba, which will serve as the start and finish venue from where riders will follow farm and district roads through the majestic Waterberg mountains.

Go to Event Page

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Early-bird Entries close on 28 February 2018

All Entries close on 30 April 2018

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The ATKV Klein-Kariba will serve as venue partner for the 2018 event.

 

[seven]

I'm looking forward to climbing Bakker's pass this year, instead of going down... The new route changes looks promising...

[Pulse]

A shorter race over 170km have been added

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[Koos Likkewaan]

 

A shorter race over 170km have been added

 

Does the shorter route cover the same route as the longer route, starting from stage 3 onwards ?

[Koos Likkewaan]

Does the shorter route cover the same route as the longer route, starting from stage 3 onwards ?

Don't worry, got my answer on the website. Only "problem" is that this is closer to 200km's than 170 km's.

 

Have to keep that in mind when preparing.

[Pulse]

Don't worry, got my answer on the website. Only "problem" is that this is closer to 200km's than 170 km's.

 

Have to keep that in mind when preparing.

Hi Koos

 

Sorry for the late reply.  The short route is just over 171km long.  It is a bit shorter than the remainder of the long route, as there is a loop close to Alma that the shorter guys don't follow.

[Terrebse]

Will there be a shuttle service to take shorter route riders to alternate start?

What is the start time for the shorter distance?

[Robrider]

I'm looking forward to climbing Bakker's pass this year, instead of going down... The new route changes looks promising...

 

What are the roads like? Corrugated, sandy? 300km on corrugated roads would be awful, so quite interested in the conditions.

[kunjani]

 

A shorter race over 170km have been added

 

Almost entered then noticed the starting time will be 21h00 Saturday evening for the 199km distance. Correct me if I am wrong but this makes it is 80% plus night ride. What is the point to do this race at night? Pity you do all the distance without appreciating the scenery.

Would love to start Saturday morning at 6h00 and finish before dark.

[jandev]

Ok I took the plunge. Who else is in for this tough ride?

[Jerrymobbs]

I’m in for the long route with a mate.

 

Any tips on strategy etc from anyone who has done it before?

[maidenmole]

What a c*ck up of an event. What's the story here guys?

 

A little look at Strava uploads and its drama, drama, drama for most participants. Event registration was delayed by over an hour (maybe the first signal we should have attended to), scanning numberboards at the CPs was confusing, water table hosts seemed in shock that riders actually arrived at their WP/CP (they couldn't even seem to pour water into cups for us), an ENTIRE waterpoint was non-existant (182km mark) and then signs pointed us in the wrong direction (with the blame put on some drunk guys driving around with the aim of pulling a funny). Well, that "funny" led us more than 40kms off course and a flirtation with dehydration (yes, because of that missing waterpoint) and hypethermia (yes, because our kit was waiting for us at the next CP which we couldn't find). 

 

The road conditions we ***, but we expected this given the Waterberg region. But as Ultra events go, it seemed that these organisers did not know how to go about it properly, or didn't really think/care that it's quite a risk having riders out there in the sticks (I mean, who in their right mind thinks its ok to just not have a WP on route as advertsied?), or were short of cash to do it properly.

 

Won't be back next time. 

[CharlesZ]

What a c*ck up of an event. What's the story here guys?

 

A little look at Strava uploads and its drama, drama, drama for most participants. Event registration was delayed by over an hour (maybe the first signal we should have attended to), scanning numberboards at the CPs was confusing, water table hosts seemed in shock that riders actually arrived at their WP/CP (they couldn't even seem to pour water into cups for us), an ENTIRE waterpoint was non-existant (182km mark) and then signs pointed us in the wrong direction (with the blame put on some drunk guys driving around with the aim of pulling a funny). Well, that "funny" led us more than 40kms off course and a flirtation with dehydration (yes, because of that missing waterpoint) and hypethermia (yes, because our kit was waiting for us at the next CP which we couldn't find). 

 

The road conditions we ***, but we expected this given the Waterberg region. But as Ultra events go, it seemed that these organisers did not know how to go about it properly, or didn't really think/care that it's quite a risk having riders out there in the sticks (I mean, who in their right mind thinks its ok to just not have a WP on route as advertsied?), or were short of cash to do it properly.

 

Won't be back next time. 

also heard that the race was a complete f up!!!

 

1. the water points was non existent especially for the front runners as the support vehicles of the race organizers could not get quickly enough to it

2. the tog bags was not there on time. for new clothing, supplement replenishment for much needed nutrition. 

3. close to the end the gpx file indicated to go straight through a high game fence and the MC did not announce that they must not go over it. Proof been provided that it was not mentioned

4. check out was not done and thus organizers could not confirm where all of the cyclist might be on route. Just imagine if an search party must have been sent out. In the cold people lives was at risk if it happened. This is totally unacceptable. 

5. route markings was poorly done even if an gpx file was available. Can't blame drunk people for it. possibly easy way out.

 

 

Would actually love to know how many support staff was on route to help with all that was lacking.