Rob van den Bergh Posted April 22, 2018 Posted April 22, 2018 Event Name: Val2Verkykerskop 240km Bike PackingWhen: 1 June 2018 - 3 June 2018Where: Val Hotel, MpumulangaCategory: MTBThis 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 MayArrive 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 JuneWe'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 JuneOff 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 JuneA 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 ChoiceR250 Val AccommodationR150 Val Hotel DinnerR100 Brekkies at Val HotelR50 Lunch Hamburger at CorneliaR150 Vrede Hotel DinnerR100 Emanzini Resort CampsiteR150 Smiley's DinnerR100 Verkykerskop CampsiteR495 DBB at Smiley's Bike Packing RequirementsPlease 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.comGo to Event Page
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