Tankwa event.Inputs needed

[emme]

Hi Hubbers

 

I have been asked to give an informal input towards a proposed event in the Tankwa Karoo National Park.The event will be held to raise much needed funds for a project in the park.

 

What will get you to come and do an event there?

 

Typical issues that come to mind are:Distance(s),type of event (multi- or single day)routes,accommodation,fullmoon ride included?etc.

 

What will work and what not?

 

Your sharing of ideas on any of the issues raised above or any other issues relevant to such an event will be appreciated!

[Kranswurm]

Hi Hubbers

 

I have been asked to give an informal input towards a proposed event in the Tankwa Karoo National Park.The event will be held to raise much needed funds for a project in the park.

 

What will get you to come and do an event there?

 

Typical issues that come to mind are:Distance(s),type of event (multi- or single day)routes,accommodation,fullmoon ride included?etc.

 

What will work and what not?

 

Your sharing of ideas on any of the issues raised above or any other issues relevant to such an event will be appreciated!

I regularly visit the park and would be hesitant to have an event there.The roads are pretty dusty and rough and a race route would have to stick to the established road network.At present Park rules allow walking and cycling in the immediate vicinity of the accommodation and nowhere else.Following game trails would not be allowed due to the sensitivity of the Fauna and Flora in the area.Accommodation is limited and the park is far from and separated from the nearest towns Calvinia and Ceres by a long and difficult road.

Edited April 5, 2020 by Kranswurm

[Skubarra]

As someone who loves doing events in the Karoo, I find very few actually attract enough numbers to really make it worthwhile - I think the notable exceptions are Ride the Karoo and the Swartberg Grand Fondo - I would study them to see what they do differently to the others that failed.

 

My suggestion would be a 100 miler type gravel grind event that take you up Ouberg Pass and down Gannaga pass which I think would be a good balance of being challenging but doable for weekend warriors (I think the Karoo Burn is too extreme to attract significant numbers, and the old Trans-Karoo race had the same problem), maybe using some park roads and not just district roads to make it interesting.

 

I wouldn't suggest a stage race at this point, I think they are just too expensive for organisers and particpants alike and the calender is bloated with struggling stage races. (I foresee Corona killing off quite a few...)

[emme]

Thanks for these inputs.The Park would obviously be  part of this venture which could allow for some planning off the normal roadways..