RideTheKaroo 3 day stage race

[GLuvsMtb]

Its Monday. I’m driving back from the RideTheKaroo 3 Day stage race. Time to reflect on what was one of my most enjoyable mountain biking weekends away. My wife and I decided to bring the 2 boys with as well. Aged 8 and 4, they are a hand full at the best of times. We booked the luxury canvas tents (2 tents) for the weekend opposed to bringing our own camping rig. It was a good call as the tents were close to the facilities and amenities and the boys could roam freely while I focussed on riding and my wife could unwind.

It started on the Friday afternoon with race registration and settling in for the weekend. We unpacked and I got my bike and lights ready for the 20km night ride. I was glad to see other e bikes along with my own as there is always the voice inside that tells you that people frown upon my e bike. The running of the sheep was followed by the ride that was a blast. Fun little sections of skaapspoor, a beautiful sunset and the chill in the air reminding you that you are living life. 

Skaap tjops for dinner and bed followed after the stage with a chilly, but good night’s sleep. 

Saturday we awoke to the harrowing sound of Bagpipes in their full glory. Falling out of bed, and utter confusion was followed by order to get coffee, have breakfast and prep for the ride. Batteries charged, we set off on the 76km route with a modest 660m ascent. Another surprisingly fun day on the trails ensued. The riders were all friendly, the water points well stocked and the route was extremely well marked. This being my 3rd e bike stage race, I by now have worked out my strategy. Conserve battery and energy in the 1st half and allow yourself some more liberties in the second half. Just over 3 hours on the e bike saw me in the race village by 10:40am with ample time to relax and socialise with fellow riders and spend time with the family. 

Prego rolls for lunch was followed by some live entertainment by the Georgetown Band. A Swingy-country-jazzy sound filled the afternoon air until the Rugby started up in full swing in the shed. It was too loud for me, so I relaxed in the tent listening to the commentary and dozing before dinner. Dinner was a Karan sirloin steak with pepper sauce. A bit on the well-done side, but tasty none the less. An early night after prepping everything for the final stage. 

Day 3 and the bagpipes were back. This time I managed not to fall out of my bed. My son who was sharing my tent with me slept through it all (again). 

Morning routine done and ready for the final day. 48km with 530m ascent meant it was more or less full gas the whole way. I alternated the e bike between trail (set at 50%) and boost (set at 70%) for the whole route. The wind was howling like it only can howl in the Karoo. Every turn felt like a headwind, but having assistance helped in getting home in 2 hours flat. 

I managed to move my massage forward to 10:30 and we left just after 11am to sleep over in Oudtshoorn. 

I have to compliment Urban Goat for the well organised event, the fantastic venue and the great Karoo hospitality. The boys had so much fun with the other ‘maatjies’ and the time at the kiddies corner set up for the kids while mom and dad are away. The venue was very well set up with a coffee bar, a Gin bar and craft beer available for our enjoyment and consumption. The food was next-level with my wife hounding the orginisers for their recipe for salad of all things (here I thought salad was rather generic…). Well done in catering for the cyclists and families while having to deal with stage 6 load-shedding over and above the usual logistical challenges that events like these pose. 

I found myself looking at their other offerings and decided to enter myself and the missus for their Owl Route 3 day race next year.

[ChrisF]

That sounds LEKKA !! 👍

[Boktiet82]

Was the best organised event I've personally attended. Great weekend and will definitely add this to my recurring ride list. Will upgrade my tent from the cattle class next time though....and invest in better earplugs 😅