[Event] Franschhoek 500

[Mongoose!]

On 1/4/2024 at 12:11 PM, ChrisF said:

You must register to see any costs ....

Is this still the case?

 

 

[W@nted]

When you click the "enter now" page on the Egoli 500, it takes you to a page where you pay R3k for an annual subscription which allows you to ride all the 500 events it seems. So it looks like an annual subscription setup. 

[Mamil]

I still don't get it - I love long distance riding and I love new routes but now the website invites a 3k annual membership less 25% limited time special and I get a gpx file and an ethic about no support, riding in isolation, no drafting unless I'm with mates and an appeal to keep this non rule rulebook to myself and not to share the routes which are on on public land anyway.

I'm also told that the events I am doing keep me within my boundaries ....

And there's an affiliate programme that bike shops can join.

I love spending money on bike events and bike gear and bikes but this looks like a kind of post modern business model where there isn't actually a product or a service - just a brand. 

 

 

[SSCC]

1 hour ago, Mamil said:

I still don't get it - I love long distance riding and I love new routes but now the website invites a 3k annual membership less 25% limited time special and I get a gpx file and an ethic about no support, riding in isolation, no drafting unless I'm with mates and an appeal to keep this non rule rulebook to myself and not to share the routes which are on on public land anyway.

I think it's also an option to pay R2,150 for an event. Limited to 13 riders. It's really weird. If 8 people pay and show up to the start line do you really have a product that people see value in? The fields are so small there is not even social media or brand value in it. Some of the smaller events use their races as Instagram marketing for affiliated brands but this does not even have that. 

At least with something like the 500km Munga grit you get water points, medical backup and a sweep vehicle. All for R2,800. At least they are providing something for the race entry fee. 

[Mamil]

11 minutes ago, SSCC said:

I think it's also an option to pay R2,150 for an event. Limited to 13 riders. It's really weird. If 8 people pay and show up to the start line do you really have a product that people see value in? The fields are so small there is not even social media or brand value in it. Some of the smaller events use their races as Instagram marketing for affiliated brands but this does not even have that. 

At least with something like the 500km Munga grit you get water points, medical backup and a sweep vehicle. All for R2,800. At least they are providing something for the race entry fee. 

I suppose if 8 people show up you've got no risk and no overheads apart from the website and a strava membership to create the route file and you've made 20k. There are 5 events and if you get 8 people per event that's 100k with no overheads and minimal time investment so you sort of do have a side hustle. 

I'd love for someone who does pay the entry fee to post here and talk about what happens ....

 

 

[ChrisF]

2 minutes ago, Mamil said:

.... 

I'd love for someone who does pay the entry fee to post here and talk about what happens ....

 

 

 

^^^ THIS ^^^

[ChrisF]

These threads sell "an event entry" ...

 

There are By-laws that govern "events".

 

It can be argued that no fine print or disclaimer can absolve the organiser of an event of these legal responsibilities....

[Gravalist]

On 12/18/2024 at 4:22 PM, SSCC said:

I think it's also an option to pay R2,150 for an event. Limited to 13 riders. It's really weird. If 8 people pay and show up to the start line do you really have a product that people see value in? The fields are so small there is not even social media or brand value in it. Some of the smaller events use their races as Instagram marketing for affiliated brands but this does not even have that. 

At least with something like the 500km Munga grit you get water points, medical backup and a sweep vehicle. All for R2,800. At least they are providing something for the race entry fee. 

Hi there!
Thought we’d chime in on your thread.

Just to clarify, the entire yearly subscription is R2,979 - that's access to all eight events, meaning the cost works out to just R372.38 per race! Not bad for a year of adventure, right?

Now, about value. At the start and end of every ride, the proof is written all over our riders’ faces. If you’re into mass-start events, water points, hand-holding, knock-off medals, and a pat on the back for showing up, then nope, this isn’t the event for you.

But if solo riding, bikepacking, the freedom to explore South Africa’s vast landscapes, and finishing a ride with nothing but grit, determination, and the big blue sky above you sounds like your idea of a good time, then welcome home, you’ve found your tribe.

We’re not just focused on the “Top 3 Winners”, we’re about community. The Gravalist 500 brings people together. Over a weekend, shared gravel, and a collective love for conquering the road less travelled.

For us, its more than just another race on the calendar; it’s a way to connect with like-minded individuals who crave adventure and personal challenges. Honestly, I don’t care if you come first or last, break an FKT, or sleep in a hotel every night. What I do care about is creating a space where people can find themselves and a community that feels like home. As someone else here mentioned, this might not be your kind of ride, but for plenty of others, this is exactly what gets their gears turning.

Feel free to check out what our riders have to say for themselves. Here's a great story from one of our legendary vasbyters: >> https://gravalist.com/stories/braving-the-elements-claudia-richard

You can also view our calendar and registration process here >> https://gravalist.com/stories/2025-calendar

Edited January 21 by Gravalist