[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, 2025 by Gravalist

[Shebeen]

On 1/21/2025 at 2:44 PM, Gravalist said:

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

might as well respond here as it is sort of the last part of this conversation even though other events are going on.

 

anyone signed up for a subscription R2979 for a years worth of races or the R2495 for a single race?

 

[dave303e]

I see next year's Burra 500 now has a single event entry option or a subscription

[Gert van Wyk7]

I’ve done two of these events so far.

The first was the Sedgefield 500 — just me and one of my best mates, back when I was still new to cycling. We bikepacked the whole thing. There were about 16 of us that year, and it turned out to be one of the best experiences I’ve ever had on a bike.

The second time, I trained properly. It was the Franschhoek 500, and while it was a completely different ride, it still hit that same deep nerve.

What the Gravalist is doing here isn’t just organizing events — it’s opening a door into ultra. It’s not about the medal, or the shoes, or the flashy kit. It’s about riding so far, for so long, that you start discovering new things — not just about the road, but about yourself.

It’s about those moments in the mist, under the stars, in the middle of nowhere — when you feel the weight of the unknown and the thrill of total self-reliance. No support car, no safety net — and that in itself gives you a kick. And the no drafting rule is the best, there is no pro in the d bunch that makes everyone ride a hour faster. 

Some might say, “Isn’t it just a big ride?” Sure — but try telling your mates you went for a casual 500km spin. There’s something special about having a date on the calendar. A goal to train for. An excuse to ride. A reason to get out and push yourself.

And honestly? R2,000 for an event like this is a no-brainer. These routes take you through the most beautiful parts of SA. So this feels like the best value around.

I’ll be doing the Cape Hope 500 this October — and I can already say, this is the best money I’ve spent all year.

[Shebeen]

On 1/21/2025 at 2:44 PM, Gravalist said:

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

I see @Gravalist hasn't popped in since march, but figured this is the last post. The subscription thing is a way to get around the event=liability issue, not sure if it actually works though.

I'm keeping an eye out here to see what happens next. I don't think the actual tracking is even an issue since they don't seem to even publicly post the link to the tracking page (try find the burra500 tracking link!).

 

so @Gert van Wyk7 what's your next move?

 

 

[ChrisF]

On 9/4/2025 at 9:05 AM, Shebeen said:

... The subscription thing is a way to get around the event=liability issue, not sure if it actually works though.....

 

Nope, no, aikona ....

 

"You" arrange something.

"You" SELL something.

"You" proceed to issue a gpx file for your clients .....

 

That is a product you are selling.  As this product is for a pre-arranged activity by a group of people, this is most definitely an "event".

 

At least, that's what it looks like at first glance.  More specifically for the "Province of the Western Cape" as gazetted, in 2002.  "Public safety" seems to be the key word, and thus an event permit is needed.....

 

By 2015 the City Of Cape Town "admitted" that an "event" with a "few people" pose no real threat, and that the blanket use of the term "event" is not practical nor reasonable.  Thus a new By-Law was published in August 2015 with the important distinction that the need for an event permit starts once the number of people, including staff, exceed 50 persons.

 

Based on my experience with other By-Laws, we can well expect slight to significant changes between different municipal zones and different provinces.

 

Spare a thought for the Cape Epic organisers that traverse between three different municipal districts, with distinctly different By-Laws and different event application offices on any given STAGE of the event.

 

PS - Even Hubbers (not me) working for the "Local Authority" sitting in the main monitoring tent at the Cape Epic .... lucky chaps ...

[Ispeed_V]

Maybe TB exploring a different opportunity?

After all, he has been a bit quite of late.

[Shebeen]

1 hour ago, ChrisF said:

 

Nope, no, aikona ....

 

"You" arrange something.

"You" SELL something.

"You" proceed to issue a gpx file for your clients .....

 

um ok. I didn't say it was a foolproof plan. When there is "bureaucracy" loopholes will be pushed. Want to smoke weed legally which you're not allowed to buy, you join a cannabis "club" where your membership shares give you ownership to the club grown ganja (or something like that).

but ja, all speculation.

 

45 minutes ago, Ispeed_V said:

Maybe TB exploring a different opportunity?

After all, he has been a bit quite of late.

definitely not, but don't give him ideas.

[ChrisF]

1 hour ago, Shebeen said:

um ok. I didn't say it was a foolproof plan. When there is "bureaucracy" loopholes will be pushed. Want to smoke weed legally which you're not allowed to buy, you join a cannabis "club" where your membership shares give you ownership to the club grown ganja (or something like that).

but ja, all speculation.

 

definitely not, but don't give him ideas.

 

And while National, Provincial and Municipal regulations and by-laws dont allign it creates LOTS of loopholes !!

 

For years lots of smaller sporting events flew well under the radar, especially when it did not use municipal roads.

 

This years Two Oceans have truly rattled this cage !!  Suddenly these officials are actually inspecting events, even being at the venues Saturday mid,day ....