[Event] Top of the Waterberg Gravel

[alanvc]

Event Name: Top of the Waterberg Gravel
When: 12/10/2024
Where: Lindani game & Lodges (Motseng Village), Melk River, Limpopo
Category: Gravel

Lindani Game & Lodges is proud to once again be hosting its 4th annual Top of the Waterberg Gravel event. An opportunity to experience riding through the breathtaking and unspoilt scenery of the Waterberg mountain escarpment. The race starts and finishes at Lindani Game & Lodges (Motseng Village), only 2 1/4 hours from Pretoria. There are three distances to choose from: 130km, 42km or 16km. For those wanting to keep their feet on the ground, there is also a 10km or 5km fun trail run.

TESTIMONIALS FROM THE TOTW 2023 GRAVEL

“Absolutely fantastic, so nice seeing the road riders combining with the mountain bikers. Really enjoyed it, something different. Roads are amazing and fast. The gravel bike rolls faster on this route and are very suitable for a gravel bike, there are sections where the mountain bikes had a bit of an advantage through the sandy patches but I am glad I brought my gravel bike out for the occasion”

Inus du Preez – winner of the 130km TOTW Gravel, a U23 XCO rider

“One of the best rides I have done on a gravel bike so far. Really nice, super-fast, technical, it has a bit of everything in it. The climbs were proper, just the perfect balance in what you can call a proper gravel race. I enjoyed it a lot and had a lot of fun”

Kimhan van der Merwe – second overall in the 130km TOTW Gravel

“This compares to the best of them......definitely more suited to the gravel bike, gravel is king”

Gert Nel – third place in the 130km TOTW Gravel. 2023 SA Gravel Champ – Masters

FREQUENTLY ASKED Q&A’S

- What proportion of the routes are on gravel?

130km – 98% gravel (80% district + 18 % farm roads), 2 % tar road

42km – 96% gravel (45% district + 51% farm roads), 4 % tar road

16km – 75% gravel (farm roads), 25% trail

- What is the condition of the gravel roads for riding like?

The roads are in good riding condition. There are one or two sandy patches to add a technical element to the ride.

- Are the routes better suited to Gravel bikes or Mountain bikes?

The non-technical routes for the 130km and 42km are the perfect race for all gravel and mountain bike enthusiasts alike. Gravel bikes will have an advantage on most of the 130km and 42km routes, while the 16km is better suited to a MTB.

- How much climbing is there?

• The diverse terrain lends itself to a moderate amount of climbing (1750m for the 130km, 500m for the 42km, and 250m for the 16km)

- Do you allow E-bikes?

Yes E-bikes are welcome. It is a CSA sanctioned event so depending on the number of E-Bike entries, the organiser’s will use their discretion as to whether E-Bikes will start 10min before the start of each distance or together.

ENTER NOW

Marathon

130km (1750m Climbing) (Ages 19years & older) - R600

1/2 Marathon

42km (500m Climbing) (Ages 15years & older) - R380

Fun

16km (250m Climbing) R60 (U12 Free)

Enter on: www.entryninja.com or www.rorevents.co.za 

Online Entries Close Midnight Thursday 10th October 2022

E-Bikes welcome

*CSA sanctioned Event for 130km and 42km Ride*

*CSA license applies. R50 day license for non-licensed riders*

*Late entries at the venue*

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Race entry
• Stunning Waterberg scenery
• A pair of custom Top of the Waterberg Versus socks
• Race medal
• Medical Support
• Well-stocked water tables
• Race timing
• Post-race hospitality area
• Prizes and lucky draw prizes
• Shower facilities
• Complimentary photographs for you to download from our Facebook page after the

event

 

NUMBER COLLECTIONS & LATE ENTRIES

 

Date                Friday 11th October 

Time                16h00 to 18h00

Venue              Lindani Game & Lodges (Motseng lodge, gate no1

 

Date                Saturday 12th October 

Time                05h00 to 07h00

Venue              Lindani Game & Lodges (Motseng lodge, gate no1)

 

Entry includes:

Custom Versus socks (excluding 16km Ride)

Medal for all finishers

 

Start Times:

Gravel Ride 

06H30 – 130 km 

08H30 – 42 km

08H45– 16 km

08H35 - 10km Fun Trail Run

08H50 - 5km Fn Trail Run

 

Depending on the number of E-Bike entries, the organiser’s will use their discretion as to whether E-Bikes will start 10min before the start of each distance or together.

 

Water Tables

Well-stocked water tables - 6 for the 130km and 2 for the 42km.

 

Prizes

Sponsored and lucky draw prizes up for grabs. Prize giving and podium presentation will take place when all categories of a distance have finished. 

 

RACE CONTACT DETAILS

For any further race queries contact Alan 073 179 4313 or Paul 082 577 1241

ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS 

130 km GRAVEL RIDE (19 years and older)

Distance 130 km Climbing:1760 m

Route Description

A beautifully scenic ride traversing the Waterberg escarpment. Starting and finishing at Lindani (Motseng Lodge), the route travels in a clockwise direction around the Phalala River catchment. Early on into the route, riders will have the opportunity to enjoy riding through the beautiful private reserve of Jembisa, where they can enjoy the spectacular Phalala River valley below to the left, or have a chance viewing of some game. After exiting Jembisa private reserve, and crossing over the Phalala River, the route climbs steadily for 70km through pristine Waterberg wilderness, interspersed by the odd section of cultivated lands, and orchards of fruit trees. Enjoy beautiful views of the Phalala River catchment as you climb to the highest point of the ride (the 90km mark), at Geelhoutkop, named after the yellow wood trees, that grow there. From here it is mostly descending all the way back down to Lindani. There is a bite of a climb at 103km just to remind you that it’s not all freewheeling back home. The last 12 km through Lindani game farm is a real treat, where you will again have a chance to view wildlife while riding your bike.

Water Points

There will be six well-stocked water points

The water points are at 22km, 43km, 67km, 84km, 102km, and 117km

Although there are sufficient, well stocked water points, PLEASE ensure you carry sufficient Hydration and Nutrition BETWEEN water points.

130km cyclists to carry 2 water bottles

Road condition

Mostly in good riding condition with the odd very short rocky, corrugated, or sandy patch.

42km GRAVEL RIDE (15 years and older) Distance 

42 km Climbing: 500 m

Route Description

Be ready for a most enjoyable, scenic 42km ride through a beautiful part of the Waterberg. Starting from Lindani (Motseng Lodge), the route begins with an easy13km flat stretch on district roads though the Melkrivier Valley, to warm up the legs. Riders will then be treated to a beautiful 10km section through Jembisa private reserve where they can enjoy the spectacular Phalala River valley below to the left or have a chance viewing of some game. After exiting Jembisa private reserve, there is a 10km ride on a short piece of tar followed by a stretch of gravel road. There are stunning views of the Lindani cliffs on your right, and the Phalala River Valley on your left, as you head back towards the eastern entrance of Lindani. At 30km you will enter back into Lindani reserve to complete the remaining 12km with the opportunity to ride amongst the wildlife.

Water Points

There will be two well-stocked water points for replenishing.

The water points are at 22 km and 32 km

Please be sure to always carry a water bottle to be refilled at the water points.

Road condition

Mostly in good riding condition with the odd short patch of rocks or sand.

16km GRAVEL RIDE (All Ages)

Distance 

16 km Climbing: 250 m

Route Description

16km of super-fun riding that takes place entirely on Lindani game farm, where riders will have the opportunity to ride amongst the wildlife. Although most of the ride occurs on very good farm roads, we have also included a non-technical and most enjoyable single-track section that takes you along the beautiful Kopperspruit.

Road condition

The farm roads are in very good condition for riding. A 4km non-technical section of single track is included which is mostly smooth surface, but there is the odd rocky patch where riders can walk if necessary

 

Go to Event Page.

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Entered, looking forward 🥳