Race Interface: Route Details

MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS (Saturday Morning):

Both routes will start and finish at the camp site just above Hippo Dam (yes, real live hippos frolic in this one). Along the route you are likely to see a variety of beautiful flowers and magnificent animals including, gemsbok, red hartebeest, zebra, hippos and many more. There will be food, drink, music and massage available at the finish. Prize giving for the mountain bike races will be held.

Route profiles and descriptions will be put up as son as they are finalised. The route will be different from 2012 as we would like to explore more of the amazing Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

If you are still curious as to what COULD be in store – you can read up on the 2012 route below

2012 Route Descriptions

28km MTB

From the camp site, competitors will head out on a short gentle climb for about 1,5km. To avoid getting stuck at the back, we suggest that those who are racing push it for the first 1,5km. They then turn off the main gravel road and the mountain biking begins (with a bit of a climb). The views of the Tradouw valley are spectacular from up here. At the 5km mark, you will re-join the main gravel road for a short reprieve. Then it’s an exhilarating 8km downhill that takes you through the rugged Gemsbok Ravine and leads you back past the camp site. There is a water table (coke and water) at the campsite (15km mark). The route heads around Black Harrier Hill in a westerly direction. From here you will follow the jeep track along a gentle stream followed by about a 3km climb to Khanni Lodge. There will be refreshments and food available at Khanni Lodge. Showers are available but get there early to get some hot water.

*NO Helmet NO Ride

56km MTB

The first 30km’s will be the same as that of the 30km route. At about the 30km mark, the route turns in a northerly direction heading through a number of scenic kloofs. Hard core mountain bikers can look forward to some fairly steep and technical descents along this part of the route. There will be a water table (coke, water) around the 40km mark. Then it’s through Rhebok’s Loop towards the eastern border of the reserve. There is a short stretch along the main gravel road before competitors drop down the exhilarating Bashers Link and high-tail it towards the finish at Khanni Lodge. There will be refreshments and food available at Khanni Lodge. Showers are available but get there early to get some hot water.

*NO Helmet NO Ride

NIGHT ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS (Saturday Evening):

Both the night run and night ride will start and finish at Khanni Lodge. Both routes will be less technical than the daytime routes. These two events are not timed and are purely for fun. Participants will need to stick with the group, which will be accompanied by game rangers. This is your opportunity to marvel over the spectacular dusk-time activities on the Reserve. Competitors will need to bring headlights and/or bike lights for these events. There will not be any refreshments along the route. Competitors must be self-sufficient.

25km Night MTB

The route sticks to gravel roads that are in fairly good condition but take you through some fascinating parts of the Reserve. Prepare yourself for a short but steep climb towards the end.

9km Night Trail Run

Most of the route follows gravel roads that are in fairly good condition. There is a short climb of about 3km’s towards the finish. There is a pretty good chance that you will hear the lions roaring in the not too far distance.

* NO Headlight NO RUN/RIDE

* NO Helmet NO RIDE

TRAIL RUN ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS (Sunday Morning):

Both routes will start at the camp site just above Hippo Dam. Along the route you are likely to see a variety of beautiful flowers and magnificent animals including, gemsbok, red hartebeest, zebra, hippos and many more. We have dispensed with the concept of starting and finishing at the same venue. Both distances will end at the event hub based at Khanni Lodge, where there will be food, drink, music and massage available. Prize giving for the trail runs and the main lucky draw will be held at Khanni Lodge.There will be water on route.

10km Trail Run

The 10km run will take the most direct route to Khanni Lodge whilst still enjoying some of the beautiful scenery that Sanbona has to offer. From the camp site, competitors will head out on Tortoise Link past Hippo Dam, passing Nick’s Dam before reaching the gravel road to Khanni. There is a slight climb in the last 3km towards Khanni ensuring that you get your money’s worth.

21km Trail Run

From the camp site, competitors will head out on a short gentle climb for about 1,5km. They then turn off the main gravel road for a loop around Beacon Link (with a bit of a climb). The views of the Tradouw valley are spectacular from up here. Competitors will pass through the campsite after about 6.5km where they will find a water table (water & coke). Approximately 2km after the campsite they will turn east onto the jeep track taking them up the spectacular Gemsbok Ravine. At the top of Gemsbok Ravine, you will find a water table (water & coke) and competitors will have a brief reprieve along the gravel road before taking a sharp left turn and descending down Bashers Link and passing Aloe Dam and Bashers Dam in the direction of Khanni Lodge.