EVENT DAY
Welcome to the Karoo, grab a beer or something to drink, and collect your goody bag. During the registration on Friday, you will receive your event package with your number, timing band, and other goodies. Riders must remember to present photo identification documents (driver’s license, passport, or ID book) as proof of identity. No unregistered riders will be allowed to start.
While en route to Dwarsvlei Farm venue, make a pitstop or two.
When coming from Cape Town, stop at Maria’s Coffee Roastery or Hello You and when coming from Middelburg stop at PLAASlik padstal in town or Piccadili’s.
Registration will take place at Dwarsvlei Farm: 13:00-17:30
Date: 20 September 2024 #FARMTRAIL
Date: 27 September 2024 #SHEEPTRAIL
Please see directions HERE>>
Start your Karoo experience:
20 September 2024 @18:15 #FARMTRAIL
27 September 2024 @18:15 #SHEEPTRAIL
ACCOMMODATION
Your entry includes complimentary tented accommodation. This option will be available for riders only. Supporters can share with riders but will need to book additional upgraded accommodation. Limited upgraded options are available.*All accommodation options are only available from the day of the event.
Complimentary Standard Canvas-tented accommodation includes the following:
Team entry | Sharing accommodation will receive 1 x Standard Canvas tent and 2 x single mattresses.
Solo entry | Single accommodation will receive 1 x Standard Canvas tent and 1 x single mattress.
*Extra tents can be booked online.
Please note:
*Keep in mind supporter passes are limited to 30 spots. Remember to book an additional mattress for your supporter should they be sharing with you in the standard canvas accommodation option. You can also book an additional tent if you are already sharing with a teammate.
*Ample ablutions are available. It includes a few permanent and temporary toilet and shower structures.
*Bring your towel, pillow and sleeping bag.
We have canvas tents as an upgraded accommodation option to the complimentary tour tents.
The comfy canvas tents include the following:
3 Nights accommodation
2 Beds
2 Karoo chairs
1 Solar light
Canvas tent options must be booked online along with your entry.
Please Note:
*Bring your own pillow, bedding, and towel.
*You will share in the communal ablution.
*This will replace your complimentary tour-tented accommodation.
R2850 (Accommodation for 2)
Together with Dwarsvlei Farm, we have converted the old horse stables into comfortable rooms. These rooms are kept as original as possible to preserve the authenticity of the farm’s history. Please don’t expect a fancy guest room but rather a weekend in rustic Karoo history.
The Stable Rooms will include the following:
3 Nights accommodation
2 Single beds and mattresses.
2 x Fitted sheets
Lights
The Stable Room option needs to be pre-booked online along with your entry.
Please Note:
*Bring your own pillow, bedding, and towel.
*You will share in the communal ablution.
*This will replace your complimentary tour-tented accommodation.
R2850 (Accommodation for 2)
Together with Dwarsvlei Farm, we have converted the old horse stables into comfortable rooms. These rooms are kept as original as possible to preserve the authenticity of the farm’s history. Please don’t expect a fancy guest room but rather a weekend in rustic Karoo history.
The Stable Rooms will include the following:
3 Nights accommodation
4 Single beds and mattresses.
4 x Fitted sheets
Lights
The Stable Room option needs to be pre-booked online along with your entry.
Please Note:
*Bring your own pillow, bedding, and towel.
*You will share in the communal ablution.
*This will replace your complimentary tour-tented accommodation.
R3450 (Accommodation for 4)
The Luxury Glamping Tents include the following:
Three nights accommodation
Two comfy wooden base beds
Quality white linen
Chairs
Bedside tables
Floor rugs
Solar lights
R4150 (Accommodation for 2)
Luxury Glamping tent options must be booked online along with your entry.
*This will replace your complimentary tour-tented accommodation.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting the self-camp option:
* This option is free.
*There is no dedicated ablution for self campers but you can use the communal ablution facilities.
* This area has no water or power supply points.
* Shaded areas are limited and at the furthest point of the self-camp area.
Alternative accommodation options close or on Dwarsvlei Farm venue:
Dwarsvlei Farmhouse – Located at Dwarsvlei Farm dwarsvlei.karoo@gmail.com | 0662202218
Erin Farmhouse & Cottages – Approximately 5km from Dwarsvlei Farm https://www.karooexperience.com/
Celtis Country Lodge – 15km from Dwarsvlei in Middelburg town https://www.celtiscountrylodge.co.za
Nguni Country Lodge – 15km from Dwarsvlei in Middelburg town http://www.ngunicountrylodge.com
Karoo Country Inn – 15km from Dwarsvlei in Middelburg town https://www.karoocountryinn.co.za
Rusoord Farm – 25km from Dwarsvlei, just outside Middelburg town https://www.facebook.com/Rusoord.hunting.safaris | 0824016815
Middelburg, Eastern Cape also has multiple accommodation options available and is situated 15km from Dwarsvlei Farm.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Hospitality at Ride the Karoo genuinely shows in the food. Expect Karoo lamb chops, succulent Karan Beef steaks, freshly baked farm bread, and condensed milk coffee at breakfast, with koeksisters & salty treats at the water points. To top it off, we’ll have ice-cold craft beer ready once you ride across the finish line.
Friday Lunch: Lunch is available for purchase throughout the afternoon.
Friday Dinner: Entails a Karoo-inspired braai with various types of delicious meats and varieties of scrumptious salads.
Saturday Breakfast: A full hearty breakfast including eggs, boerewors, oats and fruit. Delectable locally sourced rusks will be available at the coffee station before and during breakfast.
Saturday Lunch: Mouthwatering Vetkoek with mince.
Saturday Dinner: Delicious Karan beef steak braai with Janine’s famous salads.
Sunday Breakfast: A full hearty breakfast including eggs, boerewors, oats and fruit. Delectable locally sourced rusks will be available at the coffee station before and during breakfast.
Sunday Lunch: Karen Beef Prego bun.
*Sunday Night Pass tickets need to be pre-booked online @R270. It includes live music, dinner on Sunday evening, and coffee with rusks and a Brekkie bun on Monday morning.
*Please keep in mind menu changes might occur due to local stock and seasonal availability.
*Special dietary requirements: Our food is sourced and made by the local community, and thus challenging to cater for individual needs. Send us an email to info@urbangoat.co.za, and we can look into how we can assist.
Ride the Karoo is known for offering unique water points!
Water points at Ride the Karoo are carefully selected places you won’t want to leave as there are crispy sweet koeksisters, boerewors, potatoes, mini roosterkoekies, and ‘n lekker vibe!
Condensed milk coffee & tea with rusks are available at breakfast. Coffee & tea are available to purchase throughout the day from Atlantic Coffee Company. Water, Craft Beer, Craft Gin, Wine, and soft drinks will be on sale from the bar at the Main Building.
Water is supplied for the water points and consumption during each stage. All tap water in our tour village is perfectly safe for drinking, and it is recommended that riders utilise our supply of drinking water.
SUPPORT AND SERVICES
Riders must start the event with a well-prepared and serviced bicycle. We have backup support each day should you not be able to ride any further with medical staff en route and at the finish to assist in case you sustain an injury.
All riders will receive a timing band to track their time. Live results will be available online.
*Please remember to hand in your timing band at the finish line on Day 3.
A dedicated E-Bike charging station will be available near the main building. Remember to bring your charger and double-check whether the charger is securely fastened and charging. A backup generator will be on standby to supply power in case of load shedding. Don’t forget to select the E-Bike category during the entry process, as this helps us keep track of how many charging stations we need to set up during the event.
*Use of E-bike charging station at own risk.
Free bike wash will be available each day of the event, carried out by our hard-working local crew.
Feathertec Service packages are available to book with your online entry at R580 per package for the Saturday after your ride.
What is included?
“Health Check”
All labour to get your bike back to “Race Ready” condition after the stage. Cleaning and lubrication of drive train.
Inflating of tyres and suspension to specified pressures.
Independent quality check
The following is NOT included:
Bike spare parts & components replaced.
Consumables such as tyre sealants and fork/suspension oils.
Daily washing of bikes which is performed by hardworking local staff.
You will also have priority when it comes to getting any problems on your bike fixed.
Relax & recover in the soothing Karoo air. Massage packages can be pre-booked online @ R700, which includes 2 x 30min massages. Limited massage packages are available. This is booked on a first-come-first-serve basis.
*Please note one booking for 30 min is for Saturday and one for Sunday and the package is per person, this may not be shared.
Medical service at each stage. Trained medical personnel will also be en route to handle any emergencies. More serious cases will be transferred to a local hospital, where a more comprehensive service is available. Please remember to carry the details of your medical insurance with, in case of hospitalisation.
Prize giving
At Ride the Karoo, one can expect a riveting prize giving! And yes, we are serious (sometimes). The more relaxed categories can expect prizes like Hope Distillery Gin, Deetlefs Wine, Devil’s Peak, and Kakiebos goodies. For the competitive riders, we will have unique Karoo trophies and some great prizes.
SUPPORTER AND KIDDIES ZONE
We encourage family and friends to come and support their riders and to share the experience. We have loads of interesting activities for them to enjoy! Supporter Tour Passes can be pre-booked online @R1850 pp for adults and R950 for kids (3-12 years old) they include all Tour meals, complimentary coffee & rusks before breakfast, live entertainment, snacks during Saturday afternoon, use of ablution & charging facilities and more.
*Please note we only have 30 supporter tickets available per weekend so make sure to book your supporters well in advance.
The supporter weekend passes include meals for the weekend (Friday dinner to Sunday lunch), use of the ablution facilities, use of the chill zone, live entertainment, access to the spectator points, coffee, tea and rusks before and during breakfast.
We have a dedicated group of caregivers to look after your kids while you ride. Kids need to be 3 and older(basically off nappies) to qualify for this option. Our group of caregivers will have various fun activities lined up to keep your kids occupied while you enjoy the Karoo!
The Kiddie Zone/Meal pass costs R950 and includes all meals and access to the Kiddie zone. Please pre-book this option while you enter.
Additional upgraded accommodation options and mattresses can be booked online for family and supporters for the weekend (Friday, Saturday & Sunday night). Supporters are also welcome to share any upgraded accommodation options with their riding partners. You’re welcome to arrive from Friday 13:00 onwards. None of the accommodation options will be available at the venue the day before the event.
Supporters are welcome to follow the map to the designated water points en route and cheer family and friends passing by, and enjoy a complimentary cappuccino from Atlantic Coffee Co at Dwarsvlei waterpoint on Day 3. Maps are available at registration.
Friday Lunch: Lunch is available for purchase throughout the afternoon.
Friday Dinner: Entails a Karoo-inspired braai with various types of delicious meats and varieties of scrumptious salads.
Saturday Breakfast: A full hearty breakfast including eggs, boerewors, oats and fruit. Delectable locally sourced rusks will be available at the coffee station before and during breakfast.
Saturday Lunch: Mouthwatering Vetkoek with mince.
Saturday Dinner: Delicious Karan beef steak braai with Janine’s famous salads.
Sunday Breakfast: A full hearty breakfast including eggs, boerewors, oats and fruit. Delectable locally sourced rusks will be available at the coffee station before and during breakfast.
Sunday Lunch: Karen Beef Prego bun.
*Sunday Night Pass tickets need to be pre-booked online @R270. It includes live music, dinner on Sunday evening, and coffee with rusks and a Brekkie bun on Monday morning.
*Please keep in mind menu changes might occur due to local stock and seasonal availability.
*Special dietary requirements: Our food is sourced and made by the local community, and thus challenging to cater for individual needs. Send us an email to info@urbangoat.co.za, and we can look into how we can assist.
One-of-a-kind opening ceremony.
A chill zone with oversized giant Jenga.
Great live entertainment.
Rustic dam to swim in.
Beautiful viewing points, accessible by a short walk.
Fully stocked bar with snacks and friendly staff.