Community Supported

 

This is a bike-packing race that supports local communities, and is supported by those communities. Riders must carry everything they require on the bike including mandatory equipment for the duration of the ride. Riders may not receive any personal support/seconding whilst in competition. 

 

• Riders must follow the designated route using GPS to self-navigate. The course is not marked.

• There is food and beds/mattresses/blankets provided at checkpoints (included in entry fee).

• 400 Riders may each pack one 2 litre resupply tub to be handed in at registration. This tub will be available at Two Springs (200km)

• 700 Riders may each pack two 2 litre resupply tubs to be handed in at registration. Tubs available at Two Springs (200km) and Masakala (570km)

• Resupply splits for checkpoints, water sources, shops and accommodation are provided 

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Distance Options

 

• 700km  (12400m Ascent)   -   7 checkpoints   -   40 entry slots available (starts 6 May 2024)

• 400km  (7500m Ascent)   -  4 checkpoints    -   30 entry slots available (two starts 6 & 7 May 2024)

• 200km  (4200m Ascent)   -  3 checkpoints    -   20 entry slots available (starts 7 May 2024)

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Location

 

The race will start and finish at Flitwick Ranch, Swartberg, KZN.  

 

The route traverses the base of the Southern Drakensberg mountains in a ‘circular’ route through Basotholand and the Maloti Mountains. See Routes for more detailed info: 

• 700km

• 400km

• 200km

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Dates and Times

 

Sunday, 5 May 2024

• 15h00 -17h00 Race registration (700 and 400) at Flitwick (conference room)

• 17h00 Race Briefing (700 and 400)

• 18h00 onwards Dinner served (own account)

 

Monday, 6 May 2024

• 06h00 - 07h00 Breakfast served (included)

• 07h30 - Final Q&A in conference room

• 08h00 - 400 and 700 Race start

• 15h00 -17h00 Race registration (200 and 400) at Flitwick (conference room)

• 17h00 Race Briefing (200 and 400)

• 18h00 onwards Dinner served (own account)

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Tuesday, 7 May 2024

• 06h00 - 07h00 Breakfast served (included)

• 07h30 - Final Q&A in conference room

• 08h00 - 200 and 400 Race start

 

 Saturday, 11 May 2024

• 08h00 Race Finish cut-off (all events)

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Cut-offs

 

Final Cut-off

• 120 hours at Finish line (700 and 400)

• 96 hours at Finish line (200)

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There are no official interim cut-offs but any 700 rider departing CP4 - Masakala (280km) after 48hours is heavily advised to short-course themselves.

 

Short Coursing

There are various options to short-course yourself during the race. Riders will still receive an official finish for the shorter event if they choose to short-course themselves. There are no refunds for short-coursing yourself.​

• 700 riders can short-course onto the 400 at the 280km mark (CP4 - Masakala))

• 700 rider can also short course themselves at the 383km mark (Tinana) to save100km of tough riding and they will still receive an official 400 finish (if they finish within 120 hour cut-off)

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Entry Fees

 

700km Race 

• Early entry        R6000  (fully paid by 30 June 2023)

• Normal entry    R7000

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400km Race

• Early entry       R5000  (fully paid by 30 June 2023)

• Normal entry   R6000

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200km Race

• Early entry       R3000  (fully paid by 30 June 2023)

• Normal entry   R4000

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Entry Fee Includes

• Meals/food at checkpoints

• Beds/mattresses/blankets/towels at checkpoints

• Meal at finish

• Live satellite tracking during competition

• Emergency support and first aid

• Access to all professional event photos and videos

• Event t-shirt

• Event cap

• Event buff

• Finishers trophy (mini Basotho hat)

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Entry Fee Excludes

• Accommodation before and after race

• Accommodations during event other than at official checkpoints

• Trail food, energy bars, Coca-cola etc. on sale at checkpoints

• Cost of any mechanical support during event. Rider is responsible for cost of any spares and transport costs related thereto

• Evacuation from route whether emergency or elected (Race office will coordinate logistics but not cost thereof)

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Entry Terms & Conditions

• Deadline for early entry is 30 June 2023 (fully paid)

• Deadline for normal entry is 12 April 2024 (fully paid)

• Entry slot only secured once min 50% deposit paid 

• Withdrawal before 12 April receives 90% refund or 100% rollover credit 

• Withdrawal before 30 April receives 40% refund or 60% rollover credit 

• Withdrawal after 30 April is non-fundable nor ‘roll-overable’

• If event does not take place due to Force Majeure, pandemic or political unrest then rollover to postponed date or following year will be offered at no extra cost or 75% cash refund option

• By entering the event you agree to abide by race rules and sign indemnity form

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Getting There

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Driving

Start/Finish venue is 280km from Durban and 650km from JHB. Secure parking will be available at start/finish venue during competition. The last 7km to Flitwick Ranch is on a good gravel road and usually very accessible with small cars. 

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Find Flitwick Ranch on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3u2NQqRubgRxox148

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Accommodation and Meals

 

Riders and family members are responsible for all pre and post race accommodation and this must be booked directly. Pre-race accommodation is on a first come first serve basis. The rooms will be blocked for other bookings on the days riders finish so you can book accommodation for the night you finish after you finish. 

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There is a Deli Restaurant at Flitwick Ranch. They will be preparing a Buffet Dinner and breakfast before the race. You will receive information on booking for these closer to the time. Event organisers will provide a meal on the finish-line. All other meals can be ordered from the Deli. Luxury rooms and cottages also have a fridge, microwave, cutlery and crockery etc.

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Flitwick are kindly offering riders a 30% discount on all accommodation.

Use the following promo code to take advantage of this discount offer: FREEDOM

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• Host venue - Flitwick Ranch - Click HERE to book room(s)

• Various other options - https://www.underberg-accommodation.co.za

 

Note:

• Flitwick has 19 luxury double rooms

• There are 13 additional beds within the luxury rooms

• There are 6 bunk rooms (referred to as the Horse Stables) with two double bunks in each and shared ablutions - these are not on the booking site so contact Flitwick directly to book them - we advise max 2 adults per room.

• There are two additional cottages on the farm - contact Flitwick directly to book

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