JANUARY • FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL • MAY • JUNE • JULY • AUGUST • SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER • DECEMBER
Bike
Ride the Karoo
100 / 50 Miler
WHEN 3-5 March
WHERE Dwarsvlei Farm , Middelburg , EC
WHY Spend two nights under the Karoo stars , feast on traditional Karoo food – and explore the Sneeuberg region on a challenging ride through typical Karoo ‘ windpomp ’ scenery .
Algarve Bike Challenge
WHEN 10-12 March
WHERE Tavira , Portugal
WHY A great test of endurance , resolve and skill – with the staggering beauty of the Algarve ’ s sunshine landscape as the perfect antidote to the demands of off-road racing . Two-person teams explore the amazing trails , staying overnight in the coastal town of Tavira for an unforgettable Portuguese experience
Transcape
WHEN 4-10 March
WHERE George to Bot River , WC
WHY The perfect balance of hardcore riding and off-bike luxury – and a great way to see the back roads of the Cape as part of a limited group of passionate riders .
Tour de Addo – Best of Darlington Dam
WHEN Trip 1 : 22- 26 March ; Trip 2 : 29 March – 2 April
WHERE Addo Elephant National Park , EC
WHY You get to spend five days riding in the heart of the National Park , accompanied by armed rangers with a lead and sweep vehicle to ensure safe passage for all .
Race to
Willowmore
WHEN 22-26 March
WHERE Cradock to Willowmore , EC
WHY It ’ s the third ‘ quarter ’ of the Freedom Challenge Race across South Africa ( see Ed ’ s Choice ) and takes you through the untamed Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area . You cover 550km adventure in six days on what ’ s a tough test of physical and mental endurance .
Port to Port
WHEN 30 March – 2 April
WHERE NSW , Australia
WHY Explore the Hunter Valley , Lake Macquarie and Newcastle regions on a range of trails . None of the riding is overly technical , so it ’ s perfect for riders of all abilities who want to spend time on a bike with Aussie mates .
Race to Cradock ED ’ S
WHEN 13-17 March 2023
CHOICE
WHERE Rhodes to Cradock , EC
WHY Most riders have yet to explore the untamed wilderness that ’ s traversed by the Freedom Challenge Race Across South Africa . Surely one of the most magnificent races on earth , it ’ s a non-stop , 2 150km route between Pietermaritzburg and Wellington that riders need to navigate by means of maps , compass and narrative directions ( with no GPS for assistance !). The organisers offer four ‘ smaller ’ events as well , each along about a quarter of the overall route . The RTC is a 580km adventure through the Stormberg region of the Eastern Cape that you have six days to complete . Contact the organisers to find out about ultra distance talks and introduction rides by experienced riders – there ’ s lots to learn about gear , nutrition and navigation . However , there ’ s no greater way to feel , smell , touch and explore this country .
Transcape
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