ROAD TO DESOLATION 2024

• All bicycles welcome except E-bikes. NO E-bikes allowed unfortunately  
• 4 Refuel stations on Route ROAD TO DESOLATION 
• 1 Refuel station on Route TASTE OF DESOLATION
• Any emergency race support or assistance will be withdrawn at 18:00 Saturday 13 July
• GPX file will be sent via email leading up to race day
• There will be a top 3 podium for a men’s category & a women’s category (Equal prizes for both podiums)

We encourage all participants to treat ROAD TO DESOALTION as a self-supported race / ride. There will be route markings, please ensure you have the correct GPX loaded before the race. The safety & well-being of our riders are a priority, there will be a medical support vehicle on route & ambulance in case of emergencies. Please be sure to save necessary emergency contact numbers provided via email & at registration.
 

ENTRY FEE

• ROAD TO DESOLATION (Early Bird) - R 750 
• ROAD TO DESOLATION - R1000
• TASTE OF DESOLATION (Early Bird) - R600
• TASTE OF DESOLATION - R900
• ROAD TO DESOLATION - R1400 (Late Entry - after 1st July)
• TASTE OF DESOLATION - R1000 (Late Entry - after 1st July)
   
• Entries only available online via Quicket
• Substitutions will be charged an additional R250, no substitutions after 30th June.
• No refunds
• Event cancelation due to any unforeseen issues, all entries will automatically carry over to following year

RACE ENTRY INCLUDES

• Goodies Bag - Follow community connect for goodies announcements 
• Entry to National Park
• Food voucher for post race dinner
• ROAD TO DESOLATION Musette
• Race Number 
• On route Medical support vehicle & ambulance
• Equal prizes for men’s & women’s podiums - Follow Community Connect for prize announcements 

REGISTRATION

• 12th July 2pm - 7pm Lot 44, 44 Sommerset Street 6280 Graaff-Reinet
• Last minute 13th ofJuly 5:00am - 5:30am Lot44, 44 Sommerset Street 6280 Graaff-Reinet

COMPULSORY KIT & GEAR

• Fully charged front & rear bicycle lights Lights to be capable of minimum 3 hours
• Helmet
• Windbreaker
• Thermal layers (Baselayer, arm warmers or long sleeve jersey, leg warmers)
• Buff
• Gloves
• Emergency Survival blanket (Space blanket)
• Fully charged phone with saved emergency contacts (To conserve battery, leave phone in ‘Flight mode’)
• Food, Nutrition & Hydration
• Hydration - Minimum 1.5L capacity (Bottles or bladder or both)
• Race Number (Mounted as specified)
• GPS device for route navigation & time tracking
• Camdeboo National Park Day visitor permit (or Wildcard)

DNF (DID NOT FINISH) / RETIRING FROM THE RACE

Should you need to drop out of the race, you have to notify a race official immediately. If you leave the course and fail to notify race officials, you will be banned from participating in the future (unless assisted from the course by the race medic) Please report to race organizer or race officials when finished. Contacts provided on entry & at registration on Friday evening.

ENVIRONMENT

• Leave no trace & take no souvenirs
• Race participants are responsible for anything they discard, goes into a bin
• Please respect & be aware of other road users, especially on descents and blind corners
   

  Attending ROAD TO DESOLATION & participating in ROAD TO DESOLATION, all participants do so at their own risk. Community Connect, organizer/s, volunteers, staff and sponsors take no responsibility for any loss, damage, injuries or deaths. 

  Community Connect recommends that you arrange your own personal accident insurance, ambulance cover and income protection insurance before participating in the Event to cover any unforeseen personal costs you may incur due to ambulance trips, medical expenses or time off work due to injuries sustained whilst participating in the Event. As a ROAD TO DESOLATION participant, you are responsible for yourself and should know the rules and regulations of the race. You need to be able to clearly evaluate your mental and physical abilities. You need to be sufficiently trained and keep with you all the necessary & compulsory equipment, gear & kit. 

  In entering any of Community Connect events, participants acknowledge and agree to all of the above.

FAQ

When is Registration?

12 July (Friday) 2pm – 7pm at LOT44, 44 Sommerset street, Graaff-Reinet

What are the routes like?

Desolation (178km): The course is approximately 85% on unpaved gravel surfaces. The surface varies from hard-packed and fast to loose and rocky. There are several river and stream crossings that can be tricky. Water can be ankle high in places. The first 1/4 of the course constitutes more than 1/3 of the climbing. There are three climbs amongst the gradually rolling terrain. The last 1/3 is more downhill than uphill but finishes with a very steep tar climb to the Valley of Desolation.
 
A Taste Of Desolation (65km): The course is approximately 53% on unpaved gravel surfaces. The surface varies from hard-packed and fast to loose and rocky. The Roodewal Loop begins on beautifully smooth gravel but culminates in a long technical climb before rejoining the tar. The route finishes with a very steep tar climb to the Valley of Desolation

What bike should I bring?

ROAD TO DESOLATION: (178km):  Gravel bikes with drop handlebars will be the best choice on the route. But all bikes are allowed. 

TASTE OF DESOLATION (65km): All bikes are allowed, Mountain Bikes are good, but you will be fastest on a pure-bred gravel bike.

NO E-BIKES! – Unless you have a medical condition – please speak to us. 

Overall the course is favourable for 1:1 gear ratio. But with the climb at the end we recommend something slightly easier.

What's the weather like in the area?

The weather in the Karoo can be unpredictable.
In Graaff-Reinet the weather in July is generally perfect, with pleasant temperatures and low rainfall. July falls within the winter season. Throughout the daytime, temperatures often hover around 19°C (show in °F). However, as the sun sets and evening approaches, there’s a noticeable cool-down, with temperatures gently dropping to a more temperate 5°C. While this is the time of year with slightly cooler averages, it remains comfortably warm.

Graaff-Reinet in July usually receives low rainfall, averaging around 19 mm (show in inches) for the month. Rain is expected on roughly 3 days.

What should I wear?

It’s mandatory to wear a helmet, the race number and have fully charged front and rear lights fitted on the bike. Everything else is hard to say, it’s the Karoo, and the weather is unpredictable. At the time of year, there could be strong winds but most likely sunny skies. There are low water bridges so your feet might get wet. On a great day shorts and short sleeves are terrific but bringing arm warmers and a gilet or jacket is always wise as things can turn in a matter of minutes. YOu probably want to start with something seriously warm. 

Is the race self supported?

We encourage all participants to treat The Road to Desolation as a self-supported race/ride and entry is at your own risk. The safety and well-being of our riders is however paramount. There will be a medical support vehicle & ambulance en route in case of emergencies. Please be sure to save the necessary emergency contact numbers provided via email and at registration.

Will the course be marked?

Yes. The course will be marked, however it's important to load the route onto your cycling computer if possible as we'll be riding on remote roads.

How many water points are there? And what do they offer?

There will be 4 water points in the long race and 1 water point in the short race. We urge you to bring the nutrition you normally use. That said, the water points will be stocked with fluids, and assorted food. Please make sure you have what you need in order to fix mechanical failures out on the course. Things like extra tubes, plugs, pump, hex keys, etc.

Can I use my cellphone?

Reception in the Sneeuberg Mountains is sparse. However, we insist that all riders carry their cellphones and keep them on at all times. Should something happen out on course, it's important to be able to ask a rider to call course staff at the next available spot. 

How do I get to Graaff-Reinet?

The best way will be by car but Graaff-Reinet has a Private Airport as well. The closest commercial Airport is Port Elizabeth about 2.5hrs away. Please contact us to arrange a shuttle or shared rides. 

What are stores like in Graaff-Reinet?

Graaff-Reinet is a small town, and importantly, does not have a bike shop. However, there are very limited spares available at Botha’s Garage in town. Please bring what you need. You'll find convenience stores, gas stations and restaurants but be aware of opening hours. The stores will not be open before the majority of riders head out on race day. Make sure to get what you need in advance.

What can my family and friends do while I’m racing? 

We reccomend to spectate in Nieu Bethesda as well as up to the finish on top of the The Valley of Desolation. We will offer a shuttle to the top of the valley for all day guests on raceday free of charge. – since we are welcome in a national park all you will have to cover is the conservation fee on the day. If they don’t care about the race – The town has a great opportunity for walking and running and numerous other interesting things to do from Museums to shops and restaurants.