THE first edition of Ride the Karoo took place last week Saturday, February 23.
Ride The Karoo is a one-day journey of either 160km or 80km of mountain biking through the beautiful Sneeuberg region.
The event welcomed 246 participants, not just from all over the country, but all the way from Italy to the Karoo. On day one, participants collected their complimentary goody bags from Betadine, filled with a cycling shirt, Deetlefs wine and loads of other goodies.
Dinner entailed succulent Karoo lamb chops and delicious side dishes prepared by Vetmuis Plaaskombuis caterers from Richmond NC while the Jimm Harrison Project Band entertained with background music.
Hosting venue, Fairview Farm’s rooster woke everyone up bright and early to a beautiful start to day two. Participants fuelled their bodies with a farmhouse breakfast prepared by the host, Annette van der Merwe, before they set off on their 160km and 80km journeys.
The 160km ride followed a route over Compassberg to the quaint village of Nieu-Bethesda and back with six water points to keep riders hydrated and fuelled for the journey.
Riders thoroughly enjoyed the halfway water point stop in Nieu-Bethesda, hosted by Aunty Evelyn.
They were presented with roosterkoek with curried mince or jam and cheese, homemade ginger beer, fruit and koeksisters. Children sang songs of encouragement while riders came past, adding to the fantastic atmosphere.
The water point at Grootvlei Farm was another highlight, as riders were welcomed with aromas of boerewors and an amazing atmosphere as they passed.
Beulah Meyer and Carina Jordaan went over and above to encourage and fuel participants for the rest of their ride. Saturday evening, participants enjoyed a celebratory lamb potjie dinner and prize-giving to conclude a fantastic riding weekend in the Karoo.
Category winners were as follows:
- 160km
1st Solo Male – Hennie Myburg 05:48:22
1st Solo Female – Tessa Lefrere 07:56:47
1st Men’s Team – Team Abbeydale with Greg Macfarlane and Mike Monteiro 06:47:59
1st Mixed Team – Personal Best with Rob Hill and Adele Conyers 07:35:54
- 80km
1st Solo Male – Meyer Leeb 02:51:49
1st Solo Female – Sharon Fay 03:54:17
The last riders of each distance received a handmade clay “black sheep” crafted by Melinda Bekker, as a token of accomplishment.
