#Tankwa Trail

[4x4community]

Longest Gravel Road in SA - Tankwa

Forum: 4x4 Trails / Routes / Clubs Posted By: Bogaards Post Time: 2024/10/29 at 11:42 AM http://dlvr.it/TFr7P5

[therovingrunner]

The Return Of Jan Snow

It’s been a while. Hell, it’s probably been more than 2 years (pre-Covid) since I’ve actually taken the time to write down my thoughts and trail tribulations.

Why? There’s probably a few reasons I could give, from not having time due to work, being fat, lazy, injured or just not motivated to run. Basically LIFE happened.

My last competitive race was the Tankwa Trail in 2021, somewhere in between Stage 2 or 4 of Covid (and stage 6 loadshedding). Covid lead to little or no racing and only social runs with the Wolfpack.

Then events started coming back, and my weekends was spent either marking routes, managing them and then clearing them. Not a whole lot of “me time” to run, other than with my group of mainly primary school learners I started coaching in ‘21, and hell, coach can’t keep up with them unless we do LSD’s (no, not the drug, I don’t need WADA rocking up at my training sessions)

I must confess that the joy I get from coaching, and seeing these youngsters reach their goals, improving or just finding a love for running and trail in specific, has outweighed my own personal needs to some extent.

Have I missed the trail running community? Yes!

Have I missed running & summitting a mountain peak with the Wolfpack (Jon, Jamie, Sam & Colleen)? Yes!

Have I missed reaching that said mountain summit before sunrise and enjoying a cold beer before 9am after a proper trail run? Hell yes!

So let’s back track a little bit. Although I’m lucky enough to play a part in the biggest trail running festival our beautiful country has to offer, UTCT, and got to run a few of the recce runs exploring the route, there has been no major races on my horizon. You get sidetracked by things if there is no real goal race to run. The Otter African Trail Run has been such a integral part of who I am as a trail runner, and the reason I even started running trail, but when that chapter closed in 2019 after Otter number 5, nothing really drew my attention again, other than the Tankwa Trail which is an amazing event with the perfect combo of racing/socializing and having one heck of a trail bash weekend in the Koue Bokkeveld!

With my trusty steed Cole Stanton! We'll be back racing in Nov (or at least attempt to)

Sept ‘22 my running world came crashing down! From harmlessly kicking a soccer ball to hardly being able to walk 50m pain free 2 days later, I underwent back surgery a week later! It felt that my whole being, or that, that defines me as a person in the running community (runner/coach) imploded, and I was house/bed bound for the next 7 weeks.

Coaching happened via preset plans sent on Whatsapp, with the mom’s having to lead sessions and give feed back on times and progress. I’ll forever be thankful for my family (having to deal with old grumpy) and my athletes (having to deal with their mom’s who are apparently much stricter than I am) for sticking with me through this time. We made it out the other side, and they delivered PB’s, records, gold medals and provincial colors the following season!

Rehab followed, and I promised myself I would run one more time before year end! On the 31st of December I laced up my shoes and went for a 5km trot at my happy place down in Cape Agulhas (just don’t tell my physio), a week or to before the set given.

Slowly but surely the running got easier, the pain less and the enjoyment returned, although I still lacked motivation.

Fast forward to May ‘23 and on our way to our annual hunting trip, I bumped in Carel Heroldt, from Dryland Event Management. Over a Karoo thorn bush fire, in a dry riverbed, just off the N1, with a brandy & coke in my hand, a new goal was set! The 2023 edition of the Rhodes Dryland Traverse!

I’ve been lucky enough to run a few Dryland events, 2 Tankwa’s & 2 Traverse’s, so convincing me to run their events is easier than stealing money as a government official or finding dollars in couches at Phala Phala!

So over the next month and a bit I’ll be sharing my “Almost Complete Rookies Guide To Stage Racing”! You can use it if you want, I certainly will be again!

[runridedive]

Dryland MTB Events Move Up in the UCI Categories

Dryland MTB Events Move Up in the UCI Categories

Dryland Event Management’s premier racing events – the Momentum Health Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen, the Momentum Health Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen, and the Momentum Health Cape Pioneer Trek, presented by Biogen – will once again boast Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) status in 2018. For next year though the traditional South African season opening Attakwas Extreme will feature…

[peregrinosupply]

On the moon @archieleeming @si_pocock 🦅⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀#nature #travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #custom #motorcycle #bikelife #ride #trail #rideout // #weekend #friends #mountains #forest #camping #river // #tankwakaroo #nationalpark (en Tankwa Karoo National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/COf624OHl9-/?igshid=r109yrmjtx

[diaspora9ja]

The South African hiking bucket list

Most of us at Escape like to hike. And over time we have gathered a slew of helpful mountaineering ideas: from precisely what to pack on the Fish River Canyon to the variety of steps it takes to sort out the Tankwa Camino.

Here’s a record of most of the South African hikes we have written about, in addition to those we dream of doing quickly. We consider this can be a fairly good indication of what each hiker in South Africa must be aiming for.

Multi-day hikes

1. The mighty Drakensberg

The mountain is a spot of awe and thriller. Secret streams and historic locations. Picture by Teagan Cunniffe.

This mountain vary must be on each hiker’s must-do record. Our 5 consultants have spent plenty of time up there and advocate these nice routes for you.

2. The Tankwa Camino

Our tools editor Melanie seemed happier than she generally felt.

The Tankwa Camino just isn’t straightforward. The route takes you from Calvinia to Ceres by way of the center of the Karoo, and strolling these 256.6 km was the toughest factor our journalist Melanie van Zyl has ever finished. (And she or he’s a troublesome cookie.) Learn her story – and why it was in the end price it – beneath.

3. The Otter Path

A good friend checks the stormy seas. Picture taken from the Oakhurst Cottage Boma. Picture by Chris Davies.

There is not any have to introduce the Otter Path: certainly one of South Africa’s most well-known hikes takes you thru coastal forests, river crossings, and lookouts like this one. Bookings open a 12 months upfront – and promote out rapidly, particularly on dates that are perfect for river crossings. Subsequent 12 months, South Africa’s oldest and hottest mountaineering path will likely be 50 years outdated. We despatched a first-time customer after which acquired them to interview some individuals who all did the Otter Path otherwise.

4. The leopard path

My favourite campsite was solely a 15 minute stroll down the road on the third night time and particularly due to this unimaginable scene. Picture by Teagan Cunniffe.

The Leopard Path takes you thru the huge expanses of Baviaanskloof and is among the newer choices on this record. We lined this 55km slackpacking route in our April situation of this 12 months – click on beneath to see extra gorgeous images of the duty.

5. Fish River Canyon

The Palm (Sulfur) Springs on day 2. Picture by Chris Davies.

If you wish to take the Fish River Canyon hike, you are in luck. This notorious 90 km path is certainly not for the informal packer – and to actually respect the great thing about the realm, it’s worthwhile to be ready. Luckily, now we have a day by day breakdown with survival ideas, images, and solutions so you do not make the identical errors we made.

6. Desk Mountain

Regardless of being so near town, we noticed only a few different individuals for many of the hike. There have been sections the place we felt like we had the mountain to ourselves. Picture by Matthew Stars.

If you do not have the time or cash to do a guided multi-day path, there’s an alternate: a 85-kilometer path over Desk Mountain that you could cowl in three days with no tenting required.

7. Tsitsikamma Path

The hike begins with a stroll on the seaside; then it meanders by way of stunning coastal forest. Picture by Morgan Trimble.

If you cannot get a reserving on the massively widespread Otter Path, this coastal route is a pleasant various. Within the phrases of journalist Morgan Trimble, “The path crosses most of the identical rivers because the Otter, climbing quite a few ridges for six days and 40 miles earlier than reaching the Storms River Bridge, close to which the Otter Path begins. Regardless of its 35-year historical past, the Tsitsikamma continues to be comparatively unknown and by chance, bookings are straightforward to return by. “

8. Mountaineering trails in Kruger

Left: our homes for 3 nights. Every A-frame can accommodate two and a complete of 4. In case you do not absolutely guide the eight-person strolling tour, you’ll be able to hook up with individuals you do not know. Proper: On all hikes you can be accompanied by two skilled rangers who’re armed with rifles.

Sure there’s multiple! From multi-day wilderness trails to day hikes, seeing Kruger at eye degree is a very completely different expertise, in line with Melanie van Zyl.

9. Inexperienced Mountain Path

The Inexperienced Mountain Path is a brand new luxurious slack-packing choice at Overberg and combines two of our favourite issues: rolling mountains and wine tasting. It was Welcome Lishivha’s first expertise of a multi-day hike and we consider he will likely be spoiled for all times.

10. Limpopo / Mpumalanga mountaineering path

Hikers look out over the granite summit of Thabaphaswa from The Lookout. Picture by Shaen Adey.

In contrast to the opposite hikes on this record, this can be a self-drive route that takes every week or extra. Nevertheless it connects the 5 greatest mountaineering trails in Limpopo and Mpumalanga and takes you thru a number of the most stunning surroundings in South Africa.

11. Fringe of Africa

The sting of Africa is among the longest hikes on the continent, however it may be finished in nine-week sections. Picture from the sting of Africa.

We have not been on the mountaineering path on the sting of Africa but, however we needed to point out it: it is absolute bucket record materials. Your complete hike that connects the Cederberg and Outeniqua mountains is nearly 650 km and takes about three months. Nevertheless, most individuals sort out it in sections which might be wherever from 60 to 100 km every.

12. Addo Nationwide Park

There aren’t any guided trails in the primary play space of ​​Addo because the bush is simply too dense. For the reason that Massive 5 could also be lurking behind a thicket, it is not secure. However there are different sections in Addo which might be secure for strolling within the wild. Picture by Melanie van Zyl.

There are solely two locations you’ll be able to hike in Addo: both the breathtaking day trails on the slopes of the fynbos-clad mountains within the Zuurberg part, or, when you’re match and powerful, a two-day coastal path into the Woody Cape Part.

13. Genadendal Path

The Genadendal Path is a reasonably robust two-day hike with little shade, however the flower-decked mountain slopes, altering views, and refreshing swimming holes make it unforgettable.

Day hikes

14. The three peaks of Desk Mountain

Do you assume you might be robust sufficient This 9 hour hike takes you from Satan’s Peak alongside the saddle to Maclear’s Beacon after which down the terrifying face of Kloof Nook to Lion’s Peak. As Chris Davies says, “It isn’t a hike for the faint of coronary heart, however if you’re fairly match, not afraid of heights, and (importantly) can discover somebody who has finished the troublesome sections earlier than, it’s troublesome to think about your self extra thrilling and rewarding option to hike Desk Mountain. “

15. Mountaineering the Hennops Path

The wobbly suspension bridge crosses the Hennops River. Picture by Melanie van Zyl.

Solely 40 minutes away from Joburg you can find streams, hills and fantastic views. There are two primary hikes in addition to a shorter path that’s appropriate for kids. There are many landscapes to soak in and a swimming pool to splash round after the hike. Convey your playmates collectively, set a date and strap in your tekkies.

16. Wandering lion head

Overlooking Camps Bay for the sundown. Picture by Teagan Cunniffe.

Based on our picture editor Teagan Cunniffe, there isn’t a higher place in Cape City to look at the solar go down than Lion’s Head. Once we take a look at their images we’re inclined to agree.

17. Mountaineering in Clarens

You may simply see why the route that passes this rock is named the “Mushroom Stroll”. Picture by Melanie van Zyl.

There are 4 mountaineering trails inside the grounds of St. Fort Nation Home in Clarens. The paths that climb the sandstone hills that encompass the quaint nation home differ of their bodily issue and there’s something for everybody. ‘Mushroom Hike’ is a beautiful brief stroll previous Mielie fields, alongside a willow-filled river, then over gravel paths and a ladder to the shapely rock of the identical identify pictured above.

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[pinkguacamole]

Choose Your Own Adventure: The Garden Route, South Africa

Another Wrong-Side-of-the-Road-Trip

When I left Afrikaburn, I did not have anything planned. I’d been in the desert for 11 days with no internet. I did not even know when I would be leaving Afrikaburn because the car I’d come in had a bit of a mishap and my friends and I were waiting for a new rental car to arrive. I figured I’d somehow find a place to stay in Capetown when the time was right.

The car arrived late Sunday evening, and on Monday morning, my South African friends Ryan, J, and Monica, and I piled in, sore and dusty, finally leaving the Tankwa Karoo and 11 incredible days behind us. 

On our way back to the “default world,” the dusty road soon became majestic rocky mountains and cell phone reception eventually returned. We ate a gluttonous meal at a very racist restaurant called Spurs. (The theme is Native American -WTF? It is a chain all over South Africa). We just wanted warm food and cold drinks desperately. During the meal, one of my friends, Monica, talked to her dad who has a house in the beach town of Hermanus and he invited us to come to his home and decompress! 

All of us were euphoric to accept the offer. A nice house! With warm showers! A home cooked meal! A beautiful beach town! It was exactly what we needed.

When we arrived at Monica’s family home, we all took time to clean up and relax. Her father loved Jazz and played standards from his iPad all night, urging me to sing along. We ate a traditional South African Braai- a barbecue of many meats and thankfully many vegetarian options as well.  After a night of singing and the color coming back to our chalky cheeks, we all had a nice, hard sleep. 

The next day I did laundry using the family’s washer and dryer (it’s the small victories!) and then Monica’s father drove us around Hermanus, showing us the gorgeous beach scenes from down below, and up above on one of the rocky mountains. It was a perfect day. 

That afternoon, my South African friends had to leave to fly back to Johannesburg and I needed to find a place to stay in Capetown. As I was researching where to go, my Canadian friend Sam, whom I spent a lot of time hanging out with at Afrikaburn, messaged me and asked if I wanted to join her and her friend Josh on a road trip on the Garden Route for a few days. I said I couldn’t be back in Capetown in time. She asked where I was and it turns out Hermanus was on the way! So once my South African friends departed, I waited by the beach for my Canadian friends to scoop me up. Talk about serendipity! 

That evening our team of North Americans drove to a quiet beach town near Agulhas National Park where the Southern-Most tip of Africa is located. We stayed at a sweet Airbnb and attempted to cook canned-food in the microwave. Not too bad. 

The next morning, we walked through Agulhas National Park, along the coast. The pebbled-shore was glowing nicely in the morning light. There was a lighthouse looking out over the point and it shone brightly against a misty view. We found the southern-most tip of Africa and the accompanying landmark, climbed on the rocks, and took some photos. 

Then we drove for a really long time. We saw some elephants along the road at one point! We listened to music that was popular before 2011, because Josh’s phone deleted everything current. There was some One Direction in the mix. It was your typical road trip music…

By late afternoon we made it to Wilderness, South Africa. Yes, that is the name of the town. It wasn’t as abandoned as it sounds, but it was surrounded by gorgeous beaches and dense forest. The afternoon was foggy and we frolicked on the cold and misty beach. It looked so much like my foggy coastal Californian home; it almost made me homesick. 

That evening when we went out for dinner, we met a cool South African guy who was looking to move to Canada. My Canadian friends gave him all the tips he needed and he in turn told us all about Wilderness. 

The next day we entered Garden Route National park. We rented some kayaks and paddled down the Touwsrivier to the waterfall at the end of Giant King Fisher Trail. I was double kayaking with Sam and as we were mostly in-sync, she encouraged me to sing Pocahontas songs while we rolled through the morning haze. My life has pretty much become the musical I always hoped it would be. No complaints.

We hiked through the damp forest at the end of the river and climbed to the waterfall. Everything was beautiful. And everything still reminded me of California. This all looked like Pescadero State Park where I spent my childhood at Girl Scout Camp. 

After we made it back to our starting point and returned the kayaks, we stopped in town for a nice meal and to see our South African friend again. Then we drove off, back west towards the Cape of Good Hope. We continued to gawk at the views along the way. It was sunny now and the beach had a whole new persona. On the way, we had passed through Mitchell’s Plain, which is apparently one of the most dangerous townships in South Africa. It was dark and a bit eerie, but we were fine. 

That evening we arrived in a small town called Glencairn. The name sounds Scottish and the town resembled a northern Scottish fishing village. We were staying at an old hotel that was apparently haunted. Despite the ghosts, it was well-priced and a clean, spacious retreat. There was live music at the bar one night and the guy who ran the place took a special interest in us because we were from out of town. He gave us free drinks as he tried to discuss Donald Trump and America with me. I was so burnt out of this damn conversation and my Canadian friends did a great job defending me. It was bleh. But hey, free drinks… 

On our second to last day of the trip we took it slow. We had a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe and then drove a few minutes into Simon’s Town to see… PENGUINS at Boulders Beach. The penguins were so cute and silly as they waddled around, posing for zillions of photos as hoards of tourists packed along the beach with selfie sticks and DSLRs. 

After we got our fill of adorableness, we continued down the coast to The Cape of Good Hope in Table Mountain National Park. After paying another entrance fee, we drove to the Cape as the weather turned windy and rainy. 

At the Cape, we climbed up on some cliffs but the rocks were slippery and the wind was insane. Then we went back to the bottom to wait as buses of tourists funneled out of the area so we could get a photo with the “Cape of Good Hope” sign. All the important things. 

Then Josh and Sam took a tram up into the mist for some more views as I sat on the edge of the world with some pizza. I was craving melted cheese. So were some of the birds nearby. Not once, but twice, did two birds flap by and grab some pizza right out of my hand. They are pros. I felt like the fat guy from Lilo and Stitch who is always dropping his ice cream. Let’s be real, I am that fat guy.

Once we left the bottom of the world, we stopped in Simon’s Town for a sweet cafe meal and then drove to Long Beach Kommetjie. This was a little beach town covered in white cottages. The beach was spectacular, resting under the glorious mountains of Chapman’s Peak. By this point, we were all becoming over stimulated by the ridiculous amount of INCREDIBLE scenery we had seen in the past few days. We were surrounded by “neature” as the Canadians say. We hopped around taking photos. We were joined for a while by two cute little terrier dogs running on the beach. They were so excited and it was hard to not feel my heart exploding. We left the beach in a satisfied daze.

The next morning we were to return to Capetown, via the Chapman’s Peak road. And my goodness, the views just got prettier from there. The mountains epically sloped into the ocean as a layer of mist hugged each peak. I have hundreds of photos; it was impossible to select 10 for this post. We stopped the car every few feet to take more photos and drink in the majesty. It was absurd. 

We ended our trip with a charming breakfast and Mimosa Toast next to Hout’s Bay. 

That afternoon, I split with the Canadians and moved into a hostel in Capetown in an attempt to process my fantastic and fast-paced month in South Africa and prepare for my travels in Namibia and onward. I organized some photos and ran some errands. I even explored a bit. Luckily I had a hostel dorm all to myself! My solitude didn’t last long, though. Two of my brothers from Peace Corps Madagascar were in Capetown and I went out with them a few times, then on my last day in South Africa, I met an American girl and we visited Table Mountain, one of the prime attractions in Capetown. We took a tram to the top of the windy mountain and spent an hour walking around the top doing my new standard activity of “gawking at grandiose views.” 

Once we’d thoroughly appreciated the glory of Table Mountain and the view of rocky hills, the sea, and the city below, we decided to walk back down. The path was steep and long and rocky, and I was in flip flops… but I am a” super human” -according to many people we passed along the way- (I would have just gone with “stupid and under-prepared…”) But I made it down without any issues!

After some more chill time with some friends, old and new, I packed up my bag to head into the next leg of my trip: Namibia.

My time in South Africa was nothing short of phenomenal. I was completely surrounded by amazing people and scenery every step of the way. It was the perfect “choose your own adventure story” but I learned that I could literally not make any wrong moves in South Africa. Everywhere I went was breath-taking and fantastic. 

Oddly enough though, I felt like I was in a bubble. Traveling in rental cars for days at a time is not how I normally travel. I saw a lot but I felt like I was on “vacation” and I could feel my wallet groaning. I am happy to be on my own, out of South Africa, so I can travel more simply -by taking public transportation and camping and meeting locals along the way.

South Africa has left me feeling revitalized and so excited for the adventures to come. I am feeling completely free and completely in my element. Thank you SA and thank you to all of my wonderful friends that I spent the last month exploring with!

[4x4community]

Southerland to Tankwa Karoo NP via Ouberg Pass

Forum: 4x4 Trails / Routes / Clubs Posted By: Mitsu Fan Post Time: 2024/04/01 at 09:45 AM http://dlvr.it/T4vQXd

[therovingrunner]

Dryland Trail Lab - Reimagined & Innovating

In 2016 Dryland Event Management held the first ever Tankwa Trail Run, straight off the back of their successful Tankwa Trek mountain bike race, thus adding another trail event to their trail calendar which only had the very popular Dryland Traverse Trail Run.

Lets fast forward to 2021, and the reimagined, reinvented Tankwa Trail!

I was invited to the inaugural Dryland Trail Lab hosted by the  Dryland crew, and as with any Dryland event, it was an opportunity not to be missed. True to form, it did not disappoint.

The team is in full swing organising the 2021 edition, and invited a few trail troopers for a test event. 

The directive from the Dryland team was clear, “Do what you have to, and gives us your honest feedback on what we can do to make it even better.”  So basically, run the trails, make fully use of the water points on route, test the gear, drink the beer & wine,  and eat as much as you can, give them feedback and enjoy the experience! Then go to bed in your luxury tent, and do it all over again the next day!

Why so serious? I promise this was the last time I didn’t have a smile on my face the whole weekend! Image Giraffe Creative

20+ runners consisting of mainly Koue Bokkeveld locals, selected media, a camera crew from Bigshot Media, set off the Saturday am for what will be stage 1, roughly 20km (300m+ elevation gain) of undulating trails through beautiful vast open plains scattered with incredible rock formations.

The chosen ones! Image by Giraffe Creative

The “race” briefing given by race director Bernard le Roux clearly stated that no Strava segments was to be chased, and that the entire group will regroup at the water point, roughly 11km into the day’s stage. Oh yes, and if the camera crew stops you and asks you to run back & forth for footage, interviews etc, do it! 

This was all fun and games till they asked you to run back down the hill/valley you just climbed because they missed the shot. It wasn’t all doom & gloom though, and we all gladly did it (while swearing softly in our heads)

Now if you have ever run or rode a Dryland event, you would know their water points/aid stations are better stocked than a Woolies isle. From banana bread, baby potatoes, droëwors, electrolyte drinks and non-alcoholic beer, to sunblock/sunscreen, a comfy chair & views for days to digest. 

Waterpoint vibes! Image by Giraffe Creative

On completion of our day’s run it was time for some beer tasting (the alcoholic type this time around), recovery drinks, a few interviews that had a few feeling like Eminem. “He's nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready,

To drop bombs, but he keeps on forgettin'

What he wrote down, the whole crowd goes so loud

He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out”

A delicious lunch was followed by recovery massages led by EPT next to a natural pool hidden between the rocky outcrops. Cheese and wine anyone? Lunch has barely settled, and out came a platter with a range of snacks, from Sauvignon Blanc to brie and grapes, Shiraz to blue cheese, nuts & cold meats.

Recovery time! Image by Giraffe Creative

Barely back at the race village, braai vleis fires were lit, and it was time to eat again. I swear I weighed more after the weekend than before! Catering at Dryland events are next level, and you’ll have to search far and wide for a more hospitable organising crew out there. 

Day 2 had a slightly later start as we were only running about 16km of the route. Breakfast done, everyone wearing spanking new socks (as requested by the organisers as part of gear testing) we were shipped/bakkie’d off to the start. A mixture of fun undulating singletrack,  one “longish” sandy accent followed by a quick decent to the waterpoint.

The waterpoint as expected from a Dryland event, was a highlight! Stocked to the brim, music in the background, and dance moves demonstrated in the dirt road. 

Flying high! Image by Giraffe Creative

The last few km’s flew by, and all to soon, after another delicious lunch, it was time to say our goodbyes. 

So to cap it all off, what do you get from attending a Dryland Trail Lab or one of their races like the Tankwa Trail? You’ll get a great time, run awesome trails, meet amazing people, make new friends & get spoiled rotten by the Dryland team.

Enter now at www.tankwatrail.co.za

[runridedive]

Bulls Heroes and Faces CST Storm to Tankwa Trek Titles

Bulls Heroes and Faces CST Storm to Tankwa Trek Titles

The Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek presented by Biogen saved the best for last. Both in terms of the trails and the result for the champions, the Bulls Heroes and Faces CST. The men’s yellow jersey wearers further secured their grip on the First Ascent leaders’ jerseys by racing to third on the day; behind their support team and the stage winners, Cannondale Factory Racing. While the women’s…

[runridedive]

Tankwa Trek adds an Additional Stage

Tankwa Trek adds an Additional Stage

Dryland Event Management – the organisers of the Momentum Health Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen, the only UCI S1 category stage race in South Africa – are proud to announce the addition of a 4th stage to the 2019 Tankwa Trek. The new stage will take place on the afternoon of Thursday the 7th of February 2019, followed by Stages 2 through 4 on the 8th, 9th and 10th of February.

“We’re really…

[therovingrunner]

Trail Runners to Tackle the Iconic Mountain Stage in the Tankwa Trail

The ancient rock formations of the Kouebokkeveld and the orchard lined Witzenberg Valley will play host to the second Tankwa Trail, trail running stage race, from the 17th to the 19th of February 2017. Runners will be treated to three days of superb trail running, old-fashioned platteland hospitality, hearty and healthy catering, an oasis like race village, and a mystery mountain stage.

The inaugural Tankwa Trail, which took place in February 2016, received rave reviews from the intimate field of intrepid trail runners who braved the first event. The race saw fast times being maintained throughout the field, with the area’s plethora of mountain bike trails providing trail runners with relatively non-technical running throughout. So for 2017 changes are afoot…

As entrants to the DU TOIT Tankwa Trek, one of the country’s premier three day mountain bike stage races know there are numerous geographical features in the region which could provide a stern test of one’s fitness and skills… and those are only the climbs with roads or established mountain biking trails up them.

Notable peaks in the area include the 1 799 meters tall Merino Monster, which rises like a sentinel over the Kouebokkeveld. While the unexplored summits of the Witzenberg Mountains, which the inaugural route skirted by following an old wagon trail also offer tantalising possibilities. The mountain range within which the Merino Monster falls offers the potential for greater altitude gain, but the peaks of the Witzenberg Mountains provide steeper slopes and dramatic boulder fields. Which will it be then, the long hard slog or the shorter, sharper scramble?              

The decision has been made, but for would be Tankwa Trail runners the wait continues… In the meantime though, race organisers Dryland Event Management suggest implementing a training programme with a focus on hill repetitions to conquer the mountainous Queen Stage of the 2017 Tankwa Trail.

With its new signature challenge the Tankwa Trail is set to become a tough outing for even the most seasoned of trail runners, so it’s a good thing then that the famous Dryland Event Management hospitality will be on hand to ease the runners’ weary legs. The race village is based at the Kaleo Guest Farm, in the Kouebokkeveld, where the tents are pitched on lush lawns under a grove of oak trees and the Kaleo wedding venue plays host to the meals and evenings’ entertainment. The catering is more wedding than sports event too, with scrumptious but healthy boerekos on the menu all weekend. And don’t fret if the term boerekos conjures images of carb and meat heavy meals, all the meals are made with athletes in mind and there are vegetarian and banting options too.

Entries for the 2017 Tankwa Trail are now open and trail runners can enter as a team of two or individually. There are also luxury tented and platinum upgrade options available for those trail runners who prefer to stay in style. For more information, or to enter online visit www.tankwatrail.co.za.

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Tankwa Trail – A Terrain Like No Other

19-21 Feb 2016 sees the inaugural running of the Tankwa Trail, the latest multi-stage trail race from organisers Dryland Event Management. Runners taking part in the historic Tankwa Trail 2016 will be the very first to experience the Koue Bokkeveld from the vantage point of a trail run. This is the heart of deciduous fruit country, a region known for its unforgiving summers and harsh winters, with trails through rocky outcrops, climbs steeper than the imagination, descents with a wicked technical twist and views to cherish forever. Trails, some hand built and smoothly sculpted, others rough and loose will reward the adventurous.

Route profile & breakdown: Stage 1 – 32km, 580m Vertical Ascent

Stage 2 – 35.2km, 900m Vertical Ascent

Stage 3 – 23.6km, 400m Vertical Ascent

Having run previous editions of Dryland Event Management’s crown jewel in their trail arsenal, the Fairview Dryland Traverse, I’m positive that runners will be in for a experience, and the run of a lifetime! So why not join?

Visit www.tankwatrail.co.za for more information Happy Trails!!