Lindani will once again be hosting our annual Top of the Waterberg Gravel Ride on the 29th of October. We have three routes planned: 130km, 42km, and 16km, which will take you around the beautiful Waterberg escarpment. In addition to riding with wildlife on Lindani, those doing the 130km and 42km will also be treated to riding a beautiful new section through Jembisa private reserve as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxxwmPDI8xYu0026feature=youtu.be
Date: 29th October 2022
Venue: Lindani Game & Lodges (Motseng lodge), Vaalwater, Limpopo (2½hr drive from Pretoria)
GPS: 24o03’03.52”S, 28o20’31.17”E
Distances: 130km (Ages 19years & older) | 42km (15years & older) | 16km (All ages)
Terrain: Gravel Road and Jeep tracks. Gravel Bikes will be fine on all the terrain but some sections are better suited to mountain bikes.
E-Bikes welcome
ENTRTY
Enter online on EntryNinja or ROR events: https://www.entryninja.com/events/78219-top-of-the-waterberg-gravel
130km – R470
42km – R350
16km – R250
All Entrants will receive a pair of custom VERSUS socks and all finishers will receive a Top of the Waterberg medal.
Online Entries Close Midnight Wednesday 26th October 2022
CSA sanctioned Event for 130km and 42km Distances
CSA license applies. R50 day license for non-licensed riders
Number Collections & Late Entries
Date Friday 28th October
Time 16h00 to 18h00
Venue Lindani Game & Lodges (Motseng lodge, gate no1
Date Saturday 29th October
Time 05h00 to 05h45
Venue Lindani Game & Lodges (Motseng lodge, gate no1)
PRIZES
All finishers will receive a Top of the Waterberg Medal.
130 km
• 1st Men overall – 2 nights stay at Jembisa private reserve for 4 people in Samia Cabin
• 1st Lady Overall – 2 nights stay at Lindani for 4 people out of peak season in either Bushcamp, Thabeng, Impala or Bushbuck cottage.
43 km
• 1st Men overall – 2 nights stay at Lindani for 4 people out of peak season in either Bushcamp, Thabeng, Impala or Bushbuck cottage.
• 1st Lady Overall – 2 nights stay at Jembisa private reserve for 4 people in Samia Cabin
Podium Presentation for the different categories of the three distances (no cash prizes)
EVENT PROGRAM Saturday 29th October
• 06h00 130 km
• 08h00 42 km
• 08h10 16 km
Depending on the number of E-Bike entries, the organiser’s will use their discretion as to whether E-Bikes will start 10min before the start of each distance or together.
Prize giving and podium presentation will take place once all categories of a distance have finished
ACCOMMODATION
• Lindani Game & Lodges – There are many self-catering lodges, a luxury tented camp as well as camping to choose from. Book online www.lindani.co.za or contact the office on 083 631 5579 or info@lindani.co.za for list of options
• Jembisa – There are catered and self-catering options available. Book online www.jembisa.com or contact the office on 082 570 8474 or reservations@jembisa.com for their special race rates.
• For a comprehensive list of other accommodation options in area contact the Lindani office on 083 631 5579 or info@lindani.co.za and request for the list of places to stay for the race.
** Be sure to book your accommodation early as there is another fund raising school event happening in Vaalwater on the same day **
ROUTES
130 km (19 years and older)
Distance 130 km Climbing:1760 m
Route Description
A beautifully scenic ride traversing the Waterberg escarpment. Starting and finishing at Lindani, the route travels in a clockwise direction around the Phalala River catchment. Early on into the route, riders will have the opportunity to enjoy riding through the beautiful private reserve of Jembisa, where you might chance a view of some game or the spectacular Phalala River valley. After exiting Jembisa private reserve at the 22km mark, the route climbs steadily for about 70km on good district roads all the way to the top of Geelhoutkop (named after the yellow wood trees that grow there). Enjoy some stunning views before descending all the way back down to Lindani. There is a bite of a climb at 103km just to remind you that it’s not all freewheeling back home. The last 12 km through Lindani game farm is a real treat, where you will again have a chance to view wildlife while riding your bike. The final 3km section is on a fun flowing single track that will see you to the finish.
Water Points
There will be six well stocked water points for replenishing.
The water points are at 22km, 43km, 67km, 85km, 102km, and 118km
Although there are sufficient, well stocked water points, PLEASE ensure you carry sufficient Hydration and Nutrition BETWEEN water points.
130km cyclists to carry 2 water bottles
Road condition
Mostly in good riding condition with the odd very short rocky, corrugated, or sandy patch.
Cut Off Times
At 85km – 13h30
42km (15 years and older)
Distance 42 km Climbing: 500 m
Route Description
Be ready for a most enjoyable scenic 42km ride through a beautiful part of the Waterberg. Starting from Lindani, the route begins with a nice 12km flat stretch on district roads though the Melkrivier Valley, to warm up the legs. Riders will then be treated to a beautiful 10km section through Jembisa private reserve where you might chance a view of some game or the spectacular Phalala River valley. After exiting Jembisa private reserve, you will be treated to stunning views of the Lindani cliffs on your right, and the Phalala River Valley on your left as you head back towards the eastern entrance of Lindani, At 30km you will enter back into Lindani for a most enjoyable 12km section with the opportunity to ride amongst the wildlife. The final 3km section is on a fun flowing single track that will see you to the finish.
Water Points
There will be two well stocked water points for replenishing.
The water points are at 22 km and 32 km
Please be sure to always carry a water bottle to be refilled at the water points.
Road condition Mostly in good riding condition with the odd short patch of rocks or sand.
16km (All Ages)
Distance 16 km Climbing: 250 m
Route Description
16km of super-fun riding that takes place entirely on Lindani game farm, where riders will have the opportunity to ride amongst the wildlife. Although most of the ride occurs on very good farm roads, we have also included two non-technical and most enjoyable single-track sections: one takes you along the beautiful Kopperspruit, and the other is a fun flowing 3km stretch that sees you to the finish.
Road condition
The farm roads are in very good condition for riding. A 4kmand 3km non-technical section of single track is included which is mostly smooth surface, but there is the odd rocky patch where rides can walk if necessary.