Top of the Waterberg Gravel Ride or Run 2023
Date: 28th October 2023
Venue: Lindani Game & Lodges (Gate no 1, Motseng lodge), Vaalwater, Limpopo
2 ¼ hr drive from Pretoria
GPS: 24o03’03.52”S, 28o20’31.17”E
Enter HERE
Online Entries Close Midnight Thursday 26th October 2023
E-Bikes welcome
CSA sanctioned Event for 130km and 42km Ride
CSA license applies. R50 day license for non-licensed riders
Late entries at the venue
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 07h00
Venue Lindani Game & Lodges (Motseng lodge, gate no1)
Entry includes:
Custom Versus socks (excluding 16km Ride and 5km Run)
Medal for all finishers
Start Times:
Gravel Ride
06H00 – 130 km
08H30 – 42 km
08H40 – 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.
Gravel Run
06H15 – 42 km
08H15 – 21km
08H45 – 5 km
Water Tables
Well-stocked water tables for the 130km and 42km ride, and the 42km and 21km Run. High 5 are sponsoring energy drink and gels at all the water tables
Prizes
Prize-giving and podium presentation will take place once all categories of a distance have finished.
Spot Prizes include High5 products, Painted Wolf Wines, Lindani Game & Lodges Accommodation, Jembisa Accommodation, Free entries into next year’s TOTW Trail Run and Mountain Bike events, and more.
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. For catered options book online at www.jembisa.com or for self-catering options book online at www.waterbergselfcatering.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 the area, contact the Lindani office on 083 631 5579, 066 505 8366, or info@lindani.co.za and request for the list of places to stay for the race.
RACE CONTACT DETAILS
For any further race queries contact Alan 073 179 4313 or Dom 083 289 5451
ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS
GRAVEL RIDE
130 km GRAVEL RIDE (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 (Motseng Lodge), 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 they can enjoy the spectacular Phalala River valley below to the left, or have a chance viewing of some game. After exiting Jembisa private reserve, and crossing over the Phalala River, the route climbs steadily for 70km through pristine Waterberg wilderness, interspersed by the odd section of cultivated lands, and orchards of fruit trees. Enjoy beautiful views of the Phalala River catchment as you climb to the highest point of the ride (the 90km mark), at Geelhoutkop, named after the yellow wood trees, that grow there. From here it is mostly 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.
Water Points
There will be seven well-stocked water points for replenishing.
High 5 Energy drink and gels at all water tables.
The water points are at 13km, 22km, 43km, 67km, 84km, 102km, and 117km
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 84km – 13h30
42km GRAVEL RIDE (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 (Motseng Lodge), the route begins with a nice 13km 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 they can enjoy the spectacular Phalala River valley below to the left or have a chance viewing of some game. After exiting Jembisa private reserve, there is a 10km ride on a short piece of tar followed by a stretch of gravel road. There are 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.
Water Points
There will be three well-stocked water points for replenishing.
High 5 Energy drink and gels at all water tables.
The water points are at 13km, 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 GRAVEL RIDE (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 a non-technical and most enjoyable single-track section that takes you along the beautiful Kopperspruit.
Road condition
The farm roads are in very good condition for riding. A 4km non-technical section of single track is included which is mostly smooth surface, but there is the odd rocky patch where riders can walk if necessary.
42km MARATHON GRAVEL RUN
Distance 42.2 km Climbing: 500 m
Route Description
For those wanting to challenge themselves to complete a traditional Olympic distance marathon, we have made this a 42.2km gravel run. Be ready for a most enjoyable scenic run through a very beautiful part of the Waterberg. Starting from Lindani (Motseng Lodge), the route begins with a nice 13km flat stretch on district roads though the Melkrivier Valley. Runners will then be treated to a beautiful 10km section through Jembisa private reserve where they can enjoy the spectacular Phalala River valley below to the left, or have a chance viewing of some game. After exiting Jembisa private reserve, there is a 10km run on a short piece of tar, followed by a stretch of gravel road. There are 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 run amongst the wildlife.
Water Points
There will be three well-stocked water points for replenishing.
High 5 Energy drink and gels at all water tables.
The water points are at 13km, 22 km and 32 km
Please be sure to always carry a hydration pack to be refilled at the water points.
Road condition
District and farm roads in very good running condition. There are also two short stretches of tar road.