Junie 2013 - Murraysburg

The Trans Karoo is in its third running this
year and takes place every two years. This
year it will be from Sat 22nd to Thurs 27th June 2013. The tour is held over 5 days and each year the
route changes. It leads mountain bikers through approximately 500 kilometers of this beautiful region,
the Karoo, in the Eastern Cape. The entire route sticks to good gravel roads so the level of technical
riding is kept to the minimum.
Fund Raising
The bike trailer we will be transporting your bikes on this year was a result of the 2009 tour. In 2011 Isithembiso Home for
Abandoned babies – Walmer, benefitted from the tour to the sum of R10 000.
This year we hope to successfully raise funds to touch the Emmanuel Children’s Home and Youth Care Centre in Middleburg
http://emmanuelhome.blogspot.com and create a better life for these disadvantaged children and the influx of new children,
recently placed in the home. The funds raised will be administered by the charity TOUCH AFRICA, a section 21 company Non
Profit organization whose primary focus is children and the Emmanuel Childrens Home is in alignment with the ethos of this
reputable charity . (check out www.touchafrica.info )
Charity
Emmanuel Children’s Home will be the beneficiaries from the fund raising this year. For every R1000 raised over and above your
R3800 entry fee, the rider can choose to redeem R500 from his entry fee up to a limit of R3000 or donate it to the charity itself.
The Ride All riders start together at 09h00 and may ride in pairs or in ability groups. There will be a number of backup vehicles
stationed along the route, with a sweep minibus and trailer for anyone who wishes to ride in a relay with a partner, or for those
who feel that they are done for the day. For the 2013 tour we expect to reach the end of the day’s ride by 15h00
Focus on the Rider The Trans Karoo is organised so that if riders feel they would like to do more kilometers than presented,
riders may double back to join groups behind them. A logistics crew will be on hand to assist you with the transport of bags,
bedding, showers, food etc. A mechanic will be on hand to assist you with any bike problems during the ride and after the ride,
and certain equipment can be purchased from the mechanic if the need arises. One or two masseurs can be booked after each
day’s riding at a small fee. Everyone is asked to supply a sleeping bag, pillow, blanket and sleeping mat or stretcher as some of
the remote farm houses do not have sufficient beds for everyone. If you regard your own privacy as important, please bring your
own small tent. Carbo-loaded breakfasts and dinners and ride nutrition will all be provided. If you have any special dietary
requirements, please bring them with you.
New Route Every Year The route of the Trans Karoo changes every year and riders will see wide open Karoo plains, majestic
mountains, ravines, indigenous forests and the golden valleys. The route is characterised by dusty roads, a few strenuous rocky
uphills and ‘leg breathing’ flowing downhills. One mustn’t forget the beautiful Karoo night skies. At this time of the year, the
weather in this region can vary from snow with westerly winds to 25 degrees with warm northerlies, blowing one all the way to
the coast, so come prepared for both conditions, particularly the cold.
After 10yrs one would have done all ‘5 fingers’ of the Trans Karoo, 5 different routes all covering 500km, and by then
you’ll know the Karoo LIKE THE BACK OF YOUR HAND! Hopefully after completing this finger, you’ll be enthused to do the
final two.
Duration: 5 nights / 5 days – GUIDED plus a day travelling to the start. (included in the entry) Dates 2013: Saturday22nd h
(8.30am) to Thursday 27th June (approx. 4pm)
Start – Finish: Woodridge Schools (Van Stadens Gorge approx. 35km from Port Elizabeth)
Accommodation: 5 nights in farm houses (beds for some, possibly), shearing sheds & tents if you enjoy your own privacy.
Tour: Approximate distances –
· Day 1 to Nieu Bethesda 90km
· Day 2 to Camdeboo Valley (nr Graaff-Rienet) Farm 100km
· Day 3 to Baroe (nr Jansenville) 110km
· Day 4 to Groot Poort (near Steytlerville)100km
· Day 5 to Woodridge 100km.
The routes are mostly gravel roads but occasionally double track dirt roads. Riding surface is not technically demanding but skill
is required, and fitness, to handle the long rides and elevation. Trip includes: Transport and padkos to Middleburg. 5 nights
lodging, all dinners as shown in the itinerary, picnic lunches, breakfasts, road book with maps and route profiles, luggage
transport, support vehicle and bike trailers, energy bars, soft drinks and a post tour DVD.
Entries are open to the 1st 40 entries and will be based on a 1st come 1st serve basis. Your entry
will only be accepted once full payment has been made. FROOF OF PAYMENT TO BE EMAILED
billy.teeton@woodridge.co.za OR SMS 083 659 3903. Please check transkaroo mtbtour FACEBOOK
page for updates on places still available or contact me direct.
Price: R3800 per person –
ACCOUNT DETAILS:(acc.name), Woodridge Trust,
Standard Bank, Account number 080372120
Branch code 050 017, Reference: (surname)trans
Entries close at 40 riders and interest has exceeded expectations.
If you have any questions with this regard, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
Billy Teeton
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