Royal Drakensberg MTB & Trail Running Challenge Final Update April 2018
Race Weekend is upon us!
In this letter:
- Program
- Distance Tweaks
- Social Rides / Runs
- Weather
- Last minute entries and payments
- Directions
1. Program
Friday 6th
| 14:00-18:00 |
Registration for all events at All Out Adventures |
| 15:00 |
Social Ride / Run - Stop at Montusi for tea (or gin!) - Bring cash |
Catering: Coffee shop (toasted sandwiches, hot dogs, tea time treats) open from 9:00-18:00
Saturday 7th
| 6:30-9:00 |
Registration at All Out Adventures |
| 7:00-14:00 |
Supervised Kids Zone at All Out Adventures |
| 7:30 |
20km Trail Run |
| 7:45 |
10km Trail Run |
| 9:00 |
50km Aha Alpine Heath Classic MTB |
| 9:15 |
25km Montusi Mountain Lodge Intermediate MTB |
| 9:30 |
10km Cavern Drakensberg Resort and Spa 10km Fun Ride / Ride |
| 11:30 |
1km Kiddies Run/ Walk / Ride |
Catering:
Breakfast rolls and coffee will be on sale from 6:30.
Wors rolls and beer will be on sale from 9:30
Coffee Shop: Coffee shop (toasted sandwiches, hot dogs, tea time treats) open from 6:30-16:30
Sunday 8th
| 9:30 |
Social Run / Ride to Royal Drakensberg Primary School for tea and a tour. (No charge for tea) |
Catering: Coffee shop (toasted sandwiches, hot dogs, tea time treats) open from 9:00-16:30
2. Distance Tweaks
Anyone who has spent time in the mountains will know that somehow distances in the mountains always end up being variable. We have experienced a little of that in setting the courses this year - the 20km Trail run has turned into 21kms, and the Montusi Mountain Lodge 30km Intermediate MTB has become 25km.
But don't be alarmed, the last 1km of the trail run is all down hill so it's a piece of cake.
HOWEVER, the finish of the 25km MTB, is up Owls Pass, so you will feel like you've ridden 30kms (maybe more!!) by the time you finish!
3. Social Rides / Runs
These will be super chilled and vaguely guided. If numbers require we will split into groups according to speed. The terrain will be intermediate
Friday's route goes from All Out to Montusi, where we will stop for drinks on the Montusi veranda. The view from there is absolutely spectacular, so don't be in a hurry. Drinks are for you own account so please bring some cash or a credit card.
The run distance is 10km return, but there will be shuttle from Montusi back to All Out if you drink too much gin.
The MTB ride will be about 15km return, with the shuttle option back from Montusi if you have had enough after 7kms....
Sunday's route is 15km round trip to Royal Drakensberg Primary School.
The teachers will be there to show you around this very special place that you all play a part in making possible. Tea and crunchies will be served so its definitely worth the trip.
There's no charge for tea on Sunday.
A shuttle available to transport tired runners and riders back to All Out from the school if required.
4. Weather
Sunny Skies and 16-21 degrees predicted for Saturday. Late rains have left quite a lot of water on the tracks, but the rain is supposedly finished for the week, so it should be safe to venture out in your favourite shoes by Saturday. But it is the Berg so come ready for ANYTHING!
5. Last minute entries and payments
On line entries and payments can still be made until tonight Thursday 5th at midnight.
Late entries are possible during registration on Friday and Saturday, but a R30 per entry late fee is payable.
Please bring your CSA licence if you are doing the 50km or the 25km MTB races. If you don't have one, day licences are available at registration for R35.
If you have entered on line but not paid, you will have to re-enter on the day in the Late Entries queue!!
Please take advantage of our extended closing date to save yourself the hassle!
6. Directions to All Out Adventures
*GPS co-ordinates are S 28 38.58 E 29 01.07
* we recommend following the written directions below because the GPS loves the "scenic" route!
The R74 between us and Harrismith is fixed!!!
FROM JOHANNESBURG 360 km
Travel on the N3 to Harrismith. Take the N5 towards Bethlehem for 5km (exit 29)
Turn left and travel towards Phuthaditjhaba/Qwa Qwa for 8km
Turn left on to the R74 in the direction of Oliviershoek Pass and Bergville
Travel for 35km past the Sterkfontein Dam. Caterpillar and Catfish Cookhouse (adjust your speed) and Little Switzerland down the Oliviershoek Pass.
As the pass levels out, turn right, following the signs for NORTHERN BERG resorts, including Alpine Heath.
Travel towards the Royal Natal National Park for 6km only.
Turn right just after the Tower of Pizza, following the signs to ALL OUT ADVENTURES HLALANATHI, MONTUSI, ALPINE HEATH and THE CAVERN.
After 3km turn left into our parking.
FROM DURBAN 280 km
Take the N3 Durban-Johannesburg.
Beyond Estcourt, 6km after Shell Ultra City, leave the N3 taking the R74 direction WINTERTON and NORTHERN BERG
Travel through Winterton (21km) to Bergville
28km beyond Bergville, towards Harrismith turn left following the sign for NORTHERN BERG resorts, including Alpine Heath
Travel towards the Royal Natal National Park for 6km only.
Turn right just after the Tower of Pizza, following the signs to ALL OUT ADVENTURES HLALANATHI, MONTUSI, ALPINE HEATH and THE CAVERN.
After 3km turn left into our parking.
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Safe travels and we will look forward to seeing you this weekend.
The Royal Drak MTB team
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