The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race 2023
Fri 26 May - Sun 28 May 2023 @ Namaqualand, Northern Cape


Organiser
The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race

THE INTRO.

Now in its 3rd year, The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race is a heavenly bicycle race through the harsh Tankwa Karoo.

This year, we've change both routes entirely. The longer route will turnaround at The Gannaga Lodge where our magically themed lunch stop will be situated.

The long route is really tough and suited for experienced riders. Or for those who don't care and are happy to ride in the desert. We like those people. Like a lot. They are us people.

The medium route is no gimmie and we're sending you way out into the rocky desert to bake. Will there be a Kief Kafé ready to refuel you? You betcha. Will there be a vintage fridge hidden with ice cold cokes in glass bottles - obviously. We're also looking to have an ice cream van parked somewhere dishing out the goodness - who knows what we'll come up with.

Day 2 is shorter with some epic hike-a-bike sections across three river crossings. A hidden Kief Kafè will keep you moist, as usual. Will there be banging beats played at full volume - OH YEAH! We've stopped calling the route short, as its a bit misleading. Not a single free mile is to be found on this course. Pack your big boy panties for this one.


We're going to ride flippin' hard. We're going to eat like desert royalty. Some no doubt will over hydrate in the Onverklaarbar. We're going to light things on fire and shoot up some fireworks.

One thing that we're going to do more than anything though, is to disconnect so we can reconnect.

Come and play in the desert. We'd love to have you. 

THE FORMAT.

Day 1 – 129km – 1164m ascent (long)
or
Day 1 – 59km – 150m ascent (medium)

Day 2 – 62 km – 250m ascent

The 2023 start-finish will be professionally timed.

This is a points race. Points are accumulated for each of the segments. 3 points for first place, 2 points for second place and 1 point for third place.

THE PLAN.

Friday 26 May 2023

  • 16:00, arrival at The Tankwa Tented Camp. Cruise around the artworks
  • 19:00, dinner served in the boma
  • 20:00, race briefing
  • 20:00, campfire bicycle stories

 

Saturday 27 May 2023

  • 05:30, farm breakfast will be served in the Boma
  • 07:00, race start
  • 12:00, lunch
  • Afternoon at leisure, cool off and have a dip at Stoney Beach
  • 15:00, for the sprinters, there will be a 400m drag race on the airstrip, winner takes all.
  • 16:30, depart for gins on Sunset Hill
  • 19:30, a wholesome dinner will be served in the Boma
  • 21:00, the Bicycle Burn will be lit

 

Sunday 28 May 2023

  • 06:30, a slightly later start, farm breakfast will be served in the Boma.
  • 07:30, race start

THE ACCOMMODATION.

New option in 2023:

Rustic cabins - Tankwa style with toilet and shower. Double bed and a single. There are only 5. They will go quickly and come at a premium. See pictures.

Regular options:

A-Frames - Large canvas A-frame with 2 X steel beds with linen. We only have 13 of those, they go quick too. The come at a slight premium.

Dome tents - Included in the price, you will be staying in a large 3x3m dome canvas tent which are per person sharing, stretcher beds, thick mattress and comfy white linen. There will be more than adequate ablution facilities with hot water in the morning and evening.

THE CAMP.

Tankwa Tented Camp has the following facilities:

  • Full cash bar
  • Swimming dam
  • Ablutions
  • Boma indoor and outdoor
  • Solar electricity
  • Some of the most mind bending artwork structures you’ll ever see

YOUR ENTRY INCLUDES.

R6900pps

Includes:

  • 2 X breakfasts
  • 2 X lunches
  • 2 X dinners
  • 1 X hand made musette
  • Dome tented accommodation with linen
  • 2 X refreshment stops en route
  • Access to Tankwa Karoo National Park
  • 2 X Tanqua Tonics
  • 1 x beer at the end of each day’s ride
  • Sweep vehicle
  • Mobile medic
  • Photography
  • More than anything though, this race gives you access to find yourself, and lose yourself.
  • The first 30 entries will receive a free Tanqua Tee

NON RIDERS. LOVE YOU GUYS TOO.

You may bring your partner to enjoy the magic of the Tankwa who will share the tent with you, all meals and entertainment. They will be able to explore the artworks, sundowners and lounge at Stoney Beach.

Spectators may choose to be driven to and from Gannaga Lodge to cheer on the riders of the long course or may drive themselves.

R5900pps

THE ENTRY PROCEDURE.

Please note that entries will be extremely limited. We're not just saying that to get you to buy entries quickly. We're very well aware that that ship has sailed for cycling events.

We're capping entries at 200 and we'll be closing entries 4 weeks before the event so we can get all the goodies made up in good time.

So don't fiddle around, when they are gone, they really are gone and you'll be sad. We really don't want sad people. ;)

THE PRIZES.

There will be a unique Tanqua Trophy for the winners of each race category.

TRANSPORT.

There is a registered airstrip on the farm. If you are going to fly in, please contact us so we can send you the landing information.

We can also arrange flights from JHB and CPT -  pricing is dependant on numbers, bit its WAY cheaper than you think. It's also WAY more fun than driving. Way.

While we're on the driving thing, if you don't feel like doing it, we can also sort that out for you. Event partners, Zulu Overland have you covered there. 


Some nice words by our friend and mom to be, Eeden Eekers.

Ride more.
Ride because you want to.
Because it’s needed.
Ride for the hell of it.
For the unknown.
The good times.
And moer koffie.
The end-of-race fines.
The heat haze.
The friendly faces.
Always pacing.
Let’s go racing.
Over gravel, good or unrideable.
Impossible?
Only until it’s not.
Dangerous?
Define it, first.
Get moving. Reconnect.
Get outside. Disconnect.
The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race.
Join us. Come explore. Ride more.

More information: tanquakurubicyclerace.co.za/

The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race 2023

Event has been Closed

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Classes and pricing
Available classes for the event

Class Distance Price (pp)
The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race - Long
190km over 2 days
190 km 129km day 1; 60km day 2 R 6,900.00
The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race - Medium 120 km Over 2 days; 60km day 1, 60km day 2 R 6,900.00

Event location
Tankwa Tented Camp, R355, Calvinia, Namaqualand

Coordinates -32.338078, 19.716801
Address Tankwa Tented Camp, R355, Calvinia, South Africa
City Namaqualand
Province Northern Cape


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Registration Number: 2015/141112/07