Buy-A-Donkey bikepacking South Africa
Collection by gravgrav
8
Tours
41:49 h
547 mi
39,800 ft
In fall 2021 Rae Trew-Browne receives an unexpected message from 2
European Ultra Distance Bikepackers. Bas Rotgans and Max Riese want to
ride the route of the “Rhino Run” unsupported bikepacking race with
him. 2800km with 28000m of climbing from Plettenberg Bay in South
Africa to Windhoek in Namibia. The race could not take place due to
travel restrictions, however just in time the borders opened up,
making it possible for Bas and Max to make good use of their already
bought plane tickets.
Of course the 3 want to document their journey
through the vast landscapes varying from oceanside, to lush green
forests, to seemingly endless desert views. In no time the local film
crew around Stephen Rheeder and Carel Chris “CC” Van Dyk is hired to
follow their trip and document all the great stories around.
Shortly after departing the 3 Ultra Distance Athletes realize that for once there is no need to push through the nights. No need to sleep in the ditch and rush in and out stores for resupply. Instead they decide to slow down and experience the people and culture of South Africa ...and cut the route
short.
But not only that, even the film crew rediscover their own country in a way they never had seen it before. “CC” tells a story that was supposed to be about Ultracycling but ends up a life changing journey even for the locals joining the trip.
On The Map
Tours & Highlights
- 04:1854.5 mi12.7 mph3,900 ft4,150 ft
It happened in a blur. Another year we received the news (not unprepared), that the "Rhino Run" needed to be postponed. The reason mainly being that the Australian organisers couldn't fly to South Africa. After getting to know our film crew and our "host" Rae a bit better and having some beers, we left…
by Max Riese
- 07:3694.0 mi12.4 mph8,325 ft7,100 ft
On day 2 we knew it was never going to be ease: The 7 passes road plus Montagu Pass clearly indicated what on the menu. Climbing. No flat parts here, but boy was it beautiful.
We were warned before: resupply is scarce! Well, I guess that makes you value the food you get even more. ;)
The 7 passes have…
by Max Riese
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- 07:0283.3 mi11.8 mph7,500 ft7,975 ft
Getting out from Oudtshoorn was amazing. Mainly for the Ostriches! We don't have them in Europe and it was sooo cool to see them outside of a zoo.
But shortly after we had the real challenge of the day: The wind. It was relentless and slowed us down significantly. Rooiberg pass was beautiful, but didn…
by Max Riese
- 05:5486.7 mi14.7 mph5,200 ft5,275 ft
That was it: We were taking it "slow" that meant, why take the original route if you can take a beautiful detour to Barrydale and add Tradouw Pass to the menu! Best decision ever and a day we will remember forever. The weather wasn't on our side, but we still enjoyed every minute of it!
by Max Riese
- 05:2571.9 mi13.3 mph4,300 ft4,175 ft
A sudden change of landscape. ...Once again. We were stunned by the farmlands and it's wide dusty roads. At the end of it: Greyton. A small town with nice cafés and and places to stay. Probably the hub for sports in the area as it's close to the mountains. We certainly felt at home!
by Max Riese
- 04:4267.1 mi14.3 mph3,875 ft4,150 ft
We had a crazy good night of sleep camping outside. Our South African friends were laughing at us as we first asked them on what to look out for when camping outside. (Yes we were scared of being dragged out of our bivvies by wild animals) But now it became normal and quite beautiful to experience the…
by Max Riese
- 01:1016.4 mi14.0 mph800 ft775 ft
When disaster strikes. We were told that Baine's Kloof Pass is one of the most beautiful pass roads in South Africa, however it was closed due to roadworks. Even discussing wouldn't help and so we had to turn back and discuss our options. We felt a bit ashamed, but as there was no real other way than…
by Max Riese
- 05:4372.8 mi12.7 mph5,900 ft6,000 ft
WHAT A DETOUR! We knew this had to be our last day of riding in order to catch our flights back and this is was the best way to end this trip: Discovering the Tankwa Karoo!
A crazy wide empty deserted landscape. The Padstal is the only resupply around. But not only the snacks and drinks were worth it…
by Max Riese
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Collection Stats
- Tours8
- Distance547 mi
- Duration41:49 h
- Elevation39,800 ft
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