| VENUE: Komati Gorge Lodge |
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| Venue and Directions |
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On the banks of the Komati River, at the base of a miniature Grand Canyon, this small village of thatched dwellings provides affordable luxury in a most dramatic setting.
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| This untouched expanse of 2500ha with its thorn bushveld and highveld grassland offers an unparalleled experience to nature lovers and this amazing backdrop will be the starting venue for the Skurweberg MTB Challenge. |
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Turn left off the highway at the second turnoff, into Machadodorp. At first stop sign (BP garage on right) turn right and you will be on the R36 to Carolina.
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Carry on for about 25 kms until you see the “Doornkop” sign. Turn left onto dirt road.
From Johannesburg and Pretoria - Proceed on the N4 past Witbank and Middelburg.
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After about 50km past Middleburg, look out for sign to Carolina and turn right. Proceed to the second stop street in Carolina. Turn left into Kerk straat (BP garage on left). It becomes the R36 to Machadodorp. After 25km look out for the “Doornkop” sign and turn right onto dirt road.
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Proceed on dirt road for 4.6 km until you see the large green sign to Komati Gorge. Turn left here. If you get to Doornkop, you have gone too far!
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You will immediately cross a low water bridge across the Komati River. Proceed for a further 2 km to the security gate.
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After the second low water bridge, keep to the left as indicated by the sign to Komati Gorge.
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Proceed for a further 3 km. You will go up a hill and thereafter down a steep concrete road. Komati Gorge Development is at the bottom of the hill. The restaurant is on your left and reception is on your right.
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GPS Coordinates:
South 25.89602
East 30.28385
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Routes / Distances
74km MTB Marathon (total elevation gained 1474 meters)
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(We rate this marathon 7 out of 10 for technical, in other words very rideable)
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42km MTB Half Marathon (total elevation gained 980 meters)
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(We rate this half marathon 7 out of 10 for technical and 8 out of 10 for toughness)
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20km MTB Fun Ride / 5km MTB Kids Ride
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We rate both the shorter distances as fun and very easy to ride....
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Route Description
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The half Marathon will see cyclist climb steadily for 20km from the start to the highest point at the tower, from there they will make their way through Doornkop Nature Reserve as well Komati Gorge. This way back from the tower is one of the best downhill rides you'll ever do. With multiple single track sections, river crossings, wooden bridges and a suprise at the finish.
The Marathon starts by winding through the Kloof all along the Komati river with more than 10 low water bridge crossings for 20km, a really fast easy ride to the start of the climb. The climb up to KOM is one of those climbs of legends, and when you make it to the top, you'll have a free ride back to Komati Gorge Lodge. You'll claim a piece of history when you cross the Komati river on a sand stone bridge pre dating the 1900's. a really special route in a magical place.
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Start Times (We have made the start times later to accomodate the cyclists from Gauteng driving through the morning, plus the general cold weather that we have in May.)
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74km MTB Marathon – 08:30
42km MTB Half Marathon – 08:45
20km MTB Fun Ride – 09:00
5km MTB Kids Ride – 09:15
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Water and Refreshments
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Water and Refreshment stations will be available on the route.
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Entries and Registration
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74km MTB Marathon – R160
42km MTB Half Marathon – R130
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20km MTB Fun Ride – R90
5km MTB Kids Ride – FREE
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Pre-entries close on the 23rd of May 2012 at 17:00.
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Registration on race day from 05:30 at the Race Venue or at Tool Up Cycles on Thursday 24 May 2012.
Entries are transferable, free of charge.
Cyclists who booked accommodation for the weekend at Komati Gorge will participate free of charge.
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Safety
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· There will be marshals at strategic places on the course for your safety.
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· There will be a race sweeper.
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· Registration will take place before the race where you must collect your race number and sign the indemnity.
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· There will not be a cut off time but prize giving will start at 13:00.
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· The race will be timed by SS Timing.
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· It is the responsibility of the cyclist to follow the course markers.
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Medals and Results
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Medals to all pre-entered finishers only, for both events. Results will be made available on www.verticalhorison.co.za after the event.
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Alternative Accomodation
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Doornkop - http://doornkopresort.co.za (Doornkop is very close to komatigorge [5min drive])
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Ethiene Hefer 083 463 0925 / 082 417 0121
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Pieter Wessels http://www.mountkomati.co.za 082 950 2417
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Donna Wright - Five assegais 072 889 9284 info@fiveassegais.co.za
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Prizes
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coming soon!
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Enquiries:
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Kris Jooste - 083 653 4367
Francois Jooste-0845844663
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info@verticalhorison.co.za
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