MTB and Gravel Bike CSA Sanctioned Race

Big Beast

169km | 1650m ascent

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1T2NIZH2dPWopBcSvHCTsVN-57FQbmAY&usp=sharing

Small Beast

111km | 1150m ascent

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Start / Finish venue – Paws in the East, Titan Road, Bashewa

Feed Zone – Laerskool Witpoort

Registration and Number Collection: 

Registration & number collection will only be available the morning of the race from 05H00.  No late entries will be accepted.  This is only for pre-entered riders to register and collect race boards in their goodie bags.

Route Description:

The route will be marked with signage.  We do, however, find that the signage is often vandalised or taken by locals, so it is encouraged to load the gpx file onto your GPS device.  The gpx file will be sent out the week of the race in the final event communication. 

Think Bike marshals and local SAPS at major road crossing will ensure you are safe and have assistance at major crossings and road deviations.

From Paws in the East, you’ll head south along district roads for a fast start.  Just before Water Point 1 you’ll enter “Three Forests”.  You’ll be presented with tight trails, single track and short technical rock sections.  After the three forests it’s some jeep track alongside the R21 – pick your line correctly, it’s rough in some areas which will leave you regretting life choices.  Once you can no longer see the forests and hear the cars on the R21, it’s open train service roads and district roads.

Mostly smooth graded roads await and time for the gravel bikes to really open up into top gear.  A few sections are still rougher, with the general theme apparent of questioning bike choice.   

The Big Beast riders will need to keep some in the tank to take on the climbs from 140km, including the infamous WTF climb.  The Small Beast riders take on the Nkwe climb from 91km so both routes will need some smart riding and energy stores for the latter parts of the route.

Both routes will have one final technical descent from Tau road, 5km from the finish.  A very steep tar road climb and gravel section will test the sense of humour up until 2km to go.   After that it’s smiles and enjoying the last kilometres with sense of Taming the Beast!

Will we see a gravel bike or a MTB take the win? After the forests early in the race, will the gravel bikes have enough to pull back time on the mountain bikers who took on the rocky sections? How will this affect the KOM at 40km?

Fully Stocked Water Points:

Every water point will be fully stocked with 32GI, ice, water, coke, banana’s and sweets. Every water point will then be stocked with a few unique items by the sponsors of the water point. This will be items such as chelsea buns, marmite sandwiches, potatoes, cookies, etc.

169KM

Water Point 1 – 35km
Water Point 2 – 66km
Feeding Zone – 98km
Water Point 3 – 123km
Water Point 4 – 149km

111KM

Water Point 1 – 30km
Water Point 2 – 54km
Water Point 3 – 84km

Your Entry Includes:

• Live timing by FinishTime
• Safe and ample parking
• Restroom facilities
• Access to venue
• Fully stocked water points
• Feed Zone for the Big Beast riders
• Collectable finishers medal
• Finish line replenishment by 32Gi
• Medical suppor
• Sweeper vehicles
• Restaurant and beer garden at race village 
• Prize giving for Category winners
• Cash prizes for category winners

Start/Finish Venue Facilities: 

- Coffee Stall

- Fully stocked restaurant

- Retail Vendors

- Recovery Activations

- Music and MC

- Fun area for the kids

Full Event Info: 

www.drakeevents.co.za/mtbeast/