Lindani is thrilled to invite you back to our 4th annual Top of the Waterberg Gravel event on October 12th! Get ready to enjoy a breathtaking ride through the picturesque and unspoiled Waterberg escarpment. Choose from three gravel ride distances: 130km, 42km or 16km. If you'd rather stay on foot, join us for a 10km or 5km Trail Run through a stunning section of the Melkrivier valley on Lindani. Don't miss out on what promises to be a fun-filled day!

WHEN & WHERE

Date:               12^th October 2024

Venue:            Lindani Game & Lodges (Gate no 1, Motseng lodge), Vaalwater, Waterberg, Limpopo

 2 ¼  hr drive from Pretoria

GPS:                24^o03’03.52”S, 28^o20’31.17”E

DISTANCES

• 130km (1760m climbing)
• 42km (500m climbing)
• 16km (250m climbing)
• 10km Fun Trail Run
• 5km Fun Trail Run

TESTIMONIALS FROM THE TOTW 2023 GRAVEL

“Absolutely fantastic, so nice seeing the road riders combining with the mountain bikers. Really enjoyed it, something different. Roads are amazing and fast. The gravel bike rolls faster on this route and are very suitable for a gravel bike, there are sections where the mountain bikes had a bit of an advantage through the sandy patches but I am glad I brought my gravel bike out for the occasion”  

Inus du Preez – winner of the 130km TOTW Gravel, a U23 XCO rider 

“One of the best rides I have done on a gravel bike so far. Really nice, super-fast, technical, it has a bit of everything in it. The climbs were proper, just the perfect balance in what you can call a proper gravel race. I enjoyed it a lot and had a lot of fun”

Kimhan van der Merwe – second overall in the 130km TOTW Gravel

“This compares to the best of them……definitely more suited to the gravel bike, gravel is king”

Gert Nel – third place in the 130km TOTW Gravel. 2023 SA Gravel Champ – Masters

FREQUENTLY ASKED Q&A’S

• What proportion of the routes are on gravel?

130km – 98% gravel (80% district + 18 % farm roads), 2 % tar road

42km – 96% gravel (45% district + 51% farm roads), 4 % tar road

16km – 75% gravel (farm roads), 25% trail

• What is the condition of the gravel roads for riding like? 

The roads are in good riding condition. There are one or two patches of sandy patches to add a technical element to the ride.

• Are the routes better suited to Gravel bikes or Mountain bikes?

The non-technical routes for the 130km and 42km are the perfect race for all gravel and mountain bike enthusiasts alike. Gravel bikes will have an advantage on most of the 130km and 42km routes, while the 16km is better suited to a MTB.

• How much climbing is there?

The diverse terrain lends itself to a moderate amount of climbing (1760m for the 130km, 500m for the 42km, and 250m for the 16km)

• Do you allow E-bikes?

Yes E-bikes are welcome. It is a CSA sanctioned event so depending on the number of E-Bike entries, the organiser’s will use their discretion as to whether E-Bikes will start 10min before the start of each distance or together.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Race entry
• Stunning Waterberg scenery
• A pair of custom Top of the Waterberg Versus socks
• Race medal
• Medical Support
• Well-stocked water tables
• Race timing
• Post-race hospitality area
• Prizes and lucky draw prizes
• Shower facilities
• Complimentary photographs for you to download from our Facebook page after the event

ENTER NOW

Enter on: www.entryninja.com or www.rorevents.co.za 

Online Entries Close Midnight Thursday 10^th October 2022

E-Bikes welcome

*CSA sanctioned Event for 130km and 42km Ride*

*CSA license applies. R50 day license for non-licensed riders*

*Late entries at the venue*

PODIUM CATEGORIES

NUMBER COLLECTIONS & LATE ENTRIES

Date                 Friday 11^th October 

Time                16h00 to 18h00

Venue              Lindani Game & Lodges (Motseng lodge, gate no1)

Date                 Saturday 12^th October 

Time                05h00 to 08h00

Venue              Lindani Game & Lodges (Motseng lodge, gate no1)

Start Times

Gravel Ride 

06H30 – 130 km Ride

08H30 – 42 km Ride

08H45 – 16 km Fun Gravel Ride

08H35 - 10 km Fun Trail Run

08H50 -  5 km Fun Trail Run

Depending on the number of E-Bike entries, the organiser’s will use their discretion as to whether E-Bikes will start 10min before the start of each distance or together.

Water Tables

Well-stocked water tables - 6 for the 130km and 2 for the 42km.

Prizes

Sponsored and lucky draw prizes up for grabs. Prize giving and podium presentation will take place when all categories of a distance have finished. 

ACCOMMODATION

• Lindani Game & Lodges – There are many self-catering lodges, a luxury tented camp as well as camping to choose from. Contact the Lindani office on 083 631 5579 or [email protected] for list of options

• Jembisa – There are catered and self-catering options available. For catered options book online at  www.jembisa.com or for self-catering options book online at www.waterbergselfcatering.com, or contact the office on 082 570 8474 or [email protected] for their special race rates.

• Other accommodation options in the area: 

RACE CONTACT DETAILS

For any further race queries contact Alan 073 179 4313 or Paul 082 577 1241

ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS

130 km GRAVEL RIDE (19 years and older) 

Distance 130 km                     Climbing:1760 m

GARMIN CONNECT - CLICK HERE

and download file

Route Description

A beautifully scenic ride traversing the Waterberg escarpment.  Starting and finishing at Lindani (Motseng Lodge), the route travels in a clockwise direction around the Phalala River catchment. Early on into the route, riders will have the opportunity to enjoy riding through the beautiful private reserve of Jembisa, where they can enjoy the spectacular Phalala River valley below to the left, or have a chance viewing of some game. After exiting Jembisa private reserve, and crossing over the Phalala River, the route climbs steadily for 70km through pristine Waterberg wilderness, interspersed by the odd section of cultivated lands, and orchards of fruit trees. Enjoy beautiful views of the Phalala River catchment as you climb to the highest point of the ride (the 90km mark), at Geelhoutkop, named after the yellow wood trees, that grow there. From here it is mostly descending all the way back down to Lindani. There is a bite of a climb at 103km just to remind you that it’s not all freewheeling back home. The last 12 km through Lindani game farm is a real treat, where you will again have a chance to view wildlife while riding your bike. 

Water Points

There will be six well-stocked water points 

The water points are at 22km, 43km, 67km, 84km, 102km, and 117km

Although there are sufficient, well stocked water points, PLEASE ensure you carry sufficient Hydration and Nutrition BETWEEN water points. 130km cyclists to carry 2 water bottles

Road condition 

Mostly in good riding condition with the odd very short rocky, corrugated, or sandy patch.

Cut Off Times

At 84km – 13h00

42km GRAVEL RIDE (15 years and older) 

Distance 42 km                     Climbing: 500 m

GARMIN CONNECT - CLICK HERE

and download route file

Route Description

Be ready for a most enjoyable, scenic 42km ride through a beautiful part of the Waterberg. Starting from Lindani (Motseng Lodge), the route begins with an easy13km flat stretch on district roads though the Melkrivier Valley, to warm up the legs. Riders will then be treated to a beautiful 10km section through Jembisa private reserve where they can enjoy the spectacular Phalala River valley below to the left or have a chance viewing of some game.  After exiting Jembisa private reserve, there is a 10km ride on a short piece of tar followed by a stretch of gravel road. There are stunning views of the Lindani cliffs on your right, and the Phalala River Valley on your left, as you head back towards the eastern entrance of Lindani. At 30km you will enter back into Lindani reserve to complete the remaining 12km with the opportunity to ride amongst the wildlife. 

Water Points

There will be two well-stocked water points for replenishing. 

The water points are at 22 km and 32 km

Please be sure to always carry a water bottle to be refilled at the water points.

Road condition 

Mostly in good riding condition with the odd short patch of rocks or sand.

16km  GRAVEL RIDE (All Ages) 

Distance 16 km                     Climbing: 250 m

GPX File - Click Here

Route Description

16km of super-fun riding that takes place entirely on Lindani game farm, where riders will have the opportunity to ride amongst the wildlife. Although most of the ride occurs on very good farm roads, we have also included a non-technical and most enjoyable single-track section that takes you along the beautiful Kopperspruit. 

Road condition

The farm roads are in very good condition for riding. A 4km non-technical section of single track is included which is mostly smooth surface, but there is the odd rocky patch where riders can walk if necessary

10 km Fun Trail Run

Experience a delightful 10km trail run through the untouched beauty of the Waterberg bushveld. This scenic route winds through the stunning Melkrivier valley, offering a diverse landscape that includes rivers, bridge crossings, rocky outcrops, and flowing trails through savanna woodland. With its gentle gradients and a mix of well-maintained trails and farm roads, this run provides a smooth and enjoyable experience, perfect for easy, non-technical trail running.

5 km Fun Trail Run

Join us for a super fun 5km trail run through a very beautiful part of the Melkrivier valley. This route covers the second half of the 10km trail, featuring rivers, bridge crossings, rocky outcrops, and smooth paths through savanna woodland. Whether you prefer to run or walk, come and enjoy a delightful outing in the beautiful Waterberg.