SPRINGE RIDE TO RHODES (2021)
The Spring Ride To Rhodes (RTR) is an unforgettable adventure by bike from Pietermaritzburg to Rhodes (EC).
SRTR is a guided version of 'Race to Rhodes' where there is a group leader to and support vehicle for back-up.
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It is still a very physical and mentally demanding undertaking – to complete this challenge, riders need to be adequately trained, equipped and prepared. Apart from the fitness, riders also need to be proficient at hiking with bike, navigation and bike maintenance.
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DATES
Spring ride to Rhodes currently has two batches scheduled:
Batch 1
17 October 2021 : PMB - Allendale
18 October 2021 : Allendale - Ntsikeni
19 October 2021 : Ntsikeni - Masakala
20 October 2021 : Masakala - Malekgolonyane
21 October 2021 : Malekgolonyane - Vuvu
22 October 2021 : Vuvu - Rhodes
Batch 2
18 October 2021 : PMB - Allendale
19 October 2021 : Allendale - Ntsikeni
20 October 2021 : Ntsikeni - Masakala
21 October 2021 : Masakala - Malekgolonyane
22 October 2021 : Malekgolonyane - Vuvu
23 October 2021 : Vuvu - Rhodes
BASIC INFORMATION
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Guided ride in six stages. Riders may choose to ride ahead of group but can also stick with tour leader if they wish.
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There are 5 Support stations where riders will sleep. Food and basic accommodation is provided at support stations. Bedding and towels provided
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There is a support vehicle that carries bags between support stations so riders only need carry water and trail snacks each day.
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In addition to the 5 support stations, there are also 4 interim stops where food is provided
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Riders are encouraged to learn about navigation and Freedom Trail technique from the tour guide and also encouraged to try navigate on their own at times.
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Rider vehicles can be transferred from PMB to Rhodes at additional cost (2021 = R2000 plus VAT)
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ENTRY FEES AND DEADLINES (SRTR 2021)
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Spring Ride to Rhodes 2021 : R13,000 (no VAT) - (Deadline 10 September 2021 - paid in full)
THE ENTRY FEE COVERS THE FOLLOWING:
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All meals and accommodation at support stations and interim stops whilst on the trail including PMB and Rhodes (7 nights)
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Small spares at Squirt Tech Zone Station (Masakala) including Tubes, CO2, Lube, Sealent, Tyres, anti-chaffe cream
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Access to the downloadable set of 1:50 000 topographical maps and narrative descriptions of the race route (Pre-printed Maps cost R575 incl. VAT and delivery)
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Transport of bags between support stations and occasional roadside snacks and drinks from support vehicle.
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Race Garment - Puffer fleece
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PAYMENT TERMS AND WITHDRAWALS
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Deadline for all entry fee payments is as per entry deadline above
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Start batch place is only booked once entry paid in full
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You may pay in instalments of your choosing, please use same invoice number on all instalments
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Withdrawals before 20 September will receive 90% refund of total entry fee
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Withdrawals before the first batch start date will receive 70% refund of total entry fee
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Withdrawals after the first batch start date are non-refundable
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Map payments are non-refundable
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If event does not take place due to Force Majeure, pandemic or political unrest then you may chose between rollover to postponed date or following year at no extra cost or refund as per above withdrawals
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By entering this event you agree to abide by race rules and sign the event indemnity form
ROUTE
The route follows the Freedom Trail from Pietermaritzburg to Rhodes along a wide variety of off-road terrain – dirt roads, farm roads and tracks, footpaths and animal tracks. follows the route taken by Trappist monks as they headed into the area previously known as No-man's Land and East Griqualand and then across the Maloti Drakensberg Mountains to the village of Rhodes. Many of the trails retrace old historic wagon routes which are no longer in regular use. Apart from the riding, there are numerous portage sections where riders will have to hike, push and even carry their bikes.
The table below shows breakdown of distances, climbing and estimated ride times between support stations and interim stops.
