The GRAVEL RACE IN THE HEART OF THE KAROO
26.09.2026 Graaff-Reinet, EC, South Africa
Three Routes to choose from. LIMITED ENTRIES.
The Road to Desolation is a one day gravel cycling race through the semi-desert area of the Karoo in South Africa.
Rocky columns extend their crooked fingers heavenwards as we stare out over the Valley Of Desolation. A vast eden nestled on the edge of the dry expanse of the Karoo in South Africa. The little town of Graaff-Reinet sits neatly on a bend in The Sunday’s River. Shafts of light spear down and illuminate puddles dotted across the scrubland while small black dots on green hint towards shapes of wild animals. The skies seem endless, vast and mighty as distant thunderstorms litter the scene. No exact definition of what constitutes the Karoo is available, so its extent is also not precisely defined. So too, our Race is slightly ambiguous and its rigours speak to the area itself. With two options available to test your mettle against the environment and other riders, The Road To Desolation is no mean feat.
This forms the backdrop of our race. The Road To Desolation is a gravel race through the semi-desert area of the Karoo in South Africa. No exact definition of what constitutes the Karoo is available, so its extent is also not precisely defined. So too, our Race is slightly ambiguous and its rigours speak to the area itself. With two options available to test your mettle against the environment and other riders, The Road To Desolation is no mean feat.
Two unique choices face interested participants, Road to Desolation (180km) and A Taste Of Desolation (65km), to choose your course and your approach. The longer version will only be open to drop-bar Gravel Bikes, whereas the shorter version can be raced on anything, as long as it doesn’t have a motor! No matter which you choose, the last 7km’s will be a reminder that you have taken on The Road To Desolation.
“A guy that rides 700 million miles with a bicycle likes bicycle riding.” –that’s how Johan from the Odesa nursery in Graaff-Reinet sums up our race.
Routes
Choose between ROAD TO DESOLATION (180KM|130KM) & TASTE OF DESOLATION (66KM)
Finish on top of the valley!
32°25’12.2″S 24°53’44.4″W
Road to Desolation
180KM | 2773M Elevation
130KM | 2000M Elevation
The full on race with the orignal and a new route!
This year, we offer two distinct options. The race offers a challenge for every level of rider.
In keeping with its original DNA, the demanding 180km route remains a serious test for riders. While the event is open to all entrants, participation is strictly recommended only for competive – level athletes prepared for this extreme physical and mental challenge. Strict cut offs apply and if a rider registers a DNF (Did Not Finish) which is determined to be a direct consequence of insufficient physical training or preparedness, a recovery fee will be applied.
The Road to Desolation will feature a new course this year for those seeking a significant challenge, a timed 130km course with 2000m of elevation. This route is designed to take the average fit rider 5-6 hours, providing a rewarding ride with the same summit finish.
The race leaves the small town of Graaff-Reinet in a North-Easterly direction. After a 3km neutralised start, the race flag drops as the riders make a right turn onto a gravel road at dawn. The smooth gravel and the fresh morning air may lead some into a false sense of security but the slight incline of the first 40km’s and the inevitable attacks are sure to put some in trouble early on.
Distance: | 180km |
|---|---|
Elevation: | 2800m |
Surface: | 85% Gravel 15% Paved |
Start Time: | 6:45AM |
Feed zones: | 78km, 107km, 154km |
Record: | 06:04:26h (Marco Joubert ’24) |
Distance: | 130km |
|---|---|
Elevation: | 2000m |
Surface: | 65% Gravel 35% Paved |
Start Time: | 7:30AM |
Refuel: | 36km, 103km |
Cut off: | 4:00PM for anyone entering the Climb to the Valley of Desolation |
TASTE OF DESOLATION
66KM | 1300M Elevation
The experience.
The 66km route is available as a personal journey, untimed and free of race pressure. This option is for those who want to immerse themselves in the adventure without the added stress of competition. With 1,200m of vertical gain, this is by no means an easy ride; it’s a demanding course featuring single track and a final, rewarding climb out of the valley. We encourage you to see this as a pure experience—an opportunity to say you conquered the Karoo, not the easy way, but your way.
The route leaves the town of Graaff-Reinet in a North-Westerly direction. As the riders climb out of town and pass the Dam on the right the environment opens up into the Camdeboo National Park. With game dotted all over the horizon, riders will veer off the tar for a short section of single track. This will surely create some major splits in the groups. Six more kilometres of paved surface lead us to a left turn onto The Roodewal Loop, a pristine private road that starts out smooth and fast and culminates in a long, technical rocky climb up to the top of Ouberg.
Here the riders will have a chance to refuel at the one waterpoint shared by all participants of the race, its a vibe & you might even get lucky with cheeky beer or a boogie in the veld to shake the legs out before the final section. Back towards Graaff-Reinet. This portion of the route borrows from the long version of the race. Exposed and fast, wind can play a huge part in this section heading towards town. You take yours earlier than the long route and get to spent some more time on jeep track in the park before the right turn to The Valley Of Desolation. You don’t want to be isolated here, rather wait for your maatjie to climb up to the Valley together.
It’s a beautiful climb up the tar road through the national park, tough but its doable even if you walk parts, so we encourage everyone who can cycle to give it a go, and make yourself proud. Climb to the top for the Taste Of Desolation. Remember to look down! This is an experience!
Distance: | 66km |
|---|---|
Elevation: | 1300m |
Surface: | 60% Gravel 40% Paved |
Start Time: | 07:30AM |
Cut Off: | 4:00PM for anyone entering the Climb to the Valley of Desolation |
Refuel: | 36km |
’24 Results
Done and dusted.
Thanks to everyone making this race a memorable day out. See the results below.
Rules
Important: Please read the rules.
§1.1 You will ride across some fragile Ecosystems and protected areas, leave nature unchanged.
§2.1 As the event uses roads open to traffic you must always know, obeserve and comply with local laws.
§2.2 Helmet and front+rear lights are mandatory.
The organisation strongly recommends you to make sure you are prepared for cold in the morning and high heat during the event.
§3.1 Just use your bike, that’s all
§4.1 This is a semi self supported event. We will have depending on the route one or four water points.
§4.2 You must bring the following documents for the accreditation: ID document and the signed official rider agreement and the following gear: helmet, rear and front lights, Race number board on the seat post, Tools and spares, Nutrition and hydration, survival blanket.
The Organisation strongly reccomends you always bring, SOS kit, food for at least 6 hours of riding, sunscreen, leg/arm warmers and gloves
§5.1 You must follow and complete the full official route. You can temporarily leave it (to find food, rest etc.) but you must return to the same point you left off to continue the ride.
§5.2 The Organisation will send you the handbook and the track files some weeks before the start. You must strongly prepare and study it.
§6.1 You will be punctual at the accreditation, the briefing and the start.
§6.2 After the official time limit you can’t expect any official service or support, but although the event ends your ride can go on… so just relax and enjoy the route.
§7.1 You must have liability, death and health insurance valid during the event, covering emergency extraction and repatriation insurance.
§7.2 Be aware that all liability rests on you. The organization won’t provide you any kind of insurance for the ride and will not held liable for any damage whatsoever that may occur directly or indirectly to you or other parties.
§8.1 This project is possible thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of all our volunteers. Please be nice to them, they have been working hard spending their time and effort to support this ride.
§8.2 follow the crew indications, they just will do it just for your safety and the good progress of the event.
§9.1 The Organisation can impose time penalties for violations which will be decided once the event is finished. But this shouldn’t happen.
Ride Safe and nice. Let this be a fair event.
All participants must hold a current Cycling South Africa (CSA) license. Proof of this license must be presented at race registration. The ROAD TO DESOLATION is a CSA-sanctioned race.
Faq
25 September (Friday) 2pm – 7pm at Te Waterhouse in Graaff-Reinet
Desolation – 180km – The course is approximately 85% on unpaved gravel surfaces. The surface varies from hard-packed and fast to loose and rocky. There are several river and stream crossings that can be tricky. Water can be ankle high in places. The first 1/4 of the course constitutes more than 1/3 of the climbing. There are three climbs amongst the gradually rolling terrain. The last 1/3 is more downhill than uphill but finishes with a very steep tar climb to the Valley of Desolation.
Desolation – 130km – This course is approximately 65% unpaved gravel, featuring a surface that varies dramatically from fast, hard-packed sections to loose, relentless rock. Be warned: The opening climb is more severe than any single ascent on the 180km route. The final 25km is shared with the main route; otherwise, this is an entirely unique and punishing course.
Yes! There is Prize money available and we will announce the amounts soon.
Yes, team vehicles are allowed at the feed zones. You can access the route from two directions, but the first water point involves a significant gravel section with some rocky low-water bridges. Team vehicles accessing this point will need good ground clearance.
The remaining water points (second, third, and fourth) are much easier to reach, with primarily tar roads and some smooth, high-quality gravel sections.
Graaff-Reinet offers beautiful spring weather in September, characterized by low rainfall and warm afternoons averaging 23°C. However, the Karoo climate can be unpredictable. As the sun sets, the heat dissipates quickly, bringing crisp, cool evenings of around 8°C. It is a season of comfortable days and refreshing nights.
While water points are provided along the route, riders are responsible for their own nutrition and mechanical repairs. Therefore, we encourage all participants to prepare as if this were a self-supported challenge.
Please note that entry is at your own risk. However, your safety remains paramount; a medical support vehicle and ambulance will be en route for emergencies. Ensure you have saved the necessary emergency contact numbers provided via email and at registration.
Yes. The course will be marked, however it’s important to load the route onto your cycling computer if possible as we’ll be riding on remote roads.
For the 180km route, there will be three feed zones. The 130km and 66km routes will share one water point, with 130km riders visiting it twice and 66km riders visiting it once. We strongly recommend you bring your own preferred nutrition. However, please note that all water points and feed zones will be stocked with fluids, gels, and a variety of foods. Additionally, be prepared to fix your own mechanical failures on the course. We recommend carrying essential items like extra tubes, plugs, a pump, and hex keys.
For the 180KM – In keeping with the nature of an elite race, outside mechanical assistance is only permitted within the designated feed zones. These zones will provide minimal provisions, including water and soft drinks, as it is expected that elite riders will carry their own nutrition.
Reception in the Sneeuberg Mountains is sparse. However, we insist that all riders carry their cellphones and keep them on at all times. Should something happen out on course, it’s important to be able to ask a rider to call course staff at the next available spot.
Riders will finish at the summit of the valley of desolaiton where their times will be recorded. Here they can grab their warm clothes (drop off spot will be at the start),a beer, snack and cheer on the remaining riders battling the climb. We might as well enjoy sunset since we are already up here. Once riders are ready to head down, we ask them to cautiously descend back down to Graaff-Reinet (keep left, go slow and be aware of riders coming up.) Cowbells welcome.
The best way will be by car but Graaff-Reinet has a private Airport as well. The closest commercial Airport is Port Elizabeth about 2.5hrs away. Please contact us to arrange a shuttle.
If you are travelling from Joburg contact James from Icyle.co.za he is offering a shuttle from Cycle Lab 4 Ways to Graafies and back to Cycle Lab james@icycle.co.za
Graaff-Reinet, surrounded by Camdeboo National Park, is classified as a malaria-free area. It is, however, recommended that guests contact their local travel clinic for advice on the necessary precautionary measures for visits to this region.
Graaff-Reinet is a small town and unfortunately lacks a dedicated bike shop. You can find some limited spare parts at Botha’s Garage in town, but it’s best to come prepared. There are convenience stores, gas stations, and restaurants around, but be mindful of their opening hours. Most stores won’t be open before the race starts, so make sure you have everything you need beforehand.
Graaff-Reinet offers a wide range of accommodations to fit any budget, from five-star hotels to campgrounds. Everything in town is just a five-minute bike ride from the start line.
- We recommend spectating in Nieu Bethesda as well as up to the finish on top of the Valley of Desolation.
- We will offer a shuttle to the top of the valley for all-day guests on race day free of charge.
- Since we are welcome in a national park, all you will have to cover is the conservation fee on the day.
- If they don’t care about the race – The town has great opportunities for walking and running, and numerous other interesting things to do, from museums to shops and restaurants.
Still got questions? Drop us a message here
RAD COMPANIES THAT SUPPORT ROAD TO DESOLATION
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