Entries
Choose between two routes
What is included
Add-Ons & optional Extras
Shuttle services for local participants coming from Cape Town and Johannesburg, and an international athlete shuttle service from Gqeberha Airport (PLZ).
If you need assistance with accommodation, we have several options available for you. If you’re looking for more than just the race weekend experience, check out our 10-day South African Gravel Road Trip, ‘The Great Karoo Escape’. Details coming soon.
Good to know
How do I enter and when?
Registration will open on the first of december 2024. Tickets will be available through our ticket shop.
The ROAD TO DESOLATION is part of the Gravel Earth Series. It unites the world’s most genuine gravel events, preserving the essence of the sport.
Anyone is welcome to enter the only condition is that you must be 18 years of age or older as of 13 June 2025.
What Categories are there?
2025 ROAD TO DESOLATION will feature separate starts for Elite Men and Women.
Riders will be automatically assigned to their respective age group category based on their date of birth and gender. To compete for prize money, riders must select the Elite category. Entry into the Elite category is subject to qualification based on previous participation in the event, CSA seeding, and 2024 Gravel Earth Series ranking.
How does the GRAVEL EARTH SERIES scoring work?
The scoring system follows an exponential decrease, meaning that the point difference between participants reduces as they move up in the ranking. The base score awards 1000 points to the 1st place finisher. From the 51st position onward, all finishers will receive 100 points.
The final ranking of the Gravel Earth Series will be determined by summing the four highest scores achieved throughout the year. To be part of the final ranking and be eligible for cash prizes, participants must complete a minimum of four events, including The Last Dance – Ranxo Gravel.
How do I qualify for South African pricing?
Based on your location and ID number you qualify for the reduced local ticket option. This happens automatically. In the process of registration you will be asked to provide your South African ID. Please note: International riders who do not qualify to enter as South African riders may have their entries canceled.
THE BORING STUFF
If you are unable to participate in the Road to Desolation, you may request a substitution by contacting us. Please note that a R300 administration fee will apply for each substitution.
If you cancel an optional extra, either on its own or in conjunction with your race entry cancellation, our standard cancellation policy for optional extras will apply. You can substitute your optional extras by contacting us. Please note that a R300 administration fee will apply for each substitution.
To prevent any cancellation fees, kindly consider making a substitution.
If you need to cancel your race entry, we have a fee schedule based on how far in advance you cancel. Please be aware that there may be additional fees for canceling optional extras.
To protect yourself from unexpected cancellation costs, we recommend purchasing private travel insurance.
Any transfers into the following year are strictly at our discretion and attract an administration fee. No transfers or carry overs to 2026 after 01 May 2025
No refunds will be issued if an entry is canceled by the race organizers due to ineligibility under the race rules (e.g., a doping offense).
Please note that if ROAD TO DESOLATION is canceled, rescheduled, or modified due to unforeseen circumstances, we cannot offer refunds for entry fees or other payments.
Office
15 Milner Road
Woodstock
Cape Town
7925
