The Race Across South Africa is an unforgettable adventure by bike which takes riders to remote parts of South Africa where they will experience the true splendour of the country and the warm hospitality of its people.
Race Across South Africa is a physically 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 navigation, hiking with a bicycle and bike maintenance.
Since the route is not marked, riders need to navigate by means of maps, compass and narrative directions – the use of GPS devices during the race is not allowed and will lead to disqualification.
DATES
- RASA start days on 13 – 22 June 2024
- Riders have 26 Days to complete the challenge
BASIC INFORMATION
- Non-stop self-supported event, riders are not required to stop every day/night as in other stage races
- There are 20 Support stations where riders must check-in. Food and basic accommodation is provided at support stations. Bedding and towels provided
- Riders can pre-pack 20 x 2litre ice-cream tubs with supplies such as maps, trail food, personal medications, spares etc. These are distributed to the 20 Support stations
- In addition to the 20 support stations, there are also 16 interim stops where food and accommodation is provided
- Solo event and all riders are required to be self-sufficient and carry all their own personal belongings with them
- No individual seconding is permitted during the event – this means that no friends, family or other supporters may meet you along the route and offer assistance during the ride
ENTRY FEES AND DEADLINES (RASA 2024)
- Early-bird Entry: R45,000 incl. VAT (PAID IN FULL BY 31 July 2023)
- Normal Entry: R50,000 incl. VAT (Deadline: 31 January 2024 | Late entry 12 May 2024 – no race garment)
- Enter RASA HERE
THE ENTRY FEE COVERS THE FOLLOWING:
- All meals and accommodation at support stations and interim stops whilst in competition (max 26 Days)
- Pre-RASA dinner and accommodation at the pre-race briefing in Pietermaritzburg
- Pizza, accommodation andbreakfast at Diemersfontein on the day/night you finish. Dinner other than finish-line pizza is for rider’s account
- Access to the downloadable set of 1:50 000 topographical maps and narrative descriptions of the race route (Pre-printed Maps cost R1150 incl. VAT and delivery)
- Transport of one small bag per rider (clothes etc) to be collected at the finish (bike bags also transported by request)
- Shipping of 2 litre race support boxes from Race Office (Cape Town) to support stations along the route (max 20 tubs per rider)
- Official race garment – Thin polar fleece and buff
- Traditional Basotho Finisher’s blanket (to all official finishers)
PAYMENT TERMS AND WITHDRAWALS
- Deadline for all entry fee payments is as per entry deadline above
- Start batch place is only booked once entry at least 20% paid
- You may pay in instalments of your choosing, please use same invoice number on all instalments
- Withdrawals before 31 January 2024 will receive 95% refund of total entry fee
- Withdrawals before 12 May 2024 will receive 90% refund of total entry fee
- Withdrawals before the first batch start date will receive 70% refund of total entry fee
- Withdrawals after the first batch start date are non-refundable
- Map payments are non-refundable
- 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
- By entering this event you agree to abide by race rules and sign the event indemnity form
RACE ROUTE
The route follows the Freedom Trail from Pietermaritzburg to Wellington along a wide variety of off-road terrain – dirt roads, farm roads and tracks, footpaths and animal tracks.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 route traverses six terrestrial biomes and the geography ranges from coastal to mountainous to semi-desert.
Anticipated temperatures during June/July can range from -15 – 35 Degrees Celcius
Visit TRAIL INFORMATION page for more route information, distance splits and ascent breakdown.
