Ultimate endurance challenge awaits cyclists with inaugural 200-mile event

An ultimate endurance challenge awaits cyclists in central South Africa with the inaugural Oryx Unbound 200 Miler.

This prestigious event over approximately 322 kilometres combines the thrill of mountain biking and gravel riding, commencing and ending at Tiffany’s in Bainsvlei, Bloemfontein.

Kobus Burger of Oryx Endurance Event Management and president of the Northern Cape Cycling Federation says cyclists increasingly want to test their ultimate endurance.

“With cyclists the average age of 40 years plus, they want to challenge themselves and find out what they can endure. Events like this are what cyclists want,” he adds.

According to several sources, 200-mile cycling events are becoming increasingly popular. Not only is there a growing interest in ultra-endurance challenges, but also an increased participation in gravel and adventure cycling events. By participating, cyclists pursue personal achievement and self-discovery. These events provide a demanding yet rewarding experience, pushing cyclists to their physical and mental limits. This fosters a sense of accomplishment and exploration.

• The Oryx Unbound 200 Miler is scheduled for 7 November, and is open to solo participants with mountain or gravel bikes. Cyclists have 24 hours to cycle the route from Tiffany’s to Dealesville, Boshof, Petrusburg, and back to Tiffany’s.

• Entries close on 31 October.

Ride2TheKaroo done and dusted

The most recent event by Oryx Event Endurance, the annual Race2TheKaroo, took place on 30 August. Cyclists could enter for the 100 miler, 85 km or 46 km event, all commencing from the Klipkraal N12 roadstall outside Hopetown in the Northern Cape.

Manfred Lambrechts was the first male to cross the finish line in the 100 miler, in 6:26:15, followed by André Greyling (6:56:20) and Mauritz Jurack (7:15:42).

Namaria Brits is the female winner in the 100 miler, finishing in 7:17:59.

Battle of the Bikes calling

The next cycle challenge is the Battle of the Bikes event on 4 October, commencing and ending from the Jacobsdal Inn. It offers a thrilling experience for professional cyclists and enthusiastic hobbyists alike, set against the historic battlefields between Kimberley and Bloemfontein. The two options – 71 km and 37 km – cater for mountain and gravel bikes, as well as e-bikes.

• Entries close on 2 October.

• For more information on all events by Oryx Endurance Event Management, as well as photos and results of previous events, visit its Facebook page or website.