Anticipation is building to a peak for Round 2 of the 2023 South African Enduro Series that will be held in the Waterberg, Limpopo at Summerplace Game Reserve on 9 July. A long five months after Round 1 at Thaba Trails in Gauteng, Round 2 is set to offer a substantial challenge in terms of skill, fitness, strength and endurance.
As Enduro grows as a discipline in South Africa, various venues have begun to host Enduro events. In provinces like Gauteng, the lack of significant gradient means a very limited number of venue options, which has led to the provincial series dabbing into neighbouring provinces.
Last year, the Gauteng Enduro Series held a round at Summerplace Game Reserve, a 2hr15min drive from Pretoria. Such was the success of the event, that Summerplace has been chosen to host Round 2 of the 2023 National Series, which doubles as a round of the 2023 Gauteng Series too.
Entrants can expect an Enduro that’s worthy of national series status. The gradient pitch and length at Summerplace is ideal in offering longer stages, but obviously there’s climbing to be done to achieve that. Here’s a summary of what the Enduro race day will entail.
Stage 1: Tumbleweed
Distance: 850m
Drop: 94m
Average gradient: -11.4%
Current fastest time: 1:51
This is the steepest and most technical of the stages, with several rocky roll-downs in the first half, changing to fast, straight sections linked with flat turns and some smaller rocky crossings.
Stage 2: Load Shredder
Distance: 1.23km
Drop: 114m
Average gradient: -9.2%
Current fastest time: 2:20
This stage, which mostly runs beneath the power lines, offers a series of twisty, rocky turns linked by short pedally bits, punctuated by a few small jumps and rollers.
Stage 3: Skyfall
Distance: 1.94km
Drop: 168m
Average gradient: -8.6%
Current fastest time: 4:18
As the longest stage, Skyfall features a few flat corners, but also includes some rocky rolldowns/drop-offs, jumps and rollers – and guaranteed arm-pump!
Stage 4: Red Mountain
Distance: 1.86km
Drop: 157m
Average gradient: -8.4%
Current fastest time: 4:32
There are three distinct sections on Red Mountain, the first features round, embedded, widely spaced rocks, the second features sketchy, loose turns and rocky roll-downs and the third the slab rock river bed through the Kloof. The top section has been freshly embellished with some small drops, jumps and rollers.
Stage 5: Fired Earth
Distance: 1.66km
Drop: 108m
Average gradient: -6.5%
Current fastest time: 2:57
There are two distinct halves on Fired Earth, the first is rocky and steep in places and the second is hardpack, fast and flowy with jumps and mostly flat turns.
Stage 6: Summerflow
Distance: 1.1km
Drop: 59m
Average gradient: -5.3%
Current fastest time: 1:46
Summerflow is the shortest stage, but is super fun with several gap-jumps, jumps, rollers and berms. There are B-Lines around all gap jumps.
Stages 1-4 are all new, but all feature David Baber’s, style of using existing natural features to create flow. There’s limited pedalling required, which should please the more gravity-orientated riders, but the volume of climbing and distance covered on the day will please the fitter riders.
“It’s going to be a very different event to the one held here last year. Only Stages 5 and 6 were used last year. I have designed all the new stages to make the most of the large slope on the south-west of the reserve. While that means longer, more fun and engaging descents, it also means more climbing. We have also added two new purpose-built climbing lines between Stages 1 and 2 and between Stages 2 and 3 to make the repeated ascents more manageable and interesting,” said Baber.
For the full event, the total riding distance is approximately 32km with a total of 830 metres of climbing. The Lite event will incorporate Stages 4, 5 and 6, which is a approximately 17km with 400 metres of climbing.
Online entries are open and can be done on the Cycling South Africa website via this link. You need to have a CSA Licence to enter.
Summerplace Game Reserve is giving the fastest overall male and female in the Full Enduro each a two-night stay valued at R13000 each at Yorks View Lodge (sleeps up to 12). These can be redeemed in the months of January, June or November 2024 (excluding public holidays and long weekends). T&Cs will apply.
In terms of accommodation for the Enduro SA Cup event, Summerplace Game Reserve is already fully booked. However, there are a number of nearby accommodation venues. Contact Summerplace Game Reserve reservations via WhatsApp 083 3025123 to request the venue list.
There will be shuttles running on Saturday 8 July for riders to practice the four new stages (with the biggest climbs). Shuttle passes will cost R150 per rider. Meals will also be available for purchase on Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 July. To book meals and shuttle passes, please send a WhatsApp message to the Summerplace number 083 3025123 before Monday 3 July 2023.
For more information, join the Gauteng Cycling Gravity Group on Telegram, here; or contact Paola Damilano on 0832523752 or paola.damilano@me.com
Source: Roots Media | Photos: Dominic Barnardt
