Are you going to do the same mountain bike events again in 2024? Or are you ready for something different? The Owl Route is a multi-day mountain bike experience in the Karoo that’s a level up from what you’re used to. It’s limited to 80 entrants because it’s designed to be memorable for all the right reasons. And those reasons include…
Paid partnership with Urban Goat
The destination
The Owl Route is an eclectic riding and cultural escape to the Karoo town of Nieu-Bethesda that has a historically textured past that is immortalised and preserved in the buildings, farms, décor, cuisine and art. It’s far from any big city with uncluttered daytime vistas and crisp, night skies.
The riding
Three days of riding that comprises a blend of singletrack, jeep track and district roads that wind their way around the quaint town and along the foothills of the nearby Sneeuberge mountain range. The distances aren’t too long but the stages are challenging and deliver some of the most spectacular Karoo landscapes.
The accommodation
The Tee-Pee style luxury tents include two comfy wooden base beds, quality white linen with plush down duvets, two chairs, bedside tables, floor rugs and solar lights. There’s also limited guest house accommodation as well as clean ablution facilities with piping hot showers.
The food and drinks
Friday lunch and dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner; and Sunday breakfast are included in the entry package. Not just any meals though, expect Karoo Lamb, gourmet burgers, cheese and Kudu salami platters, pancakes and more. Craft beer, craft gin, wine and cooldrinks are all included.
The extras
Each entrant gets a ‘Karoo Boksie’ that includes a commemorative, quality riding jersey as well as other locally produced goodies to the value of R1500.
The vibe
At night time, the campsite has low light to provide the optimal opportunity to view the wondrous Karoo night sky. On Saturday night there will be live entertainment and an owl-themed dress up party. In the day time, visit art galleries, stroll through the town’s arts and crafts stores, or, if your legs are tired from the stage, take the donkey cart shuttle…
There’s an 80-person limit for The Owl Route, so early entry is essential to avoid disappointment. Non-riding partners are welcome and pay a slightly reduced per-tent-sharing fee. All meals from Friday lunchtime until Sunday lunchtime are included, as are all beers, wine and gin.
To find out more or to enter the 2024 edition of The Owl Route, which takes place from 19-21 April, click here. The Owl Route is organised by Urban Goat. To find out about all their events, click here.
