Sedgefield500

After the race had to start in Groot Brak in January because of the flood damage to the Seven Passes road, we are returning to a start/finish in Sedgefield in October 2022.

The route takes you through some of the best gravel roads in the infamous Garden Route area as well as through the Klein-Karoo towns of Uniondale, Oudsthoorn, and Calitzdorp.

Entries are limited to keep the event as 'uncommercial' as possible, so entries are done via an application process. Riders wanting to compete in the race need to fill out the application form, once we have reviewed the applicants cycling history we will invite successful applicants to enter the race. 

Successful applicants will have a limited time to pay and secure their entry. We have had situations in the past where riders have applied and been accepted, and have not responded to a single email. Unfortunately, that puts one right at the bottom of the list for future events, so if you apply and circumstances change, please inform us. 

As this is an unsupported race, you as the rider must be certain that you can cover the distance, there will be no vehicles on route to pull you off if you cannot complete the distance. This is a test of perseverance and character, anyone found to have a support vehicle on the route will be immediately disqualified. If you need to bail and someone comes to collect you, you will need to let the Race Medical Team know.

Riders who aren't tackling the route non-stop are free to stay in any hotel or B & B on the route and can resupply at any established shop that is available to the public. The beauty of this style of racing is, you have the fun part of planning your ride according to your goals, whether it be non-stop, over two days, or over the full 60-hour time limit.

Halfway is close to Oudsthoorn so if you are going for a two-day ride then that is a good spot to sleep over. Three-day riders could look at Uniondale and Claitzdorp as their sleepover spots.

We will potentially have our own Spot units to rent to riders for the race, it is compulsory to have one, but if you have your own you are welcome to use it.

Your entry will include:

• Goodie Bag
• Route GPX file

Applications for entry will open on 1 July 2022.

Race Info:

Start: 06h00 Friday 14 October 2022
Venue: Wild Oats Farmers Market
Cut-off: 16h00 Sunday 16 October 2022
Entry fee: R2250
Race Format: Solo (no teams – riders can however ride together if they wish. Drafting is allowed)

Route Info:
Distance: 503km

Elevation Gain: 6800m

Terrain: 36% on tar and 64% on gravel

Registration:

Registration will take place on Thursday 13 October 2022 at 18h00 at the Sedgefield Brewery, there will be food and drinks available to purchase so join us for supper and share stories with fellow riders.

Compulsory Gear

• Spot Gen3, Gen4 or similar SOS tracking device (Garmin Track Me will not suffice)
• Emergency Survival Foil Bag
• Water carrying capacity for at least 3lt.

The rest of your gear is up to you. The Karoo sections of the route can get upwards of 40 degrees celsius so make sure to carry enough water and electrolytes. The longest section between water refill opportunities is around 110km.

Accommodation

It is the responsibility of the rider to book their own accommodation once they have have decided where and when they would like to sleep. If you decide to wild camp, please make sure to not litter. Leave the area as you found it.

Refunds Policy

No refunds will be given, if a rider cannot make the event they can defer their entry to one of our other races or the following years Sedgefield500.

It is the responsibility of each participant to arrange their own personal accident insurance, ambulance cover and income protection insurance before participating in the Event to cover any unforeseen personal costs you may incur due to ambulance trips, medical expenses or time off work due to injuries sustained whilst participating in the Event. When entering you acknowledge that you do so entirely at your own risk.