Drake Events – Events Planner, Event Services. Gauteng area: Johannesburg, Pretoria

In A Nutshell

Package Cost:

R7500

Check out our payment plans below…

* 29 September – 02 October, 2022
* 3 Nights | 3 Days
* 3 Stages | 214km | 4326m ascent

All expenses paid including;

* 3 Nights Accommodation
* Coffee Tours/Talks Daily
* All Meals, Beverages & Alcohol
* Support Vehicles
* Masseuse
* Shuttle
* Bicycle Transfer to and from the Midlands
* Shuttle Transfer to and from the Midlands
* Fully Stocked Water Points
* Exciting Goodie Bag
* Collectable Finishers Medal

Price adjustments will not be made for substitutions, changes or exclusions. This is an all inclusive package to be provided for, per person, as advertised.

Coffee & Cycling

Stage 2

We’ll enjoy a short talk at The Barn Owl Coffee before the main event at Terbodore.

Terbodore Coffee Roasters will be a welcome break in the ride to enjoy some time off the saddle at the extended lunch stop on the route.

Stage 1

Steampunk Coffee, Lions River

We’re going to be hearing from local roaster, Michael Goddard from Steampunk Coffee. Michael used to be a musician, and has taken quite a unique approach to his business, only serving South African coffee, and operating on honesty systems.

Stage 3

Cycle. Coffee. Beer.

The main obstacle of the day on the bike is Khyber Pass. Once the climbing of the pass is done, you’ll be well rewarded at Karkloof Country Club with great coffee, followed by a beer and talk, made that much more inspirational with Karkloof Falls in the background. Lekker!

Registration & Start

JHB Parking Venue

Parking & Transfer:

Safe parking for your vehicle for the duration of the tour will be at Nkanga Lodge in Kempton Park. The parking and transfer is included in your package, to park at Nkanga Lodge and transfer in our shuttle to Karkloof. The shuttle will have a bicycle trailer in tow. The shuttle and trailer will return after Stage 3, on the afternoon of 02 October.

Registration and Collection:

Registration & Goodie Bag Collection will be held from 17H00-18H00 on 29 September 2022, at the Old Mushroom Farm, Karkloof. Any apparel ordered will be included in the collection of the Goodie Bag.

Goodie Bag:

The amazing partners and sponsors have provided great samples, vouchers & useful products for a special goodie bag. The goodie bag alone is worth so much, provided to you for free!

Daily Registration:

An itinerary will be sent out closer to the tour date, which will have a detailed check-in time at the start of each stage.

Bag Drop:

Every morning we will load your small “day bags” onto the support vehicle. Your small bag will be packed with items that are needed out on the ride, such as bombs, nutrition, tubes, etc. – anything you may need at the stop on the route or out on the route whilst riding.

When you arrive at the Old Mushroom Farm don’t worry about carrying those big bags and bikes to your room. We’ll take care of your luggage!

Route

30 September 2022

* Stage 1
* 77km | 1440m ascent
* Tour of the Day | The Platform, Lions River
* On Day 1, you will depart the Old Mushroom Farm towards Midmar Dam, enjoying a little single track next to the Dam, followed by a tar section before hitting the official gravel roads of the Midlands. Welcome to the Tour! The Mondi Forest presents Bush Climb, 5km at 5.6% gradient but so well rewarded with spectacular views from the top. The Platform in Lions River will be a great stop to look forward to at 60km after a whack of climbing in the legs already. After coffee and some rest, you’ll take on the next 10km which drags all the way up another 250m above sea level for the false finish for the day. It’s all (mostly) downhill from there to the finish to unwind and talk about a remarkable first day out in the saddle.

01 October 2022

* Stage 2
* 75km | 1610m ascent
* Tour of the Day | The Barn Owl Coffee & Terbodore Coffee Roasters
* Day 2 is the longest day in the saddle at 75km and plenty of climbing to put the two coffee stops to good use. We respectfully call this the Queen Stage of the tour – a day filled with climbing and descending, but such a beaut of a route with fantastic district roads surrounding by the greenery of the Midlands. Truly sublime! Terbodore Coffee Roasters will be a welcome stop for a tour of the roastery, to then take on the last 30km of the stage. Don’t be fooled once you reach the top of Khyber Pass and take the descent down. There’s still plenty of climbs that lie ahead so keep some in the tank for the back end of the route.

02 October 2022

* Stage 3
* 62km | 1270m ascent
* Tour of the Day | Karkloof Country Club & Karkloof Falls
* A short warmup out of the Old Mushroom Farm through the Sappi Forest and you’ll be on the P145 heading towards Khyber Pass. Stage 2 you rode in from the previous direction, with Stage 3 allowing you to “enjoy” the climb from the other direction. It’s a beast and unrelenting but wow, what a fantastic feeling at the top! Once over Kyhber Pass it’s a short ride to Elliots Nek. It’s short, it’s sharp but you’ll remember this climb, touching on 23% gradient. Once over the top, enjoy the tar road descent down Currie’s Post Road, to then head back onto the dirt and through the forest district roads again. At the back end of the route, you’ll make your way towards Karkloof Country Club, one of the highlights of the day, followed by the magnificently scenic Karkloof Falls. From the Falls, you’ll make your way up the last climb back to the Old Mushroom Farm for a quick shower and lunch, before loading into the shuttle for the trip home.

Group Info & Dynamics

We will have one group available for you to join. Below are the average speeds we expect to ride each day dependent on the parcours for the day. Ensure you are comfortable with the average speed per day, as we need to ensure the group stays together all day, everyday.

Stage 1 | Karkloof - Midmar - Ashley - Lions River - Karkloof

77km | 1440m ascent
Average Speed | 17km/hr
Estimated Moving Time | 4hrs 32min

Stage 2 | Karkloof - Barn Owl - Lions River - Terbodore - Karkloof

75km | 1610m ascent
Average Speed | 16km/hr
Estimated Moving Time | 4hrs 41min

Stage 3 | Karkloof - Khyber Pass - Karkloof

62km | 1270m ascent
Average Speed | 17km/hr
Estimated Moving Time | 3hrs 39min

* This is not a race!
* Everyone must stay together along the route, everyday. On some of the bigger climbs, riders may ride up at their own pace, with the group coming back together at the summit. Riders will group together again and then ride collectively as one group thereafter.
* As there are stronger riders and slightly weaker riders, ride accordingly in the group. If you are stronger, assist the weaker riders on the climbs.
* Stronger riders should ride up front and rear with the weaker riders riding in the middle of the group.
* The average speed for the day will be controlled by a group leader. Respect the pace and the group leaders instructions.
* Certain weather conditions can increase or decrease the pace for the day. The average is a guideline should conditions be favourable.
* There will be pre-determined water points and lunch stops everyday. The group will stop at all water points and lunch collectively.
* If someone has a mechanical in the group, the entire group will stop.

Bag Drop

Small Bags:

Your small bag will be packed daily into the following support vehicle.
The small bag can be packed with any spares, nutrition, chargers, etc. that you may need throughout the day.

Large Bags / Luggage:

All your large bags and luggage needed for the trip will be safe at the accommodation of the Old Mushroom Farm, whilst you are enjoying a day out in the saddle.

Water & Check Points

Fully Stocked Water Points

We will have rolling water points on offer on all three stages. Every water point will be fully stocked with nutrition, water, coke, ice, banana’s, crunchies, sweets and something different daily to keep things interesting.

Water Points & Lunch Distance:

Your final itinerary will have the detailed water and lunch kilometre markers per day.

Accommodation

Three nights accommodation is included in your package, at the beautiful 11 Karkloof. Your room will be assigned for the full three night, three day tour. A maximum of two persons per room will be assigned for shared accommodation.
As soon as the final itinerary is available, you will be provided with full details of which unit you will be staying in for the tour.

Food & Beverage:

Food and beverages for the full three night, three day trip is included in your package.
Beverages include all hot and cold drinks, as well as alcohol.
Meals provided includes Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily whilst on tour. (excluding lunch on 29 September & dinner on 02 October)

Other Activities:

The Old Mushroom Farm is a hub of activity, especially over the weekend. If you happen to have energy after the day in the saddle, visit their market and wide variety of stalls, or even just enjoy a beer at the restaurant.

Drinks are included in your package. YES!!!

Support Vehicles

For the entire tour you will have a support vehicle with you on the route. The shuttle will transport your small bags which you can access at any of the water points or tour stops. The support vehicle will drive behind the group as support and behind the last rider for the longer climbs when the group might split. The support vehicle will be on hand with first aid, your small bags, rolling water point beverages and snacks, basic backup spares and even just a seat to take five minutes off the bike.

Squirt Chain Lube will be available in the support vehicle so your chain stays clean, lasts long and extends drive train life. Cooler Boxes with ice will be kept in the support vehicle to keep your bottles cold. Should you use the cooler box, ensure your bottles are easily identifiable, should they get mixed up with others.

Apparel

We’re working on including awesome, branded La Marzocco and Drake Events apparel to your goodie bag. An official tour kit will be launch VERY soon. Add to this and build your “blue train” collection by ordering cycling apparel;

* You have the opportunity to buy Drake Events SOX. (R100 per pair)
* You have an opportunity to buy an official Drake Events jersey, provided by Van H. (R1400 per jersey)
* Don’t forget to include your order on the registration form.

Bicycle Transport

We will have a bicycle trailer to transport your bicycle to and from Karkloof. Should you have any issues on the bike and/or need a few kilometres off the bike, we will load you and your bike into the support vehicle. The bicycle transport is included in the package.

Bike Wash

While you are relaxing after your ride, we will give your bike a basic clean and wash with Squirt Bike Cleaner. 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐫 is a concentrated and biodegradable bicycle cleaner. The concentrate can be diluted 1:25 and still produce a heavy-duty cleaning solution. It is water based and does not contain any organic solvents.

Masseuse

The long days out are a little easier with fresher legs. We will have a masseuse on hand for afternoon, evening and early morning massages. Don’t forget… keep those legs shaved!

Let's Give Back

*The purpose of Pug Rescue South Africa is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home Pugs in need, irrespective of their age, breed standard or health.
*They also offer sanctuary to Pugs who are not adopted and to the many aged Pugs in their care.
*They rescue in excess of 210 Pugs a year.
*Their rescues receive an extremely high standard of care at the Benoni sanctuary which affords them a home-from-home experience.
*The rehoming criteria is also extremely strict. Pug Rescue SA do not believe in “there is a home, here is a dog”, they re-home ” the right Pug to the right home ” and have an extremely low return rate.

Pug Rescue SA also founded the Thanda Inja Project in 2014. The Thanda Inja Project takes place in the Gabon and Chris Hani Informal Settlements in Daveyton, Benoni. The community Pug Rescue SA assists is impoverished and mostly unemployed. A welfare organisation doing welfare work.

Every second Tuesday Pug Rescue SA together with Dr Bernie Eales and other volunteer veterinarians offer free basic veterinary care to the dogs, cats and sometimes livestock in the community. Pug Rescue SA have a feeding scheme where over 450 registered dogs and 80 cats receive a bag of food every two weeks.

Drake Events has committed to give back in 2022 and will donate R150 per entry at every tour throughout the year. However, it’s not just about donating. Drake Events will also volunteer time to assist and spend time at the Pug Rescue SA sanctuary in Benoni, as well as arranging special family days out at the sanctuary.

Help us to help make a difference to a phenomenal organisation, doing amazing work every day!

Payment Plan

Pay a deposit of R4000 and pay the balance by 15 September.

Entry Form

Contact Details

Organiser

Wesley Drake – 072 076 9245
Xanné Drake – 082 370 8614

Package Cost

R7500

Banking Details

Drake Events
Bank: FNB
Branch : 230732
Account Number : 62854277110

Mountain Bike Coffee Tour in the scenic Midlands of KZN