RAMASGATE RIDERS BRIEFING AND TRACK
REPORT
by Trevor and Lloyd Kirk
The Ramasgate Challenge ride is a Roof
training ride which has been put together by Ian McDonald from Rock Rabbitts,
Faan Van Deventer, Sakkie Maartens and Natal WFO. I would like to thank all
these people for their time and effort that they have sacrificed to make this
event possible. It is important to remember that this event is a fun ride and
not a race, so you can enjoy it riding together.
Race Registration(Friday 10h00 –
18h00; Saturday 5h00 – 8h00)
Race registration will take place at
the Start/Finish area at Chertsey Farm, Registration will open at 10h00 on
Friday morning until 18h00 and Saturday morning from 05h00 - 08h00. Riders will
be able to register, collect their Ramasgate Shirts and the GPS officials will
be on hand to download routes onto GPS’S. Please make sure you have your
relevant documentation on hand as to speed up the registration process. If you are purchasing a license on the day
please remember to bring PROOF OF MEDICAL AID.
There will bacon and Egg rolls for
sale at the start.
Important Note for riders - We encourage riders to make sure that their
required fuel, water and food requirements during the ride is planned well and
placed at the designated area for the trucks to take out to the relevant DSP’s.
There will be two demarcated areas at the registration area marked Ramasgate
DSP and Danie’s DSP whereby riders would need to place their 10 litre
container and any refreshments in the Ramasgate DSP area and their 5 litre
container in the Danie’s DSP area. The trucks for these DSP’s will be loaded
and leave the Start area at 05h30 on Saturday morning.
PLEASE PUT YOUR NAMES ON YOUR CONTAINERS!
Friday the 9th November
- Time Trial/Prologue(12h00 – 16h00)
Faan Van Deventer has put a lot of
work into the 20km Time Trial making it a really awesome ride getting you ready
for what lies ahead! Riders who do not complete the time trial will start on
the last row on Saturday. The start of the time trial takes place approximately
3.5Km’s from Chertsey Farm. Riders are able to ride on a clearly marked route
to the Start/Finish of the time trial or they can drive there with their
vehicles.
Time Trial will be open to riders
from 12h00 – 16h00 with one 20 km run available to each rider. Your Time Trial
result will determine your starting order for Saturday.
Adventure bikers will be able to ride
out to the time trial and free ride in this area as they will be able to get to
most of the time trial viewing points.
Friday Night Braai Chertsey Farm -There will be a Braai and social get together on
Friday evening at Chertsey Farm for all riders which is included in the rider’s
entry fee. For pit crew and family the
cost for the braai is R100.00 per person.
Saturday the 10th November
Hobby, Expert, Pro and Adventure Bike Routes
Saturday will start with Race control
being open for 05h00 for race registration and for GPS’s to be uploaded.
There will be bacon and egg rolls for
sale as riders get ready for a great day of riding. The riders will have to
line their bike up in their rows at 07h00 with the first Row of bikes departing
at 08h00 with 5 minute intervals between each row.
·
HOBBY
CLASS = 90KM (45 km to Ramasgate and back excluding distances in Lesotho)
·
EXPERT
CLASS = 140 KM expert loop should be equivalent to a tough Bronze Roof with one
or two hard passes in it. It is advised that you buddy up with someone to make
your day a little easier and less stressful
·
PRO
CLASS = 150 KM is a tough and challenging route so be prepared for some
scrumming! If you are nervous of a section wait for another rider to come and
do the section together.
·
ADVENTURE
ROUTE = 100 – 160 KM will comprise of a dirt road ride to the Ramasgate DSP
where they will then start there tailor made adventure bike route in Lesotho
which is going tom be epic. There are
two routes available for the Adventure biker as follows: - GREEN ROUTE
comprises mostly of dirt roads with a few rocky tracks. RED ROUTE comprises of
dirt roads, rocky tracks and some goat paths.
Please take note of the Emergency Number on your
number board for any emergencies that may need to be reported during the day.
Please riders remember your obligation to your fellow rider in need.
Stage 1 – Start at Chertsey Farm –
Ramasgate Border Post
This will be a common route for
Hobby, Expert and Pro classes with Pro sections added into the route which will
be used to assess the Pro rider’s ability for the Pro route on stage 2. The
ride from Chertsey Farm to Ramasgate is a nice easy flowing ride with one or
two challenges in it.
·
The ride
from Chertsey Farm to Ramasgate will take 50 – 80 minutes (approx. 45km).
·
It will
take your Pit Crew approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to get to the DSP so if your
pit crew will be meeting you at the DSP we suggest they leave by no later than
07H30.
FROM
IAN MACDONALD:
“The
Hobby Class Route (which is also the common route for Pro and Expert Class to
Ramasgate) will have flowing single tracks and sled paths through the
lowlands and contour paths through the Protea banks which will take you to
the Ramasgate Border Post. There you
will be treated to some magnificent views of the Tsoelike River Valley while
watching some of the extreme enduro riders doing what they do best! Thereafter you will head back down the hill
to the Start/Finish at Chertsey Farm”.
|
Stage 2 – Lesotho Loop/Ramasgate DSP
Stage 2 comprises of the Ramasgate
decontrol where the necessary passport controls need to take place, refuelling
and then the riders set off on their relevant routes for Pro, Expert, Hobby and
Adventure in Lesotho returning back to the same DSP before they start stage 3.
All classes will arrive at the
Lesotho Border post known as the Ramasgate DSP at the end of Stage 1. The
Ramasgate DSP, managed by Sakkie Maartens, will be situated on the South
African side of the border post with all the necessary amenities available to
riders and pit crews. When Pit Crew’s get to the Ramasgate Border please park
outside the fenced area unless you are going into Lesotho to spectate then you
can pass on through onto the Lesotho side. Please note that there are no shops
or supplies available at the Ramasgate Border post so we suggest that pit crew’s
take eats and drinks with them to the DSP. There will be complimentary ham
rolls available to riders at this DSP once they completed stage 2. If you do
not have any Pit Crew support at the border post you will need to send your
supplies with your fuel containers placed in the demarcated areas at registration.
When you arrive at the Ramasgate border
we estimate that it should take the riders a maximum of 15 minutes for the
riders to stamp their passports, refuel and refill hydration packs.
REMEMBER THIS IS NOT A RACE SO PLEASE
ENSURE YOU REFUEL YOUR BIKES AND HYDRATE YOURSELVES SUFFICIENTLY AT THIS DSP. AT
THE SAME TIME, DON’T WASTE ANY UNNECESARY TIME AS THERE ARE THREE CUT OFF
POINTS IN THE PRO AND EXPERT CLASSES THAT LIE AHEAD.
From the Ramasgate Border DSP riders
will ride to the starting point of Pro, Expert, Hobby and Adventure routes
which start just past the Lesotho side of the border post after a short
distance on the gravel road. It will be clearly marked. This is where the
different routes start and the fun begins. You will need to ride within your
abilities being wise in the decisions you take as you follow your GPS through
some of the most beautiful yet challenging terrain available to dirt bike
riders.
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU CHECK YOUR GPS AT
ALL TIMES!
Cut-off Points/Time bars
There will three cut-off points along
stage 2 whereby riders will be pointed to the road if they don’t reach these
points by a certain time, which will lead them back to Ramasgate DSP. These
cut-off points are there for rider’s safety and we encourage riders to obey the
instructions of the officials at these cut-off points. Danie’s DSP will be the
first cut-off point at 14h00 and there will be a further two cut-off points
along the way at 15h00 and 16h00 respectively whereby riders will be shown the
road back to the Ramasgate DSP.
Danie’s DSP
Danie’s DSP will be approximately a
third distance into your route by which time you will know what type of day you
are going to have. This will be the first cut off point at 14h00, were you will
have to refuel and replenish liquids that will be available to get you through
the rest of stage 2. Your 5 litre fuel container will be at this DSP along with
water for you to fill your hydration packs. Please note that in this area the
rivers have extremely clean water for you to keep hydrated, top up radiators
and keep yourself cool.
FROM
IAN MACDONALD:
“The Expert
Class, after crossing through the Border Post will have a good day of awesome
Lesotho Riding that will challenge those looking to do Bronze and Silver at
the Roof of Africa. Once you have completed your loop you will go through the
Ramasgate Border Post once again, refuel at the DSP and head back down the
hill to the Start/Finish at Chertsey Farm”.
“The
Pro Class I have been told is tougher than Roof!”
|
Stage 2 or the Lesotho loop will
finish at Ramasgate again where you stamp passports, refuel, have a ham roll
before you head back to the Start/Finish at Chertsey Farm.
Stage 3 – Ramasgate to the Finish at
Chertsey Farm
Stage 3 back to the finish at
Chertsey farm will open once the first Pro rider arrives or at the latest
13h30. Once done the necessary passport controls and refuelled Pro , Expert and
Hobby riders will take the same route as in stage 1 but in reverse as they
return along a mellow scenic route back to the finish to receive there
Ramasgate signature trophy.
Saturday Night Sheep on the Spit
The Ramasgate inaugural event will
finish off on Saturday evening with a function at the Matatiele Country Club
with sheep on a spit for riders to chat about their days riding. The costs of
the sheep on the spit are included in the Riders entry fee and for Pit Crew and
Family the cost is R120.00 per person.
We are hoping that all the time and
effort that has gone into this event results in an amazing weekend of riding
for all levels of riding and that all attending this event have loads of fun.
A big thank you to you the rider for
entering this event, to our sponsor s and event helpers who have gone out of
their way to make this a great event!
Thank You and Safe travels. See you
Friday
RAMASGATE – Africa’s Hardest One Day
Enduro
You have Erzberg, you
have Romaniacs and you have Hells Gate, now you have a new hard enduro on your
doorstep, RAMASGATE. The hardest one day enduro in Africa bought to you by the
WFO Club.
RAMASGATE is setting its goal to be the best one day hard
enduro race weekend in Africa. Focusing on giving riders unrivalled Lesotho and
East Griqualand riding terrain and designed to harness the fellowship across
all off road riding facets with a dash of East Griqualand hospitality we aim to
create an off road riding weekend like no other. This event is taking place on
the 9th and 10th of November 2018 from
Chertsey farm, 12km outside Matatiele, providing the perfect venue close to the
Lesotho Border post, RAMASGATE.
Providing entrants with
the perfect Hard Enduro GPS rider training in the Lesotho Mountains leading up
to the Roof of Africa in December this event is going to be one that you don’t
want to miss. After much discussion with our local and international riders we
have put together an event that caters for all riders in one weekend, providing
a true challenge designed to enhance fellowship amongst all off road and enduro
riders and their families. Added to this, this event provides the ultimate
platform for all motorcycle manufacturers and motorcycle industry related
businesses to engage with their target market in the most unique way. Hosted by
the WFO club, who together with the Matatiele community, are pulling out all
the stops to make this weekend really special and value for money. WFO Club
Event Organiser Trevor Kirk says “ ….We intend providing a world class event in
the Lesotho mountains to challenge bronze, silver and gold enduro riders. We have
also incorporated an adventure bike ride that will compliment this race to
ensure that the entire adventure bike riding, off road riding and enduro
community have a weekend together like no other. We look forward to hosting
this event and making it a weekend to remember”.
Entries will open on the 3rd of September and
will be limited to 300 riders so get your entries in for this value packed
weekend. WFO have been able to keep costs down and give the riders a value for
money weekend like no other at cost of R750 per rider including all logistics
for the race, including supper on Friday and Saturday nights. There will be
camping facilities available at the Start and Finish which is the same for both
days of racing. There is
plenty of accommodation available in and around Matatiele with Resthaven in
Matatiele offering discounted prices for entrants.
The event will start with registration and the Prologue of 20km on Friday the 9th of November, between 12h00 and 16h30, from Chertsey Farm
just outside of Matatiele followed by a rider’s Braai while their bikes receive
a complimentary bikewash before they are placed in the bike impound ready for
the main race start on Saturday morning at 8h00.
The main race will start at Chertsey farm with a mass start
for Pro, Expert and Hobby classes similar to Erzberg, with the first stage of
the route making its way through to RAMASGATE border post where there will be
a 15 minute decontrol while you stamp your passport and refuel ready for the
Lesotho Mountains that lie ahead in stage 2. The 2nd stage will start with specific routes for the
Expert Class and Pro Class GPS tracks set by experienced Pros to ensure that
the route tests your ability and fitness as you ride some of the most scenic
and insane riding terrain available in Africa. Stage 2 ends back at the
RAMASGATE decontrol for a passport stamp and refuel ready for the final stage 3
back to the finish at Chertsey farm. The Hobby class will have a 3 hour
decontrol between stage 1 and stage 3 whereby they are permitted to ride to the
various spectator points to watch the Expert and Pro classes. Stage 3 will
start when the first Gold rider comes through the decontrol when all the other
classes will be able to start stage 3 ad race to the finish at Chertsey Farm.
Making this event unique is that there will be a GPS
Adventure bike route that follows the main route which will be an amazing
adventure for the adventure biking enthusiasts. Adventure biking in the Lesotho
Mountains on an adventure route while you have prime spectator opportunities to
watch the hard enduro riders, you could not ask for more. We believe that the adventure
bikers will enjoy being part this event with their fellow off road riding
enthusiasts making this event a great success.
After an enjoyable days riding for all riders we will
celebrate in true Matatiele style on Saturday Night with a few Sheep on the
spit at the Matatiele country club with some interesting biker entertainment
and presentation of your RAMASGATE finishers “Rock”. Please support this event
and bring your family with to enjoy a wonderful weekend.
More information will
be available at www.wforacing.co.za
or contact Nadine on 073 990 3698 further details.
Route and Class Information
All routes have been
completed and have been pre ridden to get input from the required level of
riders. This valuable information helps us “tweak” the routes to make it even
better for our Hobby, Expert, Pro and Adventure bike routes
This event is taking
place on the 9th and 10th of November 2018
from Chertsey farm, 16km outside Matatiele, providing the perfect venue
close to the Lesotho Border post, RAMASGATE. The whole spirit of this event is
to provide a unique opportunity for all forms of dirt bikers to enjoy this
weekend. Enjoy a
Matat braai on Friday night followed by a spit braai on Saturday night at the Matatiele Country Club, a
Ramasgate signature T-Shirt and awesome riding all included in the entry fee
R750. That’s what you call value for money, like no other.
RAMASGATE is setting its goal to be the best one day hard
enduro weekend in Africa while at the same time giving our hobby class riders
and adventure bikers the ultimate riding experience, without the “racing” pressure,
so that they can enjoy the experience. On Friday there will be a time trial for
those serious riders who want a better start position for the Saturday ride. All
the classes will start and finish at Chertsey farm with the Saturday route
comprising of 3 stages with all classes doing the same stage 1 and Stage 3,
apart from the Adventure class that have their specific adventure class route.
Stage 1 starts in the form of a mass start in rows of riders determined from
the previous days’ time trial and ends at the Ramasgate decontrol where all
riders will do their passport checks. From there the Expert, Pro and Adventure
bike classes will complete their specific class route as part of stage 2 which
ends back at the Ramasgate. The Hobby class do not do stage 2 but have a 3 hour
decontrol to joy ride and spectate in Lesotho. All classes will then start stage
3 which follows a nice flowing route back to the finish.
Hobby Class
The Hobby class has been designed for your lower Bronze
rider/fun rider who maybe has not got the fitness, as he most probably works
for a living, but wants an enjoyable less stressful ride. The route will
comprise of enjoyable flowing sections in stage 1 from the start to the
Ramasgate refuel where they will have a 3 hour decontrol. The hobby class will
have a 3 hour decontrol at the Ramasgate refuel where they will be able to ride
at their leisure to various silver and gold spectator points to encourage the
riders. The Hobby Class stage 3 will start when they join the expert and pro
riders in the final racing stage home which is a nice flowing section down to
the finish
Expert Class
The Expert Class has been designed to cater for riders that
are at Silver Roof of Africa level and above average bronze rider. The expert
loop will start at Ramasgate and be a different loop than the Pro class. Completely
on GPS tracks testing a silver riders technical ability and fitness in order to
complete stage 2 receiving there Ramasgate signature medal at the finish.
Pro Class
The Pro Class is going to be really tough and if you
consider yourself to be a top 30 Roof of Africa rider then this class is for
you. This route in the words of Martin of Romaniacs, is not for “pussies” so
bring your A Game. Steep climbs and tricky downhills will provide you with some
interesting riding challenges and may need the riders to overcome some of their
personal weaknesses, like fear of heights, in order to complete this section.
We intend to have 10 finishers who are deserving of the tailor made Ramasgate
Rock as a reward for their achievements. In order for the organisers to be sure
that riders entering the expert loop, have the technical ability, there will be
a Pro signature climb in racing section 1 whereby you will earn your Gold
Ticket to enter the Pro Route. If you don’t have a gold ticket you will have to
do the expert loop.
Adventure Bikes
The adventure bike routes have been designed for the
ultimate adventure rider who would like a scenic ride in the beautiful Lesotho
Mountains that is designed specifically for the adventure bikes. The Adventure
bike route starts and finishes with the other classes and basically runs
along/near to the Hobby, Expert and Pro routes enabling adventure riders to
stop along the way at many spectator points. This route is going to be awesome
from the comments and pictures we have received from the adventure bike route
directors.
After an enjoyable days riding for all riders we will
celebrate in true Matatiele style on Saturday Night with a few Sheep on the
spit at the Matatiele country club with some interesting biker entertainment
and presentation of your RAMASGATE finishers “Rock” or signature medals. Please
support this event and bring your family with to enjoy a wonderful weekend.
More information will be available at www.wforacing.co.za or contact
Nadine on 073 990 3698 further details.