Setting the sights on Karoo to Coast 2023

KNYSNA NEWS - Heritage Day 2023, or Braai Day as it is more commonly known, coincides with the 23rd edition of the Lions Karoo to Coast mountain bike race on Sunday 24 September.

This is all too fitting, as the Karoo to Coast has over the years firmly cemented its place among the most iconic cycling events in the country, providing more than 4 000 riders with a reason to stay on their bikes through the winter months, as well as a springboard from one-day events into stage races, given its association with the Dr Evil Classic.

For many, the Karoo to Coast is either their first attempt at competitive racing or their first big mountain biking challenge. Its route covers 100 kilometres, from Uniondale to Knysna, taking on the scenic Prince Alfred Pass and the beautiful indigenous forest roads through Kom se Pad.

In total the course includes 1 560 metres of climbing.

Winding through the vast wilderness of the Outeniqua Mountains, Prince Alfred Pass is the longest publicly accessible mountain pass in South Africa. Though the start is off one of the Karoo's major thoroughfares and the finish is in the heart of the Garden Route, the course itself is relatively remote.

Approaching Knysna, the course bisects deep indigenous forests on Kom se Pad.

On the bike, the attractions of the Lions Karoo to Coast have been amplified for 2023. E-bikes will be allowed for the first time.

"The E-bike category will be a fun ride one, with participants on electrically assisted bicycles starting in their own start group," race director Zandile Meneses said. "We'd like E-bikers to take it easy and enjoy the scenery, rather than trying to race the route.

"But with 100km to cover they will have to look after their battery anyway, so clever power management will be essential."

Meneses and her team have also allowed gravel bikes and single speed mountain bikes to take part this year.

"They will be governed by the normal race rules and as such will be able to race against the conventional mountain bikes," she said. "I think it'll be interesting to see if gravel bikes prove faster over the course. We've had a few unofficial finishers on gravel bikes in recent years, but mountain bikes have always won out. Perhaps that will change with road conditions though. The Ou Wapad, out of Uninondale to Avontuur, will probably be the crucial differentiating factor in the battle between gravel and mountain bikes."

The Prince Alfred Pass forms the bulk of the Karoo to Coast route. Photo: Oakpics.com.

In an early start to the Braai Day festivities, Safari Braai Products is giving away two entries and merchandise for the 2023 Lions Karoo to Coast.

To enter the competition mountain bikers need to visit the Safari Braai Products Facebook page before 30 April.

The merchandise includes some of the race's official apparel items. Cycling clubs can also personalise the official Racetec Lions Karoo to Coast unisex cycling jerseys with their club logos. To start this process, please email zandile@karootocoast.com.

For more information and for entries to the 2023 race, visit www.karootocoast.com.

Cycling clubs are able to personalise the official 2023 Lions Karoo to Coast Racetec cycling jerseys with their club’s logo.