Brought to you by the organisers of the IMANA Wild Ride
FAST FACTS: |
|
DISTANCE: |
approx. 190km |
DURATION: |
4 days riding (excl. travel time). |
DIFFICULTY: |
Moderate – extreme (depending on fitness levels) |
TRAIL TYPE: |
Varied – beaches, tracks, hills, district roads |
| LOGISTICS: | Guided, fully catered. |
ACCOMMODATION: |
Hotels (Three star) |
| COST: | R6954 (R6100 plus VAT). [Rate per person for 2012.] |
AREA: |
Eastern Cape (Kei Mouth – Umngazi Mouth) |
INTRODUCTION
This unique mountain biking experience takes place on the magnificent Wild Coast between The Great Kei River and Umngazi River Mouths. Brought to you by the organisers of the Imana Wild Ride, RIDE WILD TOURS is an opportunity for mountain biking enthusiasts to experience a rare treat as riders follow the same route as the Imana Wild Ride, which starts in Kei Mouth (80km north of East London) and finishes at Umngazi River Bungalows (20km south of Port St Johns).
This unique mountain biking experience takes place on the magnificent Wild Coast between The Great Kei River and Umngazi River Mouths. Brought to you by the organisers of the Imana Wild Ride, RIDE WILD TOURS is an opportunity for mountain biking enthusiasts to experience a rare treat as riders follow the same route as the Imana Wild Ride, which starts in Kei Mouth (80km north of East London) and finishes at Umngazi River Bungalows (20km south of Port St Johns).
DURATION
The tour involves four days of mountain biking plus your travel days either side = 6 days leave.
Day 1: Travel to the start in Kei Mouth
Day 2: Kei Mouth – Kob Inn
Day 3: Kob Inn – The Haven
Day 4: The Haven – Ocean View (Coffee Bay)
Day 5: Ocean View – Umngazi River Bungalows
Day 6: Travel home!
WHEN
The following tours are scheduled for 2012:
COSTSThe following tours are scheduled for 2012:
- Saturday 19th May (arrive Kei), start Sun 20th – Wed 23rd May (finish Umngazi)
- Sunday 17th June (arrive Kei), start Mon 18th – Thurs 21st June (finish Umngazi)
- Wednesday 12th September (arrive Kei), start Thurs 13th – Sun 16th Sept (finish Umngazi)
R6954pp incl. VAT (R6100 excl. VAT) which includes:
- Three nights hotel accommodation (Kob Inn, The Haven and Ocean View)
- Welcome dinner in Kei Mouth on the evening of arrival
- Sunrise breakfast in Kei prior to the start of the tour
- Three full meals each day
- Backup services to transport your overnight bags
- Bike wash facilities
- Medical cover
- Two guides
- Permits to enter the Reserves en route
- A quality Ride Wild Tour finishers’ garment.
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Accommodation the night before the Tour starts in Kei Mouth
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Accommodation the night the Tour finishes at Umngazi (or in the Port St Johns vicinity)
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Spending money for the pub, ferry’s and any other miscellaneous expenses
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Bike spares
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Personal energy drinks & supplements on route
THE ROUTE
DAY 1 - KEI MOUTH to KOB INN....
About 35km, loads of beach riding and some pushing sections, single track/beach reserve, no big hills, tea at Wavecrest (half-way), a couple of swims, couple of push slogs for long sandy beaches (no running allowed !!), a shipwreck and a river crossing. Time in the saddle should be between 4 and 5 hours.
DAY 1 - KEI MOUTH to KOB INN....
About 35km, loads of beach riding and some pushing sections, single track/beach reserve, no big hills, tea at Wavecrest (half-way), a couple of swims, couple of push slogs for long sandy beaches (no running allowed !!), a shipwreck and a river crossing. Time in the saddle should be between 4 and 5 hours.
DAY 2 - KOB INN to the HAVEN....
About 40km, lots of nice beach riding, one hectic hillclimb portage (aka Mother 1), a couple of river crossings, riding through Dwesa game reserve and "Rhino Valley" (sadly, no longer the home white rhino), some awesome single track beach reserve / goat track riding, one slog push over Sandy Point, and a couple of beach swims and the big push to beat the tide and avoid swimming the mighty Mbashe River before reaching The Haven Hotel. Time in the saddle should be between 4 and 5 hours.
DAY 3 - HAVEN to COFFEE BAY...
About 48km, on classic single track through indigenous forest, three tough hillclimb pushes and portages, still have some nice beach riding, great single track riding today, past the breathtaking landmark of Hole-in-the Wall, refreshments at the pub and the final two and a half ‘Mothers’ - big climbs, out of Coffee Bay, then easy district road and descent to Ocean View Hotel. You will feel a little tired in the legs after Day 3, but know it is one of the most awesome days you've ever had on a mountain bike ! Time in the saddle should be between 5 and 6 hours.
DAY 4 - COFFEE BAY to UMNGAZI...
About 65km, a long day ! Today will test you, and those who have done some training will be handsomely rewarded with a great day. Three ferry river crossings, less beach riding than previous days, some district road and fast downhills, some really slog pushes up steep uphills, riding through Huleka Nature Reserve, followed by some awesome single track, picnic at Mpande beach (last third of the day), then district road home but not before a tough climb up Stimela Hill and at last from the top of the hill, you will be able to see Umngazi and home ! Cross final beach before striking the gong on the south bank, Umngazi River. Time in the saddle today will be between 7 and 8 hours.
ROUTE GRADING
Suitable for: cyclists who are competent on a mountain bike with intermediate to good handling skills. Novice mountain bikers would cope but would just walk the trickier sections.
Bike required: good / intermediate level MTB with front shocks.
Skills needed: basic off-road riding skills to cope with uneven surfaces, steep descents, varied terrain
Trail and surface types: terrain is natural, ie: tracks are paths made by local people and animals, plenty of beach riding moving on / off rock surfaces (which can be slippery), some district roads, grassy hills and steep descents, river crossings which may require some water competency skills.
Gradients and technical trail features: most gradients are moderate but might include short steep sections. Includes small technical trail features (such as roots and rock).
Suggested fitness level: average fitness will cope but the fitter, the better the more one will enjoy this ride.
Suitable for: cyclists who are competent on a mountain bike with intermediate to good handling skills. Novice mountain bikers would cope but would just walk the trickier sections.
Bike required: good / intermediate level MTB with front shocks.
Skills needed: basic off-road riding skills to cope with uneven surfaces, steep descents, varied terrain
Trail and surface types: terrain is natural, ie: tracks are paths made by local people and animals, plenty of beach riding moving on / off rock surfaces (which can be slippery), some district roads, grassy hills and steep descents, river crossings which may require some water competency skills.
Gradients and technical trail features: most gradients are moderate but might include short steep sections. Includes small technical trail features (such as roots and rock).
Suggested fitness level: average fitness will cope but the fitter, the better the more one will enjoy this ride.
GROUPS / CUSTOMISED PACKAGES
We can cater for group bookings (min of 15pax) but require at least 6 months notice as well as a 50% deposit on confirmation of dates. At an additional cost to the tour fee, the package may be customized to include: accommodation at Kei Mouth, transfers from East London to Kei Mouth and Umngazi back to East London, bike mechanics, masseurs etc. There is also the option of a 3 day tour which would finish at Coffee Bay.
We can cater for group bookings (min of 15pax) but require at least 6 months notice as well as a 50% deposit on confirmation of dates. At an additional cost to the tour fee, the package may be customized to include: accommodation at Kei Mouth, transfers from East London to Kei Mouth and Umngazi back to East London, bike mechanics, masseurs etc. There is also the option of a 3 day tour which would finish at Coffee Bay.
PERSONAL SUPPORTERS
Non-riding friends and family are welcome to join the group and follow the backup vehicle to the next overnight between stages. They will need to drive their own vehicle and be prepared to depart at an arranged time at the start of each day (unless they’re willing to find their own way).
Vehicles must be able to handle some rough sections of dirt road. Supporters must be aware that they will not be able to see their riders during the drive from one overnight to the next and the drivers may spend more time in their vehicles than the riders take along the coast. Supporters cost: on request.
Non-riding friends and family are welcome to join the group and follow the backup vehicle to the next overnight between stages. They will need to drive their own vehicle and be prepared to depart at an arranged time at the start of each day (unless they’re willing to find their own way).
Vehicles must be able to handle some rough sections of dirt road. Supporters must be aware that they will not be able to see their riders during the drive from one overnight to the next and the drivers may spend more time in their vehicles than the riders take along the coast. Supporters cost: on request.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
Riders must be prepared for four days of physically demanding mountain biking. This is the wild coast ! The riding includes beach riding – plenty of magnificient long beaches which at low tide are a joy to ride on – but if you get caught by the tide can become a trudge, as well as soft sand sections behind the rocks and over dunes which can be quite testing. Tracks off the beach and some hike-a-bike strenuous hills; particularly on the third and fourth days.
Those accustomed to regular mountain biking and stage racing will comfortably handle this ride. If you have any concerns about your physical abilities please feel free to call us to discuss further – we would rather you are honest now that be disillusioned after day one.
Riders must be prepared for four days of physically demanding mountain biking. This is the wild coast ! The riding includes beach riding – plenty of magnificient long beaches which at low tide are a joy to ride on – but if you get caught by the tide can become a trudge, as well as soft sand sections behind the rocks and over dunes which can be quite testing. Tracks off the beach and some hike-a-bike strenuous hills; particularly on the third and fourth days.
Those accustomed to regular mountain biking and stage racing will comfortably handle this ride. If you have any concerns about your physical abilities please feel free to call us to discuss further – we would rather you are honest now that be disillusioned after day one.
LOGISTICS
Travel Arrangements:
It is up to you to find your way to the start and home from the finish (we will look after you for the duration of the Tour). Various options include flying into East London Airport and organizing a transfer to Kei Mouth (about an hour’s drive) or getting a driver to drop you off at Kei Mouth on the afternoon before the Tour starts.
The Tour will finish at Umngazi River Bungalows which enjoys a 98% occupancy year round. In other words the chances of getting in there at short notice are very slim. The next best option is to move through to Cremorne Estate in Port St Johns (about 25km from the finish) which is also a lovely spot. You will need to arrange your own transport out of Umngazi.
Travel Arrangements:
It is up to you to find your way to the start and home from the finish (we will look after you for the duration of the Tour). Various options include flying into East London Airport and organizing a transfer to Kei Mouth (about an hour’s drive) or getting a driver to drop you off at Kei Mouth on the afternoon before the Tour starts.
The Tour will finish at Umngazi River Bungalows which enjoys a 98% occupancy year round. In other words the chances of getting in there at short notice are very slim. The next best option is to move through to Cremorne Estate in Port St Johns (about 25km from the finish) which is also a lovely spot. You will need to arrange your own transport out of Umngazi.
Useful contact numbers:
KEI MOUTH (Start) |
|
Le Thatchers |
043-8411102 |
Kei Sands |
043-8411402 |
Whispering Waves |
043-8411030 |
UMNGAZI (Finish) |
|
Umngazi |
047-5641115 |
Cremorne Estate |
047-5641113 |
Umzimvubu Retreat |
047-5641741 www.umzimvuburetreat.co.za |
The Creek |
047-5641558 |
Lily Lodge |
047-5641229 |
TRANSFERS
Contact Ken Black, East Coast Shuttle on 083 2828 790 / ecshuttle@gmail.com
TOUR ENQUIRIES
Rebecca van der Linde
Cell. 082 7760 435 / 033 3860815 (w) / wildride@saol.com / fax 033 3472753
CONDITIONS
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A minimum of 18 people is required to run the Tour. Should we not meet this requirement the Tour will be cancelled. This will be finalized at least 6 weeks prior to the tour.
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Each person must ensure they are physically fit to handle the four days and 200km of testing riding.
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Each person will be required to sign an Indemnity at registration before the Tour starts.
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No refunds will be issued once your booking is confirmed. It is up to you to find a replacement should you be unable to participate for whatever reason.
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In the case of a replacement please notify the organizers immediately by completing a new Booking Form and e-mailing it to Rebecca.
BOOKING DETAILS AND CRITERIA
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All bookings and enquiries will be handled by Rebecca (see contact details herewith)
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Individuals and groups will be accepted up to a maximum of 30pax and minimum of 18pax / Tour on a first come, first pay basis.
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Booking deadlines for each respective tour are:
Tour 1: Monday 2nd April
Tour 2: Monday 7th May
Tour 3: Monday 6th August -
If booking in a group (two or more) please submit all booking forms together and indicate the names of those in your group.
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It is preferable to book a minimum of two people due to hotel rooms catering for combinations of two or more. Any individuals wishing to book may have to share a room with someone else.
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Complete the Booking Form herewith and fax / e-mail to Rebecca (see details below).
PAYMENT DETAILS
- Payment may only be made once we have ensured that a minimum of 15 bookings have been received.
- We will e-mail you the banking details by the booking deadline date (see above) or if need be notify you should the Tour be cancelled.