The Intro
Now in its 7th year, (can you believe it?!) The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race remains the most unique bicycle race in the world; a heavenly ride through the harsh, hypnotic beauty of the Tankwa Karoo.
We’re heading back to The Pan, baby. Out the park, up the R355, hang a left and you’re home. A few hours later? Maybe. But it’s worth every bump and mirage.
Day 1
113km
(LONG)
59km
(MEDIUM)
The long route is for those who like pain with their pleasure — endless miles and big desert sky. The medium route still hurts, make no mistake. You’ll bake, you’ll curse, you’ll find a hidden Kief Kafé with cokes in glass bottles and disco balls marking the way.
Day 2
62km
Day two? Shorter, but not easier. Big climbs, wild views, and a secret Kafé to keep you moist. The music? Louder than reason. The vibe? Unmatched. There’s no such thing as a free mile in the desert so pack your big-boy panties.
Day two? Shorter, but not easier. Big climbs, wild views, and a secret Kafé to keep you moist. The music? Louder than reason. The vibe? Unmatched. There’s no such thing as a free mile in the desert so pack your big-boy panties.
The Plan
Friday
28/05/27
| 14:00 | Arrival & registration at The Tankwa Tented Camp |
| 16:00 | The Drag Race at The Tankwa International Airport |
| 19:00 | Dinner served in the boma |
| 20:00 | Race briefing |
| 20:05 | Campfire bicycle stories |
Saturday
39/05/27
| 05:30 | Farm breakfast in the Boma |
| 07:30 | Long race start |
| 08:30 | Medium race start |
| 12:00 | Lunch and recovery |
| 12:30 | Dip at Stoney Beach or lounge under the acacias |
| 16:30 | Gins on Sunset Hill |
| 19:30 | Dinner served in the Boma |
| 21:00 | The Bicycle Burn (weather dependent – may move to Friday night) |
Sunday
30/05/27
| 06:30 | Farm breakfast in the Boma |
| 08:00 | Race start |
| 13:00 | Prize-giving and light lunch |
The Entry
Includes
- 2 × Breakfasts
- 2 × Lunches
- 2 × Dinners
- Handmade musette
- Dome tented accommodation with linen
- 2 × Refreshment stops per day
- Access to Tankwa Karoo National Park
- 2 × Tanqua Tonics
- 1 × Beer at the finish each day
- Sweep vehicle
- Mobile medic
- Professional photography
Non riders.
We love you guys too.
Bring your partner to share the tent, meals, and all the magic. Lounge at Stoney Beach, explore the art, sip sundowners, and join a trail run or two. We’ll even make it official.
Spectators can drive the long route on Day 1 to cheer on the heroes (driver briefing after race start).
R8500
PPS
R7500
SPOUSE ENTRY
Entries close 4 weeks before race day so we can craft your goodies.
Don’t procrastinate - the desert waits for no one. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
No sadness allowed.
The
Accommodation
A-FRAMES
Large canvas A-frame tents with 2 × steel beds and linen. Only 8 available. They go fast.
DOME TENTS
Included in your entry. 3 × 3 m canvas dome per person sharing, with stretcher beds, thick mattresses and crisp white linen. Hot showers morning and evening.
The
Camp
Tankwa Tented Camp features:
Full cash bar
Swimming dam
Boma (indoor & outdoor)
Solar electricity
Proper ablutions
Some of the wildest desert artwork you’ll ever see
The Prizes
Unique Tanqua Trophies for each race category winner. But mostly: bragging rights, desert dust, and a lifetime memory.
Your Transport
Flying in? We’ve got a registered airstrip — contact us for landing info.
Driving in? Our partners Zulu Overland can sort transport for you and your bike.
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