Farmstead Ultra MTB Challenge

Date: November 2nd, 2024 Start | Finish: Oryx Lodge, Kroonstad, Free State, South Africa Welcome to Oryx Lodge, where the rhythm of hooves and the whisper of wind blend seamlessly. Our charming farmstead invites you to pedal through the soul-stirring farmlands of the Free State. Whether youre an avid cyclist or a family seeking a memorable weekend, the Farmstead Ride promises an enchanting journey. Heres what awaits you: Three Distances, One Unforgettable Experience: The Oryx Trail: ( 285km - 24 Hours ) The oryx, with its majestic horns and desert-adapted resilience, symbolizes endurance and determination. During the Oryx Trail riders venture through the night, guided by the silent presence of these magnificent creatures. Just as the oryx thrives in harsh conditions, cyclists push their limits under the vast Free State sky. Vertical gain: +1,534 m Cowherds Canter (154km): Cows represent the rhythm of the landthe gentle sway of pastures, the contentment of grazing, and the connection to nature. In the Cowherds Canter riders pedal alongside these bovine companions. Their eyes reflect the constellations above, reminding us of our place in the cosmic tapestry. Vertical gain: +630 m Sheepfold Spin (74km): Sheep evoke a sense of simplicity, community, and the pastoral life. They graze peacefully, their wool blending with the fields. The Sheepfold Spin takes cyclists through winding paths, where the symphony of crickets and the arching Milky Way create a canvas of starsa reminder that even in simplicity, theres cosmic beauty. Vertical gain: +221 m Lights Required: Even on the shorter route, be prepared with functioning lights for the evening ride Start Times: 285km (The Oryx Trail - 24 Hours): Start at 09:00 154km (The Cowherds Canter): Start at 14:00 74km (The Sheepfold Spin): Start at 16:00