The UMKO Adventure
Venue:
Richmond Country Club
Province:
KwaZulu-Natal
Distance:
Route Description:
Day 1
Day one finds the riders leaving the Richmond Country Club and heading onto plantation roads, allowing the field to start spreading out before descending steeply into the upper reaches of the Nkobeni Valley, a tributary of the mighty Umkomaas. On the descent the scenery changes from one of eucalyptus plantations to single tracking through paperbark Acacia. The descent continues through sugar cane fields and alongside the Nkobeni River. The track will take riders under a bridge on the main R56 and then the hard work begins!
The climb, on jeep track through acacia woodland, is approximately 3kms. After the initial climb the track continues on an undulating contour as riders slowly make their way up the valley. Luck may have riders bumping into zebra, blue wildebeest, nyala or the ever elusive bushbuck, a few of the many species found in the Umkomaas Valley.
Upon exit of the valley, riders will continue on a jeep track through sugar cane and timber plantations back to the Country Club to end a +/- 60 km Day 1.
Route Description:
Day 2
Day 2 takes the riders on a small tour through the forests before entering into single track which will follow the banks of the Illovo River for approximately 10kms.
Jeep track will take the riders to the highest points in the district giving magnificent views of the surrounding farmlands and in the distance the Umkomaas Valley. After this climb the track takes the riders through areas of incredible beauty and in and out of timber plantations as it winds its way around the south eastern section of Richmond. En route there is a “bridge†to cross on one of the many dams in the area, making it a great spectator point. The route follows single track and jeep track and after 45kms riders will return back to the Richmond Country Club.
There will be 2 water tables on route.
Entry Fees:
Race Fee
Individual: R2 700 (R2 200 early bird till 31 December 2021)
The UMKO Adventure is a 2 day MTB ride which takes cyclists on an adventurous journey through the beautiful Umkomaas Valley and surrounding farm lands. The event field is limited to 150 riders, allowing cyclists the space and freedom to cycle at their own pace and take in the breath-taking views along the route. The event aims to promote Richmond (KwaZulu-Natal’s most beautiful secret) as a tourist destination and uplift the local community, while raising funds for Hands for Hope and CHOC.
Registration Details
Date Friday, 19 August 2022
Time 15h00 - 20h00
Venue Richmond Country Club
Requirements ID Document
Regret Collection Only. No delivery option available
Race Briefing
Date Friday, 19 August 2022
Time 19h00
Venue Richmond Country Club
Fee Includes all this awesome stuff
2 Exclusive days of riding. Our limited field allows riders to tackle the route at their own pace, taking in the breath-taking views of the valley along the way
6 Delicious meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner from Friday night)
Full Race Village including a coffee and cake bar
A secure bike-park with a bike wash and mechanic support
A high quality race apparel
A Sponsor goodie bag
A race medal
Fee Excludes
Accommodation
Transport
Supporters Package
We are offering a family/spectator package, so your loved ones or non-riders can come and enjoy a weekend away with you.The cost for the full weekend (Saturday & Sunday) of delicious meals and access to all the race village facilities, including a chill zone, play area, bar, live music and more is:
R850 per adult
Kids under 12 years: R650
Kids under 5 years: R450
Individual meal tickets can also be purchased