Trans Baviaans 2021& 2024

In 2021 Mike persuaded me to do the Trans Baviaans with him. It is his go-to race and I had never done one, so the challenge was on. Due to Covid restrictions the start was from 05h00 in the morning and the ride had to be completed by 20h00 – overnight curfew stop required. Usually, the race starts at 10h00 with a 24 hour time limit.

A lovely journey up to Willowmore and overnight in a farmhouse in the middle of the karoo. Serious cold weather forecast! We started at 5 in the morning with temperatures that felt like -5degC. I had many layers of clothes I have never been so cold – my hands froze. Otherwise, a solid ride with Mike where we rode well together, and Mike set a proper pace. In the last 30km the rain came so a cold and wet finish. Our moving time 11h16 and total time 12:28. A great ride out. Showers and still managed to find beers and supper that evening. Thanks again Mike for riding such an awesome event.

Now in 2024 and not sure that I would never do a Trans Baviaans again after the extreme cold of the last one. I got a call from Kim to join as the 4th in their team with Kim, Kevin and Calvin. This I could do and didn’t hesitate. Having ridden with Kim and met Kevin and Calvin at the Rhino, lovely people. With 3 weeks’ notice off to ride Trans Baviaans again but as a team of 4.

A good trip up with Calvin and I collecting Kim and Kevin in Goerge. Off to Willowmore for registration and then the evening on a farm 48km in the middle of the Karoo. It really was in the middle of no-where. Cold winds were blowing and we didn’t know what to expect weather wise – Cape weather was hectic with huge storms. Last forecast for the weather was no rain, wind behind us at the start so off to a beautiful start at 10 in the morning.

Trans Baviaans is truly beautiful, and we set a steady pace starting from the back. We were told 64 water crossings – there was a lot of water on the way with many unrideable. We had a steady ride into the evening expecting colder temperatures on the decent. Other than a headwind at the end, conditions were perfect as we did the night section. Finishing at 12h20 – a great team effort and off course a beer at the finish. B&B, soup, sleep were well needed.

We watched the prizegiving where Kevin received a plaque for his 5th TB and his daughter winning the woman’s race! Well done! After a lovely brunch we went our separate ways. Kim and I spending the evening in Plet with her friends, I dropped Kim off in Goerge on Monday before driving home.

An amazing weekend with great friends in a beautiful part of the world. I am so pleased I did Trans Baviaans again. a definite on the list.