Roof of Africa

Hello all, it's time for our big race in SA; the Roof of Africa starts tomorrow.
Day one: Rouund the houses (5 odd KM of tar racing around the town) then the time trial.
Day two: main race day.
Day three: second race day.

check out the site: http://www.roof-of-africa.com/

There are a few big names racing and we are hoping it will start to attract alot if international interest; as this is our mecca of races here and a finishers badge is very coverted and a great achievement.

The Roof has been added to the WXEC for 2011 with the likes of Erzberg, Romanics, helles gate etc..

Anyway cant wait; my mates and I are going to spectate with bikes, I will post pics next week when we gat back.

RE: Re: Roof of Africa

Hi all, sorry for the delay, I will get that report out ASAP with photos. and links to more

Bottom line the race had huge organisation and logistic issues; but was a crazy race and very very difficult. Many issues have been raised especially by the local riding community, as everyone wants the event to get upto international standards.

will post full report during trhis week.

1st Chris Birch KTM (he cleaned up again 2:14hrs before second place), he has rock star status in SA with a huge fan base).
2nd Rory Mead Yamaha(New Zealand as well)
3rd Jade Gutzeit BMW (South Africa)
4th Darryl Curtis KTM (South Africa)

RE: Re: Roof of Africa

Ok. This link is to a local riding site with 11 odd pages of great great photos. (go through all the pages)

http://www.e-dirt.co.za/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=20029

The Roof of Africa has been around for 42 years; it started out as a off road race for cars and then both cars and bikes, then the cars and bikes were split into 2 separate events because it became the last leg of our national off road series for bikes. At this stage the race was difficult but not impossible and very doable for an experienced rider.

In 2007 the race became a stand alone event and a more extreme enduro type event, with hectic passes and more highland racing instead of the easier lowland stuff. 2007 was a mess the rain came down and basically ended the race for 95% of all competitors due to no alternate plans or routes.

2008 the same, but no rain.

2009 same. Now every rider in South Africa wants this race to become and international standard event with classes for the pro's, expert and mere mortal class; it will be we hope and allot of people are pulling together to get it right; 2010 will be good we all hope so; moan over.

Myself and 4 mates decided that none of us are racing but we have t go and spectate and get some riding in Lesotho has fantastic riding, with breath taking views of mountains, rivers etc.. nothing like been out and free riding; lets go there, pick a pass or point your finger and go.

WE had a fantastic time riding to the spectator routes and following the leaders from point to point; any rider the finished this race is a rock star; many did not make it back before night fall on the second day and had to sleep in the mountains.

Day three was the final and ended up with 20 odd finishers; Chris Birch cleaning up then 2.14 hrs behind Rory Mead, 12 seconds later Jade Gutzeit and then Darryl Curtis. Many said that is was the toughest race they ever did.

2010 promises to be as tough, better organised and just as much fun.