Rider's Guide 100 MILES

11 May 2024

THIS IS IT – your Race towards the Sun kicks off here.

Find all you need to know to get you from Harties (or Beestekraal Kerk) to Sun City in record time and with minimal hassles.

Have a great ride!

registration

9 May | 9am – 5pm

Lynnwood Cyclery, 1A, Willow Way Centre, Lynnwood Rd, The Willows, Pretoria, 0184

10 May | 9am-4pm

Complete Cyclist, 268 Main Rd, Bryanston, Sandton, 2194

11 May | 5:30am

Schoemansville Oewer Club 

58 Waterfront St, Schoemansville, Hartbeespoort, 0216

At registration, we will confirm your entry with your name and surname or SAS board number. Please bring your SAS board to registration. 

If you do not have a SAS board, you can buy one at registration for R60. 

start venue 100-miler

Please arrive at least 45 minutes before your batch starts. Please keep in mind that travel time may be longer due to traffic when making your way to the Start line.

NEUTRAL ZONE | The first 7 km of the race will be a neutral zone. The flag will drop after riders have crossed the dam wall.

Bag Drop

  • Riders may drop their bags at the Bag Drop Zone just past Registration.

  • Rider bags will go straight to the Finish for collection by those riders who would like to go for a shower after their race.
  • Bags can be collected again at the King Price Gazebo at the Finish.
  • If you’ve ordered a King Price Race to the Sun Cycling shirt online, please collect it at the Bag-Drop Zone as well.  

RIDER DROP-OFF ZONE

  • Parking at Die Oewer is limited and is reserved for those riders who need to leave their vehicles at the Start for vehicle transfers and riders who will return to Harties after the race by shuttle.
  • We encourage riders to use the Rider Drop-Off Zone where possible.
  • Drivers will drop riders and their bikes at the Rider Drop-Off Zone from where riders will make their way to Registration.
  • Drivers and other supporters can wait for their riders at Water Point 2 or the Finish at Sun City.
  • We appreciate your cooperation in clearing the streets from traffic as soon as possible to ensure a safe start for our riders.

Route Information

The first half of the route is relatively flat, going over the Hartbeespoort dam wall and alongside the canals. The second half of the route is where the climbing starts… Riding past Bojating and Mogwase, the vibes and support from the locals are always great, so give them a wave. Just before reaching WP 5, you will ride alongside the railway line and then cross a small river where you might need to portage. Or will you be strong enough to power up the steep, rocky hill on the other side?

After that, there will be a mixture of gravel and tar as you get closer to the finish line at Sun City. Save something in the tank for the sting in the tail just before the new finish venue.

The KOM is around 106km, just before WP 3 – give it your all!

CAUTION: Please be alert when you get about 35 – 37 km into the race and prepare for a rough, washed-out section. Remember to be extra careful when approaching this section in a bunch at high speed.

Water points

Each water point will serve a selection of tasty food, beverages and energy supplements with compliments of Magalies Citrus, PVM and Switch.

Liqui Moly Mechanical Stations will be at every waterpoint, except WP5, which will be a self help station.

WP 1 | 52 km

Magalies CitrusToilet facilities will be available

WP 2 | 79 km (Halfway mark)

King Price & Switch – WP2 will be at Beestekraal Kerk.

  • Location: Click here to go directly to the Google Maps link
  • WP2 serves as the halfway mark, Teams of 2 Relay handover point, and the start of the 50-miler.
  • There will be a Specialized and Liqui Moly Tech Zone.
  • Toilet facilities will be available.
  • Elite riders can have their own team mechanic set up shop at the tech zone at Water Point 2 to assist their riders with any technical difficulties that may arise. Please note: tech assistance will only be allowed at the tech zone at WP2.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Cell phone signal at Water Point 2 is almost non-existent. Please bring sufficient cash along to pay for any food or beverages you may wish to purchase.

WP 2 cut-off time = 13:00 (cut-off times will be STRICTLY enforced)

WP 3 | 106 km

Magalies citrus

  • WP 3 will be near Bojating.
  • The KOM will also be situated here.
  • Unfortunately, there will be no toilet facilities available.

WP 4 | 133 km

Magalies Citrus 

  • From Mogwase, riders will start making their way towards the finish.
  • Toilet facilities will be available.

WP4 cut off time = 16:00 (Cut-off times will be strictly enforced to avoid riders being out on course after dark)

WP 5 | 153 km

Magalies Citrus 

  • 10 km from here to the finish!
  • There will be no toilet facilities at this WP.

WP 5 Cut-off time = 17:15 (Cut-off times will be strictly enforced to avoid riders being out on route after dark)

TECHNICAL AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

TECHNICAL AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

A sweep vehicle will follow the last rider to the finish.

Faces Emergency Assist: 066 2472 123

  • If you find yourself unable to finish the race for whatever reason and you do not wish to wait for the sweep vehicle, you are welcome to make your own arrangement to be picked up from the route. Alternatively, wait for the sweep vehicle to pick you up and take you to the nearest water point. Should you abandon the race, please inform the race office of your withdrawal at 066 2472 123.
  • The sweep vehicle will follow the last rider to the finish: Victor – 073 647 1463.
  • Emergency Number PUBLIC SAFETY: Iain 082 570 5184
  • Emergency Number PUBLIC SAFETY: NIC 074 144 467

TECH ZONE

There will be a Specialized Techzone at the Start Venue at Beestekraal Kerk. A Liqui Moly chain lube station will ensure thirsty chains are oiled and lubricated.

Join us as we rev up for an unforgettable adventure! We are thrilled to announce Liqui Moly’s pivotal role as the official mechanical and bike lubes partner at each waterpoint in the upcoming Race To The Sun event. With their expertise and top-quality products, we’re ensuring every gear shift is smooth and every ride is powered to perfection. Get ready to feel the difference with Liqui Moly on board!

Racing Rules

  • King Price Race to the Sun is a CSA-sanctioned event, therefore, CSA race rules will apply.
  • The race is mainly on gravel but also public tar roads. Please obey all traffic rules when riding on public roads at all times.
    • Keep left on the tar roads at all times, and do not ride in the lane of oncoming traffic.
  • We encourage riders to display good rider etiquette and sportsmanship at all times and to ride in such a manner that they do not compromise the safety of other riders.
  • Please take the time to read through our rules and regulations here.
  • Important – Riders must race on a Gravel Bike to compete for the SA Champs Jerseys
  • Riders must have a valid CSA Racing Licence

COMPULSORY GEAR

  • Tools for basic bike repairs, such as a broken chain or flat tyre.
  • Helmet 
  • Cellphone
  • Cash (cell reception is sketchy in places making electronic payments difficult to impossible).

Finish

  • The new finish venue at Sun Park boasts a great finish chute with ample space to sit back and enjoy the view of riders finishing this amazing race.
  • Grab a Bavaria 0.0% or water at the Finish Line to celebrate your ride.
  • Please show the SMS containing your finish time to collect your medal at the medal table. 
  • A Devil’s Peak beer garden will keep everyone hydrated and lubricated.
  • Be sure to check in your bike for a quick wash at R50 per bike payable by cash or card.
  • Enjoy a FREE 10 – 15 minute massage from Fast Body Healing! 
  • All spectators and supporters are welcome at the Finish line at Sun Park. 
  • Use lane 1 or 2 when entering the Sun City main gate. Shuttle services in the parking lot will be ready to take you to the Finish Venue at Sun Park.
  • Please show this image to gain entry at Sun City. 

Please note: the best route to get to Sun City is on the N4 via Rustenburg. Please try and avoid the R556 due to roadworks and metro crossings.

Race Updates

Follow King Price Race to the Sun on social media for race updates as the action unfolds.

TIMED TRACKING:

Riders will be scanned at Water Point 2 (Halfway), Water Point 3 (106km), and at the finish. These split times will be available here.

RESULTS

Finish Time will be the official timing partner for the King Price Race to the Sun. Every rider will receive an SMS after the event with his/her race result. To collect your medal, please show this SMS to the officials at medal collection.

Race results can be viewed here.

Medals & T-Shirts

All Race to the Sun finishers will receive a medal, and t-shirt at the finish.

TEAMS + SPECTATORS

Spectators, please only follow the dedicated spectators route to reach the spectators point at WP 2 and the finish.

back-up, support vehicles + checkpoint rules

  • This is a full-service event so riders participating in the race will not need any support. Riders are however welcome to have a support team available at WP 2.
  • Relay teams will need support primarily to transport team members between the Start, hand-over point and Finish.
  • No support outside of the WP 2 will be allowed and any transgression in this regard will lead to disqualification.
  • The Team of 2 relay point will be at WP 2 at Beestekraal Kerk and supporters are welcome to meet their riders there.
  • Take note: there will be 3 stop-and-go sections on the supporter route to Beestekraal Kerk which might cause a 30-40 minute delay.
  • Elite riders are welcome to have their own team mechanic set up shop at the tech zone at WP 2 to assist their riders with any technical difficulties that may arise. Please note: tech assistance will only be allowed at the tech zone at WP 2.
  • Supporters collecting cyclists on Saturday, please use lanes 1 & 2 at the main entrance of Sun City into the parking lot.

SHUTTLE SERVICE AND BIKE TRANSFERS

There are four shuttle service options available for riders on the day of the event. Please book and pay in advance at:

Morning Shuttle before the race

  • All bikes are to be dropped off with the Move My Bicycle Transport Truck on Friday 10 May at Sun City Resort in the Parking area by the SkyTrain close to the Entrance/Exit of the Sun City Resort. (A pin Location will be sent out).
  • Drop-off will be open from 2 pm until 7 pm.
  • NO BIKES TO BE DROPPED OFF ON THE MORNING OF 11 MAY.
  • Bikes will be taken to Die Oewer in the truck and will be ready and waiting for you at the start venue behind the start line. 
  • All bikes are transported fully assembled and will not be stripped.

MORNING OF THE RACE : 

The Shuttle Bus will leave Sun City at 4:00 am sharp from the resort to the start line.

For more information contact Nick -0728789221

*By booking the Shuttle and bike transport with Fabian Bicycle Transport and Echelon Bike Transport, you indemnify Move My Bicycle Transport and the race organisers against any loss or damage that may occur during the Shuttle and Bicycle transfer. The risk remains with the client at all times, although every care is taken to avoid any damage or loss.

Afternoon Shuttle after the race from sun city back to die oewer:

  • There will be 4 vehicles travelling from Sun City back to Die Oewer
  • The buses will leave as soon as each has reached full capacity.
  • Estimate bus leaving times: 2 pm, 4 pm and 6 pm. These are approximate.
  • Bikes will be transported back to Die Oewer with the Shuttle bus so that you receive it immediately.
  • All bikes are transported fully assembled and will not be stripped.

*By booking the Shuttle and bike transport with Fabian Bicycle Transport and Echelon Bike Transport, you indemnify Move My Bicycle Transport and the race organisers against any loss or damage that may occur during the Shuttle and Bicycle transfer. The risk remains with the client at all times, although every care is taken to avoid any damage or loss.

For more information contact Nick -0728789221

Vehicle Transfer

  • Parking at Die Oewer is limited and is reserved for those riders who need to leave their vehicles at the Start for vehicle transfers and riders who will return to Harties after the race by shuttle.
  • We encourage riders to use the Rider Drop-Off Zone where possible.
  • Drivers will drop riders and their bikes at the Rider Drop-Off Zone from where riders will make their way to Registration.
  • Drivers and other supporters can wait for their riders at Water Point 2 or the Finish at Sun City.
  • We appreciate your cooperation in clearing the streets from traffic as soon as possible to ensure a safe start for our riders.
  • Riders who have booked the vehicle transfer service may drop their vehicles off at the Vehicle Transfer Drop Zone.
  • Please remember to hand in your keys at the vehicle transfer gazebo in the parking area.
  • Your vehicle will be transferred to the Finish where you can collect the keys again near the bagdrop area.
  • No vehicle will be transferred without a completed indemnity form sent via email to all participants who have booked the service.Final instructions will be communicated via email to all participants who have booked the vehicle transfer service.

*Currently, no vehicle transfer service is available for the 50-miler. Riders are encouraged to arrange to be dropped off at the Start and picked up at the Finish in Sun City. Alternatively, you can book a shuttle with Fabian’s Bicycle Transfer to pick you up in the morning at Sun City and take you to Beestekraal or take you back to Beestekraal Kerk after the race.

Please note no Vehicle transfers can no longer be booked. We are sold out. 

Virtual Goody Bag

Every rider receives a Specialized retail voucher to the value of R300 as well as a complimentary race photo package to the value of R340 delivered straight to your inbox! Simple and easy.

No need to queue and no bag to awkwardly carry around on event day.

We would like to wish every rider all the best for their Race to the Sun!

“The best rides are the ones where you bite off much more than you can chew, and live through it.” – Hans Rey

Just go out there and remember… You’re fantastic!

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