WHAT A CYCLING DAY THAT WAS – AND WE SAW FOUR OF THE BIG FIVE AND A LEOPARD IN A TREE WITH A KILL OF TWO IMPALA!

The new K2C Cycle Tour, starting in Timbavati at dawn on 15 July and traversing through exclusive private roads in Thornybush and Kapama and ending back at the Timbavati hanger at dusk, was a sublime success. “The route was absolutely on the money – don’t change it. “

The Rotary Team setting up the before dawn start to the tour and lighting the ambient fires had to do it all in the dark at 4 am in the morning because if you are starting a tour in big five country you certainly can’t leave all your precious banners and start and finish arches out in the open overnight.  The hyenas and elephant are sure to get them!

An excited young rider arriving on the morning yelled that as she came around the corner in the middle of the veld, she saw the burning braziers and the lit-up hanger and it was a scene of sheer magic.  And it was rather lovely when all the riders arrived in their stylish designer dung beetle riding jerseys and jackets and hovered around the fires having pancakes and coffee before they were rallied to rollcall by their peloton leaders. The four pelotons set off at 10-minute intervals to the sound of the kudu horn.

Once the riders were on their way the organization for lunch and dinner had to begin. The water points which were so luxuriously run by the Thornybush lodges and the delicious eggy breakfast supplied by Haenertsburg Rotary Club had started long before dawn to ensure that they were all set up and ready as the riders approached for their carbo drives. “Food was world class – brekkers and supper(s) – not to mention the amazing people preparing and serving it all up.”

The whole effort of organizing an event of this magnitude is the logistics and attention to detail. “It was a fantastic K2C this year. The mere effort and organisation that went into this event was incredible and it really showed. The day ran seamlessly, and it was by far the best event I have ever been a part of – safety and back-up – seamless!”    “Guides and support riders were exceptional and they definitely made the experience well worth the sore bums.”

“I hope that all those involved know just how much their effort is appreciated and noted, it was a privilege to be a part of such an incredible endeavour and I will continue to have K2C on my calendar as long as my legs will allow – the prizes were great!”

“Many thanks for an epic experience. It was world class and certainly a highlight in my life!”

The 2024 Cycle Tour takes place on 3 August 2024.