07/03/2025
Day 7 of the Karoo (Day 9 of the Ride)
After the grueling challenges of Day 7—conquering the long climbs of the Old Postal Route en route to Sutherland—the cyclists of the 2025 Magical Karoo Ride set off on Day 7 with a mixture of weariness and trepidation. This was the longest planned stage of the ride, stretching from Sutherland to the Tangkwa Padstal. The early morning air was a crisp 5°C, a stark contrast to the 38°C that would await them in the Tangkwa later that day.
Despite the day being mostly downhill, the route still demanded effort, with 800m of vertical ascent. The riders descended the Sutherland Pass, speeding toward the Ceres Turnoff. Some of them set local land speed records before hitting the dirt section, which would lead them to their final destination for the day. After 45km, a much-needed breakfast awaited them, thoughtfully prepared by the ever-supportive crew.
As the group pressed on, they regrouped at the top of each climb. The first major climb at the 60km mark tested everyone’s endurance. For some, the toll of the week’s cycling proved too much, and they had to load onto the support vehicles. But those who continued pushed through, experiencing the raw beauty of the Karoo. The last 20km through the Tangkwa Karoo was a moment of serenity—a time to truly soak in the solitude of the vast landscape. As the cyclists neared the Tangkwa Patstal, they slowed their pace, savoring the final moments of this magical ride.
Not all went smoothly, though. A few cyclists encountered mechanical issues with their mountain bikes. While one could be repaired, the other was not so lucky. It was an incredibly disappointing moment, as this ride had been a personal challenge and a goal for many. The heartbreak of not being able to complete the journey was felt deeply, a reminder of the unpredictability of such an adventure.
For some of the riders, this arrival at the Tankwa Padstal was a moment two years in the making. When planning the route the previous year, the organizers had not anticipated that the Padstal would be closed on one of the only three days of the year it didn’t operate—New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, and Wednesdays. That unfortunate timing had left riders without the promised beer and hamburger at the end of their long ride. This year, extra care was taken to ensure they arrived on a Thursday, when the Padstal was open.
When they finally reached it, those who had been on the previous ride joked that they had to cycle two years just to earn their hamburger. Unfortunately, for some, the much-anticipated meal didn’t quite live up to expectations—but the beer and chips were excellent, and the sense of accomplishment far outweighed any culinary disappointment.
The day, however, was far from over. After leaving the Tankwa Padstal, the group portaged 90km to their final destination. The first stretch was dirt road, and midway through, disaster struck—a trailer carrying equipment suffered a broken axle, which also punctured a tire. A towing company had to be called, and while the rest of the cyclists continued on, a few stayed behind to assist with the stranded trailer.
These unsung heroes endured a long, exhausting day, sacrificing their chance to participate in the evening’s celebratory program at the Tulbach Hotel. Their efforts, however, ensured that the ride continued to function as planned. Without their dedication and selflessness, the event would not have been the success it was.
As the penultimate day of the 2025 Magical Karoo Ride came to a close, cyclists, supporters, and sponsors gathered to reflect on the journey. Each rider had their own story of struggle and triumph, and each supporter had played an irreplaceable role in making it all possible. Though the road had been long, both physically and mentally, this ride was about more than just cycling—it was about endurance, camaraderie, and the unbreakable spirit of those who dared to take on the Karoo.
