Route Information for the Unbound Joburg 2 Blouberg Challenge
- An Unbound 1000mi Series Adventure
- 1000 mi (1607.8 km)
- + 10,055 m ↗ | 11,486 m ↘
The route was designed as a gravel grind route, minimizing the use of tar roads sections mainly through major cities and small towns, whilst maximizing gravel roads, mostly on roads, less travelled.
The route starts on the southern outskirts of the great South African City of Gold, Johannesburg, traverses through some of the less populated historical towns of the Free State Province and the Great Karoo, and passes close by many monumental sites, dating back to the Anglo Boer War, before ultimately arriving at Eden on Bay at Big Bay Beach, in the suburb of Bloubergstrand in view of South Africa’s Table Mountain, which has been ranked as the fifth natural wonder of the world.
“Rising above Cape Town, Table Mountain is probably South Africa’s most iconic landmark. The stunning flat-topped mountain is home to the widest variety of flowers and other plant life in the world and, in fact, contains more species of plants than exist in the entire British Isles – despite being smaller than London.”
On this journey you will experience vast open land, spot some cattle, sheep, game, and a ton of squeaky “Windpompe”. If by any chance you manage to spot a tortoise on the road, do not hesitate to stop for the traditional cycling helmet on a tortoise photo. The guys in the group will love you for that (kind of a rite of passage).
Do not be surprised if one of the local farmers flags you down, just to enquire what in the world you are doing out there in the middle of nowhere. It might take some time in explaining this crazy adventure to a farmer shaking his head side to side and asking you if he could perhaps offer you a lift. Resist the urge. They will not let you go, they will keep you hostage, just to have some company.
Vast open land, with the occasional car passing by is what you could expect for most of the 76% gravel roads.
As this event can be ridden any time of the year, some research into current weather patterns would be advised. This arid dry stretch of land that struggled to see rainfall for 100 years, had their “cup overflowing” in recent times, creating a couple of unexpected obstacles, and some harsh riding conditions. Extreme temperature changes can be experienced, from blistering heat, to freezing cold.
The route can be ridden either as the *J2B⇓* downride or *J2B⇑* upride or be attempted as a double (2000 mi), starting either from Johannesburg or Blouberg. *J2B⇓⇑* / *J2B⇑⇓*
We offer a Comprehensive Race Information Booklet (Tips, Tricks & Recommendations), Satellite Tracking | Communications, Social Media Presence, and a Merry Dot Watching Crowd to keep an eye on your progress and overall safety to all our registered entrants. All successful and vetted registered finishers will become part of our legendary wall of fame.
If you feel the desire to take this adventure on without our support, please plan properly and ensure that you will have means of communication through the vast “out-of-coverage” areas.
“If you fail to plan, you planning to fail”. – Benjamin Franklin
History | Credit
The Joburg to Blouberg 1000 miler Route was initiated by John Loos early in 2021 and was created as an alternative to the original (pre-Covid) race format by Andy Masters from Massive Adventures & Tours, who, created an interesting race format whereby riders could choose their own routes from Johannesburg to Cape Town and race each other along the route, via some pre-determined Check Points.
This first recorded finishers of this newfound version were by the originator John Loos CAP #1 and Paul Erasmus CAP #2 who will remain the “First Male Team | Group” finishers of this route, with their “partial” verified attempt, within the Self-Supported Category.
“We remain grateful for Andy and John’s contributions and remain committed to continue with our passion to grow Ultra Distance Bike Packing Challenges throughout the Southern Africa Region”.
Milestones (Ancient Landmarks)
“The Latin is “milia passuum,” meaning a thousand paces. The Romans also erected stone markers at mile intervals to notify the passerby of distances covered or the number of miles to go to reach their destination. These markers were conveniently called milestones.”
Once upon a time, a long time ago, when South Africa was still a British Colony, “miles” were the fashion, we have since made that jump to the metric system and of the impression that it has become a kind of an “Old School” Unit of measure.
Below are our Milestones | Landmarks (Points of Interest):
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