RAINMAKER ROLLERCOASTER

6-12 OCT, PLETTENBERG BAY

“Certainly some of the most challenging routes I’ve ever done, and we climbed passes I’d never even heard of. I learned a lot from the pros...” ——F

1 / REASON TO ROLL I’m a keen mountain biker who occasionally rides on the road; but for some time I’d been toying with the idea of getting a gravel bike, especially considering how dangerous road riding has become. So I did. And I entered, and completed, the Swartberg 100, Karoo To Coast and Potberg 160km gravel events. I enjoyed them so much that I decided to look for a multi-stage event on gravel. At the same time I was also looking for an event to replace W2W, which I have done many times. I wanted a new adventure. And so I came upon the Rainmaker Rollercoaster. I looked at the route, the mileage and the ascent each day, and thought it would be a good challenge – especially since it crosses an area I have never ridden before. 2 / BEST THING ABOUT THE RACE It was challenging and competitive, but major fun! The route was completely new for me, so every day was exciting. I took it on with other like-minded amateurs, but also got to race with legendary riders like (eventual winner) Christoph Sauser. 3 / THE VIBE The vibe was amazing. People from all walks of life, and from around the world, came to do it. By the end of the week I probably knew everyone. The organising was the best I’ve experienced in my cycling career. You could race or ride, no pressure! After each day of racing everyone came together to have lunch, even before a shower, and then spent the afternoon relaxing together before dinner. But there were also plenty of other things to do near the venues where we stayed. 4 / TENTING Tenting, for me, is part of the adventure. You could select how adventurous you wanted to be, from a single tent with a mattress to a luxury tent, or even a guesthouse! 5 / YOU ONLY KNOW THIS IF YOU RIDE IT They were certainly some of the most challenging routes I’ve ever done, and we climbed passes I’d never even heard of. I learned a lot from the pros: how to ride a gravel bike, how to survive a downhill on a rocky pass, how to position my bum on the seat, tyre pressure, etc etc – all advice from Sauser himself. I also learned that there are routes outside Swellendam I didn’t know existed, that the African heat is a serious factor, and that marshmallows are real food. 6 / WORTH COMING BACK FOR? Absolutely, yes! To improve my own times, to learn more, and to share new experiences with newcomers.