2021 Information Pack
About the tour
About the tour Hello and welcome to the RMB Namibia Ride for Rhinos! We are so glad that you could join us on this amazing adventure into the Namibian wilderness! The goal of this tour is not only to raise funds for Save the Rhino Trust Namibia, IRDNC and Children in the Wilderness, but also to raise awareness about their efforts and difficulties. These entities operate in a remote, rugged area of more than a million hectares – with few fences, no national park status and no controls over who goes in or out. Over the past thirty years, the rhino population in this region has rebounded from the point of near extinction to a level that all Namibians can be proud of.
Some logistics Tour 1 takes place from 23 to 27 June 2021, with the 23rd being a 'travel to' day and the 27th a 'travel back' day. Tour 2 takes place from 28 June to 2 July 2021, with the 28th being a 'travel to' day and the 2nd being a 'travel back' day. Riders will make their own way to Damaraland. The group will meet up at Wêreldsend. See directions and map attached. If you are willing to give a fellow rider a lift north or need a lift for yourself and your bicycle, please let the tour organisers know so that everyone does not have to travel all the way by themselves. You can contact Elzanne directly at 081 367 3583 or elzanne@venture.com.na, or have a chat with your fellow riders. Cars will be securely parked at Wêreldsend for the duration of the trip. Arrival time at Wêreldsend is between 15:00 and 17:00 on arrival day. You will be transferred from there to Wilderness Safaris' Desert Rhino Camp. See the packing lists in this information pack for detailed instructions.
Itinerary Arrival Day (23 or 28 June): Arrive at Wêreldsend between 15:00 and 17:00. We will transfer you from here to Desert Rhino Camp and spend the first night getting to know one another and prepping for the adventure to come. You are also welcome to drive the 1-hour transfer route with your own vehicle if you wish, but be advised that rains in the area have left the jeep track quite tricky to navigate, so be sure to have a vehicle with high clearance. Day 1 (24 or 29 June): An early morning ride on Day 1 will cover a distance of between 36-45 kilometres with an average climb of 400-450 m. The route loops northwards from Desert Rhino Camp and (water allowing) we may have a swim stop at Van Zyl's Gat, so be sure to pack your swimming gear in the support vehicle. A Bush Lunch will be served before the final trek to camp. The afternoon is set aside for a game drive and rhino tracking. Day 2 (25 or 30 June): For the second day's cycling we have prepared a surprise challenge for you unlike anything we have done on a previous tour. The routes will cover a total distance of approximately 33 kilometres with an average climb of 200 m. Lunch will be served in the bush, before we take a final short trek back to camp. The afternoon is set out for rhino tracking and game drives in the area. Day 3 (26 June or 1 July): The third day's cycling will once again follow a circuit route of about 32 kilometres with an average climb of 226 m. The afternoon is set out for rhino tracking and game drives in the area or for just relaxing by the pool. The evening will be spent at the lodge having a wonderful party to end off the tour on a high note! Day 4 (27 June or 2 July): An optional early morning short ride is set out for those who are keen for one last stretch, otherwise you can enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast at Desert Rhino Camp. From here we will transfer you back to your vehicle and the Ride for Rhino adventurers can make their way back home, hopefully with a smile on their face and a heart full of warm memories of a wonderful Namibian mountain-biking adventure, already excited for next year’s tour!
Desert Rhino Camp In a wide valley sometimes flush with grass, Desert Rhino Camp lies in the enormous Palmwag Concession, where trackers patrol and protect one of Africa’s largest free-ranging populations of Critically Endangered desert-adapted black rhino. Rhino tracking on foot and by vehicle with these dedicated conservationists is a unique and exclusive wilderness experience; other activities include exploring the area on full-day outings, nature drives or walks. The camp has eight comfortable Meru-style tents and a main area that overlooks a sweeping plain dotted with Namibia’s national plant, the welwitschia. The campfire inspires storytelling under Namibia’s star-studded skies.
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What to pack We will provide all food and drinks, but be sure to bring the following along:
Daywear and warmer clothes for the evenings (Please note that desert temperatures can get low at night) Riding shoes and hiking shoes - athletic shoes, lightweight hiking boots, or trail running shoes with a sturdy sole work well (in case we need to set off after the rhinos on foot). Socks - enough for each day’s ride Biking tights/equivalent Biking shorts Riding gloves Riding jerseys/shirts (we will supply you with one tour cycling shirt) Windbreaker/light jacket Hydration pack (Camelbak) Cycling gear (Please remember all helmets, shoes, gloves etc.) Personal medicines Camera Insect repellent Binoculars Sunglasses Hat and sunscreen Torch/headlamp
MTB Technical Brief
CYMOT in conjunction with SCOTT are proud to offer you the technical service back-up for the RMB Namibia Ride for Rhinos. In order for you to prepare adequately for the event, we strongly advise you to take along the following/ensure that your bike has: Tubeless tires with a recent slime top-up Recent lube service At least 2 quick links A set of plugs and tools CO2 cartridges (bombs) One slime tube (optional) Camelbak / water bottles CYMOT furthermore offers a free of charge lube service to all participants' bikes prior to the event. Please schedule an appointment with Mario Katzur at 061 / 295-7474. Should you not bring your bike for the lube service, please feel free to advise Mario what components are on your bike. We will take along the most common components, but obviously cannot cater for all circumstances. To be on the safe side, please drop Mario a mail at MKatzur@cymot.com. All spares fitted during the tour will be billed after the event.
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How to get there
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Routes
Routes
Be inspired
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THE IDEA OF WILDERNESS NEEDS NO DEFENSE, IT ONLY NEEDS MORE DEFENDERS.
2021
