MEDSCHEME TOUR DE TULI 2010 - MAPUNGUBWE ROUTE

Riding the Tour de Tuli is incomparable to anything I have ever done on a mountain bike – partly due to the fact that this was the first ride that didn’t start and finish in the sugar cane outside Mount Edgecombe, or up the road at Giba Gorge mountain bike park. So, to say that I was blown away by the entire event would be an understatement of immense proportions!

As I had no previous experiences to set my expectations by, I was slightly apprehensive that my 4 weeks of riding in the cane might leave me undercooked for the 300 km’s in the saddle, over 4 days! Truth be told, I was not nearly fit enough, but the ever present tea and brunch stops (in the middle of the bush – amazing accomplishment), the huge meals in the evening in the most exquisite settings (twice under the canopy of trees, on a river), and the amazing camaraderie that existed between all the riders, ensured that I was able to push myself way beyond my riding expertise!

It was an amazing privilege to play cricket for my country for 11 years, but it was an even bigger privilege to be able to ride through some of the most amazing countryside that the Tuli de Tuli had on offer. If all of that is not enough – the funds raised through Tour de Tuli are used by Children in the Wilderness to bring young children from disadvantaged communities into these beautiful areas so that they can learn to appreciate their wildlife heritage!” – Jonty Rhodes

MEDSCHEME TOUR DE TULI 2010 - MAPUNGUBWE ROUTE

Tour de Wilderness is proud to present its 6th annual mountain bike event in proud association with Medscheme:
The Medscheme Tour de Tuli 2010

The Medscheme - Tour de Tuli 2010 cycle tour will traverse through three different African countries: Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa and three National Parks: Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Tuli Safari Area and Mapungubwe National Park.

After the success of the Tour de Tuli - Mapungubwe Route in 2009, the demand has increased and the Tour organisers have decided to operate two departures on consecutive days. Each departure will host up to 225 cyclists.

First Departure: Starts on Tuesday 03rd August and end on Sunday 08th August 2010.

Second Departure: Starts on Wednesday 04th August and ends on Monday 09th August 2010.

SO WHAT'S CHANGED FOR THIS YEAR?

We will be operating the choice of two routes on both departure dates – Original Route and an Explorer Route
We are limiting the cycle group sizes to a maximum of 18 cyclists per group with cyclist leaders (unless we have a private group that requests to cycle together)

Original Route

Approximately 300km of off road, predominantly single track cycling over four days.
Suitable for advanced cyclists with good endurance and technical skills.

Explorer Route

Approximately 220km of off road, predominantly single track cycling over four days.
Suitable for competent mountain bikers with good endurance and moderate technical skills.

All cyclists must be prepared to spend long hours in the saddle, manage rocky ascents and descents; cross river beds and most importantly have a great sense of adventure! All routes will provide cyclists with excellent game viewing opportunities, history, culture and great scenery. Added to that, the event is very social and all monies raised go towards making a difference in the lives of many children.

MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP DONATION

The minimum sponsorship donation for an entry is R12900.00 per cyclist. However in the past, many cyclists have raised additional funds. We will have some wonderful prizes for the cyclists who raise the most sponsorship.

Payment Deadlines:

Deposit of R2900 payable on registration
Balance of minimum sponsorship value due by no later than the 01^st May 2010.

We have an 18A status, which will allow for donations of over R2000 to be tax deductible. Should you require a tax certificate, please email us providing us with the donor’s name, postal address, amount sponsored and contact details The tax certificate will then be issued on receipt of the funds and posted directly to the donor.

Whilst the participation cost sounds high, we endeavor to give the cyclists a quality experience, whilst at the same time all free cash generated goes to a non - profit organization called Children in the Wilderness. We are very excited about this programme and the opportunities that it presents. Your participation in this event and support of this programme will help to preserve our environment and to help educate our rural children on life skills and the importance of conservation. We believe that in the long run, your money will assist in ensuring that critically threatened environments are conserved.

Tour costs include :

Tented accommodation on the cycle tour,
Support and “sweeper” vehicles
Refreshment stops during the course of the day
All meals from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day
Services of camp staff
Services of bicycle technicians (spares are for the cyclists own account)
Enroute services of paramedic ( any medical supplies are for the cyclists own account)
National Park entry fees

Tour costs exclude:

Visa fees (if applicable)
Malaria prophylactics (optional)
Beverages supplied from the bar (cash bar basis)
Bike rental
Medical and Travel Insurance
Cycling gear and equipment
Cycling spares
Bio or Massage therapy
Transfers to/from the start and end of the event
CD or DVD of the event
Tips/gratuities for locals staff

Online Registration Cut Off Date: 31^stApril 2010 (of before pending demand)

CYCLING ABILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY:

This cycle tour is strenuous. Although there is plenty of back - up and support anyone that considers entering, should take consideration of the following recommendations to ensure a more enjoyable cycle tour:

Must be in good, physical condition and must have spent a minimum of 6 hours a week on a bike for at least the past three months.
Previous participation in Mountain Bike Multi-stage events - We would like you to have participated in at least 3 mountain bike events over the past 9 months, each event in excess of 70km
As far as a training schedule goes, we would suggest a minimum of a couple of weeks of cycling, building up to at least 6-8hrs of riding a week over 6 to 8 weeks.
A resting heart rate of around 60bpms at least.
The ability to do a continuous ride of a minimum of 4 to 5 hours per day.
Partipated in an off-road cycle ride at least once a week, so that you can master technical skills.
You need to have prepared for endurance cycling with lots of time in the saddle.

If you have not already read our Cycle Tour Terms and Conditions click here

We hope that we will be seeing you on the Medscheme Tour de Tuli 2010 - Mapungubwe Route!