Karoo hosts spectacular sports and leisure events

By Destine Nde

Two recent occations involving Willowmore have attested to the growing popularity of the Karoo for spectacular sporting competitions and other leisure events.

The first was the Nedbank Gravel Burn Bicycle Tour, which passed through the town on 28 September. The second was the annual Boerbok Biking Rally, now with new organisers, held in Willowmore in the first weekend in November.

The inaugural Gravel Burn Bicycle Tour attracted 500 riders all over the world. It was a seven-day race, with its seven stages spanning some 800 kilometres, starting in Knysna on the Cape Coast and winding its way through parts of the Klein and Groot Karoo to the Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.

As the organisers state, it is aimed at providing riders with a unique experience. ‘Riders traverse the heart of the Great Karoo, where days consist of challenging terrain and fiercely fought racing, and the nights provide the perfect antidote to physical efforts. At the end of the day’s endeavours, riders experience a full immersion into the unique hospitality, culture, local flavours and aromas, and the hidden secrets in this special part of the world.’

It’s also a ‘full service’ event, with the organisers providing all the essentials – setting up tents, preparing meals, cleaning bikes and more. ‘This allows riders to focus on what matters: the endeavour, the scenery, and the off-bike experience.’

Part of the procession which preceded the riders’ arrival.

Riders reached Willowmore at the end of the third day, and left for Graaff-Reinet the following morning. The town was taken over by excited spectators, over 100 staff members, 500 riders, and dozens of huge buses. Journalists covered the event from helicopters, and highlights were broadcast on SuperSport. There was even a DJ in a Red Bull truck banging out loud music in front of the Royal Hotel.

Local people in colourful costumes paraded through the town, and then lined the main street to welcome the riders as they arrived. Willowmore Laerskool was closed early so that learners could applaud the arrivals.

I spoke to a rider, Andrew, from Costa Rica, and asked him how the race had been thus far. ‘Today was fast and furious,’ he said – ‘a typical gravel route with unexpected sharp turns. The scenery is beautiful, and everything is stunning. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some great riders, the vibe is brilliant, and I’ve pushed myself to the limit.’

Andrew, who flew in for the inaugural Karoo Gravel Burn from Costa Rica. 

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This year’s Boerbok Rally was a vast improvement — probably the most successful since being founded by a local farmer some ten years ago. The new organisers are the Iron Hearts Motorcycle Club of Graaff-Reinet.

Its president, Basjan Mulder, explained that the biking fraternity has been burgeoning in numbers we well as territory. There are branches all over the Karoo and beyond, and events like the Boerbok Rally feature on a yearly calendar.

According to Basjan, the rally took four to five months of planning. The municipality, the police, the traffic police, farmers, and various other role players had to be brought on board. ‘We hope it will improve even further from here on.’

He added that a big percentage of the money made this year would be donated to the old-age home in Willowmore.

As usual, the participants were passionate, die-hard bikers. In a new development, jeeps and trucks participated in this year’s drag races as well. Besides the adrenaline-releasing drag-races and bike exhibitions in front of the Royal Hotel, there were numerous events at the showgrounds, including a tug-of-war.

Mr Boerbok 2o25.

Besides the customary boerbok, an ox was braaied as well. Numerous prizes were handed out in different categories, and the recipients had their pictures taken together with Miss Boerbok 2025.

A diehard biker attending the Boerbok Rally.

Andrew told me the criteria for choosing Mr and Mrs Boerbok were simple: ‘Any man who dresses and looks like a Boerbok, and any girl who dances the best.’ Mr Boerbok in particular met the first criterion.

The whole week of 26 October to 3 November 2025 was a memorable one for Willowmore in particular and the Great Karoo in general.

FEATURED IMAGE: Riders in the inaugural Nedbank Gravel Bicycle tour congregate in Willowmore soon after finishing their stage. All images: the author.