Nedbank Desert Dash 2015 coming up

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Compiled Sanet van Zijl | Photos courtesy Desert Dash

This is the race that crosses the world’s oldest desert. Those brave enough will be cycling a total distance of 369km over 24 hours.

This Desert Dash started in 2004. Initially it was only a social ride between friends that was done over a two-day period, including one night of camping.

2005 saw the first organised race after the idea was formed to turn the event into a 24 hour one. The first event saw 44 riders taking part in two or four person teams.

In 2006 the solo category was launched after much debate as to whether one person could cycle the entire distance alone in 24 hours. Five solo riders attempted the first solo event and managed to finish the route in about 18 hours – the winning time!

Sadly, in 2006 one of the riders Nico van der Merwe, suffered a massive heart attack during stage 1 of the race. He passed away en route to the hospital. Riders will see his memorial on the right hand side of the road before descending the Us Pass.

By 2010 the solo category became ever more popular and entries for the category had to be limited to 100 riders. In that year Mannie Heymans set up the winning time and current overall record of 12 hours 13 minutes.

Desert-Dash-sides-2006-1-079

Photo courtesy Desert Dash

lone-rider-sunrise

Photo courtesy Desert Dash

The race starts in Windhoek and ends in Swakopmund. The route is laid out on graded gravel road with short stretches of tar at the start as you leave town.

This highly anticipated event will take place on 11 December 2015.

For those of you that are taking part in this epic race – pay CYMOT a visit for all your cycling needs. CYMOT, Scott & Jonnson are essential partners to the Dash. CYMOT also provides a halfway point at the Dash, which has been a highlight at the race for the past 3 years. Here, all the solo support vehicles, 2-man and 4-man teams gather to enjoy technical support, music, commentary, coffee and some delicious food.

Entries for this year’s race have closed long ago, but be sure not to miss out on the race next year if you are a true cycling enthusiast.

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