274 people from all over the country descended to Ingwenyama Sports Resort in White River, Mpumalanga for the 5th annual KTM South Africa Adventure Rally. An event which has become synonymous with challenging and rewarding routes for all skill levels of adventure riding to explore some of the most spectacular landscapes South Africa has to offer paired together with like-minded KTM owners…a proven recipe for success.
This year the breathtaking Lowveld area hosted the orange participants and supplied nothing short of riding heaven including massive vistas and phenomenal views for all involved. The Adventure Rally consists of 3 action-packed days where bike enthusiasts come together for 2 days of thrilling outdoor riding on their KTM Adventure bikes on specifically mapped-out GPS routes.
Participants had the choice of three different routes on each day of the event with individual distances including all-tar, gravel, and a technical route. Each route offered its own unique perks, with the all-tar covering up to 360 km of smoother riding, the gravel route offering more challenging terrain, and the technical route covering up to 180 km for the more experienced rider looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure.
Riders who opted to keep their bikes clean on the tar were greeted with some of the best tar switch-back riding available all the way from White River, through Graskop and up through Blyde River Canyon. Gravel routes consisted of dirt roads and jeep tracks through the magnificent forestry areas over mountain passes with spectacular views of waterfalls and rivers. The technical routes were put together to challenge all who dared and to put their skills to the test.
The common bike of choice was the KTM 890R which, under the right rider, breezed through river crossings, single tracks, and rutted uphills. Those who were brave enough to take on the task on their 1190s and 1290s were in for 2 days of challenging but rewarding riding.
The camaraderie was at an all-time high throughout the event as riders and pillions alike helped each other out of sticky situations generally leading to enthusiastic high fives and laughs all around. The event was a perfect blend of riding and socializing, with participants making new friends, and memories and sharing their passions for adventure riding.
The last day riders were greeted at the resort with a delicious lunch and with one of the highlights of the event, the Ron Bailey skills challenge with a variety of obstacles that had to be overcome all while under the stopwatch. With some prizes on hand, the riders left nothing on the line ending in some unforgettable moments and crashes. The remarkable riding paired with great food, entertainment, and luxury accommodation made the 2023 KTM Adventure Rally one that many won’t forget.
KTM South Africa would like to thank all the participants, sponsors, and partners who made the event possible. We are already looking forward to welcoming our KTM customers back to the Adventure Rally in 2024!
So, there you have it, if you find yourself twiddling your fingertips and don’t know where to ride or what to do, keep an eye on our Biking Events calendar as we try to update you on all the local rides and events that are taking place throughout the year.
