Congratulations on taking the first step towards participating in the Roof of Africa. Now, it’s time to make a decision regarding the class you want to enter. This may seem like a slightly more challenging choice, but don’t worry, we’re here to assist you.
Firstly, let’s familiarize ourselves with the different classes and their dynamics. The Roof of Africa offers four classes: Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Iron. Among these, Gold is the most demanding, with each subsequent class becoming progressively easier, and Iron being the least challenging (we will explore their specific difficulties shortly).
In each class, there will be a Round the Houses Prologue Surprise with a Mountain Mayhem TT on Day 1, this event will determine the starting positions for the first mountain day being Day 2. Over the next two mountain days, each class can expect to conquer extraordinary trails and passes spanning 90-180km-km each day, amidst the stunning Maloti Mountains.
Secondly, it’s important to evaluate yourself based on the following criteria when choosing your class: fitness level, mental endurance, riding skill and technique, experience, and, last but not least, “vasbyt” (the ability to persevere when faced with extreme challenges). This decision could be the decisive factor between a disappointing Did Not Finish (DNF) or an exhilarating racing experience that provides the right level of challenge for you.
We recommend reaching out to friends, family, or fellow competitors who have previously participated in the Roof of Africa. Their valuable insights and guidance will help you make an informed decision and provide valuable advice for your journey ahead
Recommendations:
Gold
- These are the best Hard Enduro riders in the world, top of their game or extremely mentally and physically tough.
- You should be incredibly fit, mentally tough and able to keep the wheels turning for a good 8 – 10 hours on the bike daily.
- You should be able to keep a high pace in extreme terrain.
- 15 – 20 of the toughest passes a day.
Silver
- This class is a good stepping stone for those wanting to work towards a Gold finish – a real test of your abilities and fitness. Also, this is the perfect class for ex-Gold riders or professionals still looking for a challenge.
- You should be very fit, mentally tough and be able to keep the wheels turning for a good 6 – 8 hours on the bike daily.
- You should be able to keep a comfortable pace in extreme terrain.
- 10 – 12 of really difficult passes a day.
Bronze
- Bronze is the most popular class and is a good combination of tough, yet still being enjoyable. It is generally the first step into hard enduro racing for those serious about developing their skills or testing their abilities.
- For a skilled and more experienced rider the Bronze ride would be generally faster and more flowing of a route with a few sections each day that are difficult. For a less skilled rider this is where you come face to face with true Hard Enduro and you will quickly realize why it is so addictive.
- You should be actively training and riding often, mentally tough and able to keep the wheels turning for a good 4 – 6 hours on the bike daily.
- You should be able to ride a slow but steady pace in extreme terrain, without taking too many breaks to catch your breath.
- 5 – 10 passes a day, a combination of difficult and easier passes.
Iron
- Iron is the new entry level class to the Motul Roof of Africa.
- The idea behind this class is to offer a wider range of motorbike enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the wonders of Lesotho and be a part of the Mother of Hard Enduro. Not everyone has the skills or experience to compete at a Hard Enduro event but are interested in it and have an urge to try it. This class will offer them a taste of what Hard Enduro is all about.
- This class will still be a challenge and will comprise of a lot of incredible low-land single track sections with a few shorter and less technical extreme sections to bring up the heart rate.
- You do not need to be on a training program. We do however recommend that you do try and ride maybe once or twice a week and are able to keep the wheels turning for a good 3 – 5 hours on the bike daily.
- You should be able to ride at a comfortable pace through flowing enduro sections and when the terrain gets tough and extreme you can still make it through the sections but it will still be hard work and you need a bit of rest time after.
- 2 – 5 easier passes a day.