Where the Orange River carves through the Karoo, riders face one of South Africa’s greatest natural giants: the Gariep Dam. Rising 1,300 m above sea level and holding 5 340 hm³ of water behind its 88-m wall, the Gariep is the country’s largest dam and the heartbeat of this 500 km, 50-hour challenge. From Norvalspont to the Ruigte Valley and beyond, riders push through punishing terrain, endless gravel, and vast horizons. The Gariep’s shimmering waters guide the way, silent, powerful and relentless, just like the race itself.