XPLRAdventure Rally
A two-day, self-supported, non-competitive adventure rally: roughly 800km of tar, gravel, mountain passes and remote backroads from Cape Town to Rooiberg Lodge and home.
- 2-Day Self-Supported Adventure Rally
- ~800km of tar & gravel
- Cape Town → Rooiberg Lodge → Home
The XPLR Adventure Rally is a two-day adventure on two wheels, not a race, not a timed competition, and not a guided tour. It is a self-supported ride for people who are here for the roads, the dust and the stories around the fire.
Over two days you will link tar, gravel, mountain passes, farm roads and remote backroads on the way to an overnight stop at Rooiberg Lodge, before turning for home. Ride your own ride, at your own pace, with good people either side of you.
This is an intermediate to experienced adventure ride. Prior gravel experience is strongly recommended, and your bike should be set up and ready for long-distance mixed terrain.
Every Adventure Rally entry covers the essentials below. The rest (fuel, drinks and your own bike) is on you.
Accommodation
One night's accommodation at Rooiberg Lodge in your selected room category.
Saturday Brunch
A brunch stop on the road out. Choose one included brunch when you complete your entry. Drinks and extras at the venue are for your own account.
Saturday Lunch
A lunch stop later on the ride to Rooiberg. Choose one included lunch when you complete your entry. Drinks, sides and extras are for your own account.
Saturday Night Braai
A proper braai around the fire at Rooiberg: boerewors, lamb chops, chicken, green salad, potato salad, braai broodjie and dessert. Drinks and bar tabs are for your own account.
Sunday Breakfast
A full breakfast buffet at Rooiberg to set you up for the ride home. Drinks, specialty coffees and extras are for your own account.
Sunday Lunch
A lunch stop on the ride home. Choose one included lunch when you complete your entry. Drinks, sides and extras are for your own account.
Route Planning & Navigation
A curated rally route with GPX files and Google Maps links, route support and guidance, lead riders, sweep riders and multiple First Aid trained riders.
Professional Content Coverage
Event photography and daily ride coverage, a featured appearance in two full XPLR South Africa episodes, and access to event media after the rally.
Not Included
- Fuel
- Drinks and refreshments
- Motorcycle maintenance or repairs
- Recovery or towing costs
- Medical expenses
- Personal insurance
One night at Rooiberg Lodge, your way, from shared loft bunks for the adventure crowd to private chalets with a braai and mountain views.
The Loft
For riders here for the adventure
Comfortable shared, dormitory-style accommodation within the Rooiberg Lodge grounds. Spacious, clean and a short walk from the lodge facilities, a solid place to rest after a full day in the saddle.
- Shared accommodation
- Shared bathrooms and ablutions
- Comfortable dormitory-style setup
- Access to communal areas
- Walking distance to the lodge facilities
One-Bedroom Chalet
Two riders or a couple
A well-appointed chalet offering extra privacy and comfort while staying close to the action, with spectacular mountain and wildlife views. The double bed can be separated into individual beds.
- Sleeps 2 people
- Beds can be separated
- Private en-suite bathroom
- Kitchenette and lounge area
- Private patio and braai facilities
- Air conditioning and fireplace
- Mountain and wildlife views
- WiFi
Two-Bedroom Chalet
Ideal for a group of friends
The most spacious and premium option, with two separate bedrooms, private bathrooms, a fully equipped living area and outdoor braai facilities. The perfect place to relax and share stories after a day on the road. Double beds can be separated into individual beds.
- Sleeps 4 people
- Two separate bedrooms
- Beds can be separated
- Private en-suite bathrooms
- Kitchenette and lounge area
- Private patio and braai facilities
- Air conditioning and fireplace
- Mountain and wildlife views
- WiFi
Rooms are booked whole and sold first come, first served. One person books and pays; everyone else joins with their own entry link.
Book Your SpotThe full briefing happens before kickstands up, but here’s how we ride and what to bring so you arrive sorted.
The Ride
When do we start?
Saturday morning: arrival and check-in from 07:00, kickstands up at 08:00 sharp. The exact start point is shared privately with confirmed riders before the event, along with the route files. Arrive fuelled and ready to ride.
What kind of riding is this?
Ride your own ride. There is no pressure to keep up and this is not a race. The route mixes tar sections, gravel roads, mountain passes, remote backroads, farm roads and changing terrain. Intermediate gravel experience is recommended.
How does gravel and dust etiquette work?
Leave enough space for the dust to settle and never ride on someone’s rear wheel. Keep left on blind corners and ride within your visibility range. If the dust thickens, slow down and increase your following distance. Never assume the road ahead is clear.
What about overtaking?
Overtake on the right only. Give two hoots before you come past, pass safely, and avoid roosting the rider you are overtaking. On tar, ride staggered where possible, leave a safe following distance, and stay predictable.
Staying Together
How do we navigate as a group?
We use a simple corner-marking system. When you reach a corner, fork or unclear turn, wait there until the rider behind you sees you and knows which way to go. Once they arrive, you ride on and they wait for the next rider, a chain that keeps the whole group on route. If you haven’t seen the rider behind you for a while, slow down, stop safely and check on them. Nobody should have to race to catch up.
No rider left behind?
We ride as a group. If you stop, the rider behind you should stop too, and the group is told as soon as possible. If you notice someone is missing, slow down, stop safely and let another rider or an admin know. Nobody disappears without someone knowing where they are.
What happens at farm gates?
Some sections have farm gates. The first rider opens the gate and rides on, and dedicated sweepers close gates behind the group, so faster riders aren’t constantly stuck at the back.
Bike & Kit
How should I plan for fuel?
Your bike should comfortably manage a fuel range of around 220km. When the group stops to fuel, fill up, even if you think you still have enough. It’s the simplest way to keep everyone moving together.
What should I bring?
A hydration pack and water, puncture repair kit, tyre pump or compressor, basic tools, spare tubes or plugs, rain gear, sunscreen, a power bank and charging cable, riding snacks and a warm layer for the evening. Pack light where you can.
Do I need my own tools?
Yes. At a minimum, carry a basic tool kit, puncture repair equipment, a tyre inflator and any tools specific to your bike. Fellow riders will help where they can, but you remain responsible for your own repairs and recovery.
Support & Safety
How is the rally supported?
This is a self-supported adventure rally. You’ll have lead riders, sweep riders and experienced XPLR support riders, plus basic tools and assistance where possible. There is no guaranteed recovery vehicle, motorcycle transport or mechanical service. Support riders are there for navigation, group management, basic mechanical help and emergency coordination. You remain responsible for your own bike, gear and recovery arrangements.
What if I need to leave early?
If you decide to head home early or split from the group, let a ride leader or group admin know. It keeps everyone accounted for and avoids any unnecessary searches.
The Golden Rule
Ride your own ride. There are no prizes for arriving first. The roads will still be there, the beer will still be cold, and the stories will still be told around the fire. Have a lekker time, meet good people, ride amazing roads and make memories.
Entries are open. Pick your accommodation, sort your bike and gear, and book your spot before it sells out.