- 24 - 27 NOV 2021
Choosing a class
You have taken the first step in deciding to enter the Motul Roof of Africa. Next, you need to decide which class to enter – a slightly more difficult decision, but don’t worry, we have you covered.
First up you will need to understand the classes and how they work. The Motul Roof of Africa will offer you four classes to choose from: Gold, Silver, Bronze or Iron – the hardest of the four being Gold, with each class becoming easier and with the easiest being, Iron (we will delve deeper into their respective difficulties shortly).
Each class will include a Round the Houses experience, with a dash for some serious prize money. Gold will then separate from the rest of the field for a very intense Endurocross event which will determine starting positions for the first mountain day. Silver, Bronze and Iron will head out to complete a 30 – 60km Time Trial to determine their starting positions. The next two mountain days each class can expect between 100km – 200km of absolutely incredible trails and passes through the picturesque Maloti Mountains.
Secondly you need to judge yourself based on the following criteria when selecting your class – fitness, mental endurance, riding skill/technique, experience and last but not least – vasbyt (the ability to soldier on when the going gets tough). This decision could be the difference between a devastating DNF or a racing experience that does not provide the right challenges.
Our tip to you would be to chat to friends, family or other competitors that have competed in the Roof before – they will be able to properly guide and advise you.
Recommendations:
- 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.
- 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 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 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.
