Gold Rush takes cyclists inside Navachab mine

Mountain bikers will get a rare opportunity to ride inside the QKR Navachab Gold Mine when the Navachab Gold Rush Mountain Biking Challenge takes place in Karibib on 24 October.

Held in collaboration with the Namibian Cycling Federation, the event will feature 35km and 70km routes starting and finishing at Klippenberg Country Club, with both courses taking riders towards the mine.

The longer route, however, will take competitors beyond the entrance and through the mining premises, giving them an up-close look at terrain not normally accessible to the public.

QKR Navachab Gold Mine security manager Anthony Möller said at the event’s launch in Windhoek on Thursday that organisers believe taking cyclists through the mining-licensed area will be a first in Namibia.

“Physically cycling within the mining-licensed area is what makes this event awesome. We are really looking forward to it,” he said.

Testing terrain

Riders in the 35km event will also get a taste of the mining environment, with the route taking them as far as the mine entrance before they turn back towards the finish.

Those tackling the 70km endurance route will enter the mine and negotiate a mixture of terrain before making their way back to Klippenberg.

Organisers said cyclists can expect gravel, rocky and potentially muddy sections, with rivers also forming part of the course. Those entering the mine could also encounter some of the wildlife found on the property.

The mining environment itself is expected to form part of the attraction, with cyclists getting close to equipment such as a 130-tonne haul truck.

Möller said the varying conditions should add an element of unpredictability familiar to mountain biking.

“When we speak about cycling, one thing that is also awesome is the unexpected, and this is what cyclists can experience,” he said.

More than racing

QKR Navachab spokesperson Tuafi Shafombabi said the challenge forms part of the mine’s efforts to promote health and wellness while investing in the Karibib community.

“We focus on investing, especially when it comes to sport, and also the town of Karibib is now known for hosting marvellous events. We really implore the public to please come and join us and experience a race of one of a kind,” she said.

The mine’s accounts supervisor Presley Muranda said organisers also want the occasion to extend beyond those competing.

“We don’t want to make it just about the race. We want the race to be about family, so we are urging all the cyclists to bring their families with, whether they are taking part or maybe they are just supporters,” Muranda said.

Spectators will be able to remain at the main event venue, while organisers also intend to make designated areas available along parts of the route where families can follow and encourage riders.

Professional photographers are also expected to be stationed at selected points inside the mining area, including around the pit, to capture cyclists during the challenge.

Senior public relations officer McLyn Kasale said this should give participants an unusual reminder of their day on the bike.

“Imagine getting a picture in the pit with your bike. [Photographers will be set up in] very strategic positions to take pictures of every cyclist who will enter the mining area,” he promised.

N$150 000 allocated

Organisers have allocated about N$150 000 in prize money across the various race categories. Additional lucky draws, trophies and other incentives are also planned.

They stressed, however, that the challenge is not intended solely for elite riders, with recreational and developing cyclists also encouraged to enter.

They also announced that ten bicycles will be made available through Cycletec for social riders who want to participate but do not have their own bikes.

The 35km entry fee is N$200, while riders taking on the 70km route will pay N$350. Registration is being conducted online through nam-events.com. Water points are expected at intervals of roughly 15km along the course.

Organisers said the event is intended to become an annual fixture, with development forming part of the long-term objective of attracting younger and newer riders into mountain biking.

The Gold Rush name itself has previous roots in Karibib. The first documented Navachab Gold Rush mountain-bike race was held in 2017, when 87 cyclists contested 70km and 35km routes from Klippenberg.

That edition’s longer route ran behind the Navachab mine and around Farm Karibib.

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