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Tour of Ara
1st September 2018 - 6th September 2018

The Tour of Ara, named for the Southern Hemisphere constellation of Ara, is a prestige race that is ridden mostly on South African-built steel racing bicycles in the proud tradition of the early Italian multi-day stage races.
The Tour follows a tough new dirt-road route over six days through the beautiful but harsh semi-desert Karoo and surrounds every year, and is as much a race as it is an exploration and celebration of this unique landscape and the people that live there.
For 2018 the Tour of Ara will be open to only 40 racers. In light of the gruelling distances of the previous two years resulting in injuries and a few broken bicycles frames, the route will include a bit easier this year, and the total distance has been brought down to about 640km. This year will also include two neural sections on the first and fifth stages, allowing riders to not only enjoy the landscape, but also each other’s company from their bicycles. Because of the horrible drought much of the Karoo is facing at the moment, the Tour will visit towns this year that can support our stay a little more comfortable, and we will visit lovely Fraserburg, unique Williston, and remote Middelpos.
The dates for the next Tour of Ara race are 1 – 6 September 2018, and this will be your last Tour ever. I believe 5 years is a good run to the Tour, and I’ve decided to share this news now as the chorus of “I’m doing this next year” and “it’s on my list!” has grown louder and louder. For those of you who want a last chance to ride the Tour, 2018 is your year…
There are still a few spots open for Tour of Ara 2018. If you’d like to come and race with us this year, please send an entry request email to stan@dayone.co.za as soon as possible to secure your spot.