99%Match
Past Event
GRAVEL
Rhodes 500
Rhodes, Eastern Cape, South Africa
412 KMS
7530M
All Events
Sahara
Difficulty Profile
TERRAIN
CLIMBING
HEAT
455 km
Distance
4500 m
Elevation
Gravel
Surface
Intermediate
Difficulty
What to Expect on Sahara
Breathtaking valleys, high mountains & the mighty Sahara desert!
Being in the Sahara Desert is an experience like no other, but reaching it by bike elevates the journey to unforgettable heights. Spanning a total distance of 445 kilometers over four stages, with an elevation gain of over 4500 meters, our route takes you through a variety of terrains, with 90% of the journey on gravel roads or easy single trails.
Bike Setup for Sahara
Bike
Gravel Bike
Tires
45-50mm Tubeless
Cassette
10-51T
Chainring
38-40T (1x)
Your Next Challenge
Based on this event's terrain, difficulty and riding style.
97%Match
Past Event
GRAVEL
Franschhoek 500
Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa
500 KMS
96%Match
Past Event
GRAVEL
Egoli 500
Joburg South, Gauteng, South Africa
500 KMS
95%Match
Past Event
GRAVEL
Ceres 500
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500 KMS
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Sahara?
At 455 km with 4500 m of elevation gain, Sahara is roughly the distance of 11 marathons back to back, with climbing that adds up to close to a third of the height of Mount Everest.
What bike do I need?
For Sahara, we'd recommend a Gravel Bike — plan on 45-50mm Tubeless tires and a wide-range drivetrain, something like a 38-40T (1x) chainring paired with a 10-51T cassette, to handle the terrain comfortably.
How difficult is it?
We rate Sahara as Intermediate overall. Riders should be ready for rough, technical terrain for a good stretch of the route, fairly flat elevation gain, and mild and generally comfortable conditions.
When does it take place?
Sahara takes place on March 1, 2027. That puts it in autumn, as conditions start cooling but daylight hours are shrinking.
What surface is it?
Sahara's route is gravel. Plan your tire choice around 45-50mm Tubeless for the best combination of speed and comfort.