Born in 1967, the Roof of Africa event used to include cars, quads and motorcycles, but has progressed from a fast and flowing race in the lowlands of Lesotho to one of the world's toughest Extreme Enduro events, known as the 'Mother of Hard Enduro' to be precise.

The 49th edition of this prestigious event lived up to its name and the Motul Roof of Africa 2016 kicked off in the streets of Maseru on Thursday, 1 December, for the traditional 'Round the Houses' race where competitors race through the capital city of Lesotho, completing a 3.6 km loop three times. This racing time would be added to overall times for the event, so a good start was important in order to be out front. As usual the crowds would cheer on the field and competitors were motivated to deliver a good show before heading up to Bushmen's Pass for Time Trial. Marc Bourgeois (Yamaha) took victory followed by the KTM trio of Travis Teasdale (Brother Leader Tread KTM), Lars Enöckl from Austria, who recently won the Red Bull Sea to Sky event, and Andreas Lettenbichler from Germany, a household name in Extreme Enduro.

Arriving at an altitude of 2,263 m at Bushmen's Pass, Gold riders had to get ready to tackle the 51.8 km long Time Trial that would give them a little taste of what the next two days would hold in store for them. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) posted the fastest time ahead of Brett Swanepoel (Yamaha) and Travis Teasdale (Brother Leader Tread KTM, KTM 250 XC-W). Scott Bouverie (KTM 300 XC-W) and Dwayne Kleynhans (KTM 250 XC-W), both riding for Brother Leader Tread KTM, finished Time Trial in sixth and seventh place respectively, only a few minutes off the leader's pace which would make for an interesting day's racing the following day.

Race Day 1.

Friday was going to be the hardest day of the 2016 Motul Roof of Africa event and competitors had to race a 157 km long loop stretching to the North East of Bushmen's Pass. Hot and dry conditions surpassing the 30-degree mark didn't make it any easier for the field of riders who had to conquer sections like 'Maurice Pass' or 'Snake Bike', the latter of which separated the men from the boys when even the top Gold riders battled on this extreme section of the race, having to make their way through a field of Silver and Gold riders. Brother Leader Tread KTM's Travis Teasdale got assistance from a fellow competitor and instead of continuing to race and chase the top guys he decided to return the favour, walk down the mountain and help the other rider before continuing his race. True sportsmanship like this saw Teasdale be awarded the 'Spirit of the Roof' award.

The chase was on and saw KTM Factory Racing's Alfredo Gomez from Spain work his way through the field, picking up rider by rider onboard his KTM 300 XC-W and winning Day 1 (isolated) which put him only a mere 27 seconds behind Jarvis on the overall leader board. Brother Leader Tread KTM's Scott Bouverie also delivered a stellar performance on the day, resulting in him being the third rider to take off into the mounts on race day two, 19 minutes and 45 seconds behind the leader, followed by his team mate Travis Teasdale.

Race Day 2.

The second race day and final day of the 2016 Roof of Africa held 119 km's of technical terrain in store: long and extreme, but not as tiring as Friday and riders kept on pushing all day. Whilst Jarvis and Gomez were swapping places for victory it was the South African's who battled it out for third place, but it was difficult for any of the riders to break away from each other. The group of South African boys joint by KTM's Billy Bolt (UK), was starting to catch up to the leaders and made a good 10 minutes on them, keeping on closing the gap. It was however not enough to catch the leaders and after a total racing time of 16 hours 14 minutes and 40 second it was Husqvarna's Graham Jarvis claiming his fourth victory at the Roof of Africa, followed by KTM Factory Racing's Alfredo Gomez only nine seconds behind Jarvis. Brother Leader Tread KTM's Scott Bouverie rounded off the podium as the first South African competitor home ahead of his teammate Travis Teasdale. Dwayne Kleynhans followed in tenth place overall.

"Day one was very difficult, but I managed to pull a gap and enjoyed it particularly because if its difficulty. I could make up some time and had a good pace going both Friday and Saturday. It was intense all day, we rode on some really nice trails and my KTM 250 XC-W was amazing. I am really happy with my podium finish.", said Scott Bouverie (Brother Leader Tread KTM).

FIRE IT UP now offers a FREE all-inclusive complete full day’s adventure riding course from I RIDE Adventure Centre, the experts in adventure motorcycle training. “This will be supplied free to all customers buying any make of or model adventure motorcycle from FIRE IT UP,” said Craig Langton of the FIRE IT UP. “The Adventure riding experience is aimed at familiarising customers new to the Adventure Scene so that they can truly benefit all that the motorcycle has to offer. New Adventure customers should also inquire about FIRE IT UP’s monthly rides hosted by Andre Visser which include a host of activities making motorcycling the fun it is meant to be!

The FIRE IT UP package includes the Introduction to Off Road Riding training, all meals, accommodation and soft drinks.    

The FIRE IT UP free training program with I RIDE include basic, elementary course there are more advanced courses that one take up such as. the Level one and level two courses which are designed to cover the basic principles of adventure motorcycle riding, in a safe and non-threatening environment, with the goal of giving the riders the confidence to venture onto the myriad of wonderful dirt roads and explore South Africa.

 The Introduction to Off Road Course is hosted on a Saturday or Sunday and covers the essential skills required for off road adventure riding. It is most suitable for those with little or no off road experience, but with a good confidence level.

The Level One and Level Two course is suitable for those who have completed the Introduction to Off Road course and wish to build on their skills. Re-capping on exercises presented in the previous courses but in more difficult terrain. Level 2 includes, long climbs & descents, ruts, jumping an obstacle and introduction to sand riding are some of the exercises that make up this Level Two course.

I RIDE have two training venues the Gauteng venue is a facility is based at Leeuwenkloof, a 700ha privately owned farm that is situated about 7km South of the Hartebeespoort Dam, in the Broederstroom area. The farm is part of The Cradle of Humankind heritage site and only a 45-minute drive from Sandton and Pretoria. The farm has a unique mix of grassy savannah, bushveld, green valleys, cliffs and rocky mountainous terrain. “This mix of nature’s best enables us to offer our guests a variety of additional activities such as mountain biking, nature walks, bird watching and even 4×4 excursions, “said Chief Instructor Andre Visser. Who has 12 years of experience and expertise in adventure, outdoor riding and activities, with all the main brand motorcycle companies

The venue has 12 Safari tents that are located within the main camp set up on wooden decks, sleeping maximum 2 persons per tent.  The Safari tents are equipped with a luggage rack, side table, beds and mattresses. They also have 5 double beds and 14 single beds available. Linen, pillows and towels are included.

After sunset visitors, can enjoy an evening at the cliff-side open air boma!  This is the place to discuss the day’s events, while staring into that crackling fire that has captivated mankind for thousands of years.

The Cape Town venue is based at Anura a wine farm that is located at the base of the Simonsberg mountain range, close to both Paarl and Stellenbosch. The estate is more than just a vineyard, with a complete animal farm, restaurant and function rooms, all of which are to help make the visitor feel at home. The wine estate had previously been a very small estate, with only a couple of small vineyards lying side by side. The current owners have worked hard to ensure that the wine farm has flourished, and there are now 150 hectares of vineyard, producing around 700 tons of wine annually. Perfect conditions for all types of riding

For more information call FIRE IT UP on 011 467 0737

“I get asked all the time, what are my real chances of winning?” said Craig Langton Founder of FIRE IT UP. “Well here is an example of just how easy it is too win! Lukas Muller has won two bikes in a row! He came in two months ago, to sell one of his motorcycles, while waiting in the showroom he filled in an entry form for the BMW GS 1200 in the October bike giveaway, and ended up winning the bike, feeling lucky he entered this month’s draw and has ended up winning two bikes in a row!

 FIRE IT UP’s Motorcycle giveaway for December is aimed at Children and therefore has be substituted this month for a huge stock of the popular kiddies push and go motorcycles which we all grew up on. These kid’s bikes will be given away free to the first families to bring their under 8-year-old kids into FIRE IT UP’s show room.

“To qualify for the free kid’s bike all they must do is colour in the FIRE IT UP logo, which will be available instore, in our December adverts and on our web site, this will entitle them to a free kid’s bike and a guaranteed present from the FIRE IT UP team,” said Craig Langton owner/founder on the FIRE IT UP group. “We will have a large stock of bikes and presents, but the promotion is to the first come first served customers and is subject to while stocks last. “

All entries need to be presented at FIRE IT UP on the 11th of December after 10am

FIRE IT UP, shop 2, showrooms and workshop, entrance on Leslie, corner William Nicol and Leslie drive, Sandton between the Cycle Lab and the Pro Shop. For more information, call 011 4670737

For Motorcycle sales call Berto on 079 494 2404 or James on 076 827 9676 or 011 4670737

Selling a motorcycle call The Bike Buyers, James on 076 827 9676 or visit www.bikebuyers.co.za or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Released by FIRE IT UP and Digger Marketing 011 476 9350 / 083 449 5589