Nieu-Bethesda Expedition | The Owl Route MTB event

Welcome to Nieu-Bethesda!

If it’s the first time you hear about this place, Nieu-Bethesda is a must-see village situated in the Eastern Cape at the foot of the Sneeuberge mountains.

Its tranquility and welcoming residents are incomparable, and will make you fall in love of this place. With many activities like donkey-cart rides, visit to the iconic Owl House, stop at the local brewery, hiking Compassberg and many more, it’s enough to satisfy all type of travelers!

A breakaway long weekend will pass by in a blink of an eye and you’ll be left in awe wishing you had more time to explore the village.

From the 9^th to the 11^th of April 2021, the village welcomed for the first time, a “boutique mountain bike event” called the Owl Route where 70 riders came from all over South Africa to experience this Gem of a Village in the heart of the Karoo.

A luxurious Glamping Camp waited for the riders at their base for the 3-day mountain bike experience where they were treated to an all-inclusive riding and culinary experience in the quaint village of Nieu-Bethesda.

The event was meticulously planned to make it extra special for participants: from food to organisation, nothing was left out!

FOOD – Karoo inspired of course!

Each meal was locally produced: homemade ginger beer & pancake waterpoints, Karoo-sushi, locally inspired pizzas, local cheese & charcuterie platters accompanied with craft beers and a three-course Karoo dinner paired with a funky owl-themed dress-up party. Great treat for the participants!

ORGANISATION – Enthusiastic team to meet everyone’s need

The Urban Goat team consisting of route builders, mechanics, medics, physiotherapists and ground staff ensured all the riders felt right at home and enjoyed their time in the Karoo. The event was hosted by Stan “the one legged legend”.

COMMUNITY – Working together

The event organiser Urban Goat is passionate about sourcing skills and local produce for their events. This ensures the authenticity of the Karoo can be showcased to the participants by the people, their produce and their way of living.

During this event, Anty Evelyn, the Owl House crafter, The Bethesda and Die Waenhuis played a key role in the uniqueness of this event.

Due to the size of the village, there was no single venue big enough to accommodate such a large number of people. Expedition Glamping was trusted with the task to create a Luxurious Camp for the participants. It was imperative that each and every participant have a warm and comfortable bed to rest and recover after a long day on the saddle.

The luxurious tented village consisted of 35 fully furnished glamping tents pitched under the majestical Eucalyptus trees at the Tennis Club in Nieu-Bethesda. Each tent included two super comfy full size single beds, quality hotel white linen and plush down duvets, storage chest, bedside tables with lights and director chairs.

Participants could not believe how spacious and comfortable the tents were!

Sleeping in luxury under the Karoo night sky.

When glamping there is this feeling of being closer to nature, making you appreciate every moment. One special moment for those able to stay up late: the magnificent Karoo sky revealed at night… No light pollution to disturb the glorious milky way. Just magic.

In summary, despite the craziness of the period we are living in, the Owl Route managed to create an extraordinary event where the smile on the faces of the participants throughout the weekend said it all!

See you for the 2022 The Owl Route edition!

If you want to learn more about the Owl Route Event, visit: https://www.facebook.com/TheOwlRoute/

For more information about our luxurious mobile glamping tents, visit https://expeditionglamping.co.za/packages/