Garvie brothers to let loose on Lesotho

It is the ultimate test of perseverance, grit, fitness, stamina and outright fearlessness.

It is the world famous Roof of Africa.

For Benoni brothers and endurance riders Calvin (26) and Robert Garvie (23), who will be competing in the brutal Gold Class (a distance of about 380km in total) for the first time from November 30 to December 3, it will be the ultimate test of their long-distance riding ability.

After months of intense training on their bikes and in the gym the brothers, known as the “Garvie Boys” in endurance riding circles, are aware of the task that awaits them in the rugged mountainous terrain of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Having finished in the Top 30 (among almost 170 starters) on their first ever “Roof” attempt in the Silver Class last year the brothers are focused on going one-up this year by simply finishing the daunting challenge posed by the more difficult Gold Class.

“It is going to be some intense stuff,” said Calvin.

“We are now competing at a higher level and it is going to require ridiculous amounts of physical and mental strength for us.

“You can get four seasons in one day up there in the mountains of Lesotho.

“The conditions are hectic and you never know what to expect.”

The Alphen Park resident have been passionate about riding motorbikes since they were toddlers and their strong bond as brothers will be crucial in their endeavour to cross the finish line.

“We ride together at a similar pace,” added Calvin.

“A tactic of ours is if one of us slips up somewhere, the other doesn’t stop, maintains the same pace and doesn’t wait around for the other.

“If you slip up it is then your job to catch up to the other so that time is not lost and to avoid lactic acid build up.

“Mentally, having your brother alongside you helps to keep you strong.”

A sentiment echoed by the younger Robert.

“We train together, we ride together and we make incredible memories together.” 

Robert added that all of the sacrifices made and the hours spent training will pay off for the brothers.

“It will be one of the hardest things we have ever done.

“It will be tough and demanding.

“The Roof is definitely not for sissies.”

The Garvie brothers thanked all the people who have supported them in the lead up to the Roof of Africa.

WATCH a video from the 2015 version of the Roof of Africa:

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