Sling Cycles

Revisiting The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race (Bike Hub)

"When you hear people talk about the Tankwa Karoo, some things that might spring to mind are vast expanses, the institutional Tankwa Padstal, the infamous tyre-munching R355, and of course, Afrikaburn. Gravel bike racing is almost certainly not top of mind. What sets the event apart from others though, is that the riding itself forms only a part of the weekend activities.

We were fortunate enough to be there one night earlier and got to experience a beautiful and still Tankwa morning the day before participants arrived. The Sling Aircraft crew were among the first to arrive later that afternoon by plane, flying in convoy over the Tankwa. Watching the planes land one by one was quite a spectacle."

Read the Bike Hub full article written by fellow cyclist and The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race. participant, Renay Groustra.

Available via our blog now:
https://slingcycles.com/news/revisiting-the-tanqua-kuru-bicycle-race/

July 27th at Café du Cirque, the GT100 name says it all! “GRAVEL TRAVEL”. It’s fast, it’s “fairly” flat, it’s off-road and best of all, it gives the gravel bike a true feel for its use!

With three distances to choose from, the GT100, GT70 and the GT60, there are R100,000 combined cash prizes to the elite men and ladies podiums as well as additional cash prizes to be won for all category winners.

The full information is available via our blog.
https://slingcycles.com/events/gt100-miler/

Here at Sling Cycles, we’re about more than just a cheap thrill. We want to be your adventure cycling partner for life!

Whether you’re looking for a cycle kit to build yourself, a fully completed bike or just the beautifully sleek titanium frame, we’ve got your back. Laurent Maroy from France is just one of our many happy customers who got his hands on a frame for a custom bike and has been living his best life ever since cycling through the rivers and dirt roads of the French countryside.

So, whether you’re tearing up the dirt on Mzansi’s routes or meandering through international countryside’s, we want to hear from you! Share your own pictures and videos and tag us at Sling Cycles. Start your Sling journey with us from wherever you are in the world because we ship across the globe!

Check out our options here: https://slingcycles.com/

July 21st at Café du Cirque, the Winter Fast One is oh so fast and plenty of fun. Whether you’ve raced in the Summer Fast One or you’re new to the series, you won't want to miss out on this winter challenge. Get the low down via our blog now!

https://slingcycles.com/events/the-winter-fast-one/

One Bike Forever really does exist!

There’s a good reason why the aviation industry has chosen titanium in its various forms as the metal of choice since the 1960’s. And while many may claim other metals match the most stringent of standards needed in aviation, our titanium frames provide the most authentic lineage between aviation and bikes.

At Sling Cycles, we build our bikes like we build our planes - to last a lifetime.

So, what makes Titanium so great?

✅Corrosion and Heat Resistant:
Whether you’re shredding up the dirt in the hottest African climates or battling the European rain, titanium has your back. With a heat tolerance of up to 600 °C and a natural oxide layer that fends off any corrosion, it’s going to take some doing for your bike to get damaged. So, come rain or shine, you’ll be just fine.

✅Fatigue Resistant:
Repeated stress over time has many other metal frames losing their ‘pop’ as the years go by. With our titanium frames, cyclists can expect that ‘new bike’ feel for the rest of their riding life.

✅Strength:
While steel is considered one of the strongest metals and a staple in construction and engineering the world over, titanium provides a similar strength, but it’s 45% lighter. This means your bike will be able to handle anything you throw at it while being durable. It also won’t break your back while moving it around.

✅Pliancy:
The what now? Basically, the ‘springiness’ of the bike. While others may try, titanium provides superior vertical compliance. This means the frame is able to absorb any and all road-related vibrations far better to provide you with the smoothest and most comfortable ride possible.

So, whether you’re looking to tackle your local dirt roads or dig your heals into more advanced trails, our Sling Cycles range of bicycles will be taking you places for life.

Check them out here: https://slingcycles.com/tagati/

Making History With The World's First Airborne Waterpoint.

Tankwa, Karoo Desert, South Africa: Recently, Sling Aircraft and The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race. made history by introducing the world’s first airborne waterpoint, a unique feature that enhanced the race experience for participants.

Sponsored by Sling Aircraft, this innovative refreshment point provided much-needed hydration from the sky. The two-day gravel bike race, held in the rugged and picturesque Tankwa region, has always been known for its challenging terrain and breathtaking landscapes.

This year, the race took its commitment to rider support and innovation to new heights. Read the full story and watch the video on our blog now!

https://slingcycles.com/news/making-history-with-the-worlds-first-airborne-waterpoint/

Guess who dominated at the recent The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race.? That’s right folks! Slingers cycling Tagati gravel bikes clinched both First AND Second Place! But that's not all… Our Tagati Tandem also took First Place in the tandem category!

Fret not if you couldn't join us this time around. As promised, we've got you covered. Stay tuned for an epic video capturing the thrills and spills of the 2024 edition!

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist, pilot or simply an enthusiast of all things Sling, our super talented team of videographers promise to deliver the heart-pounding excitement and awe-inspiring scenery that the TKBR is renowned for.

So, subscribe to our channel via the link below and follow us on social media to ensure you don't miss out on the action. Coming soon!

https://www.youtube.com//

OUTDOOR X IS OPEN!

Sling Aircraft at stand G4, Sling Cycles at stand G5, adventure, wine gardens, woodfired food, live entertainment, kiddies play parks and 450 other top notch exhibitors! A trip to Outdoor X is all you need to escape the hustle and bustle of Gauteng’s city life!

EXPO HOURS
Friday, May 31st (11h00 am - 17h00 pm)
Saturday, June 1st (09h00 am - 17h30 pm)
Sunday, June 2nd (09h00 am - 16h00 pm)

TICKETS SOLD AT THE GATE
Friday, May 31st: Adults R100
Saturday, June 1st: Adults R150
Sunday, June 2nd: Adults R150
Kiddies under 13 get in for free!

This event promises to be an unforgettable occasion for all, so mark your calendars, explore nature's wonders and join us at Stand G4 and G5. Welcome to the great outdoors!

Meet Omphile Motaung, a passionate young female cyclist who at just 25 years old, became the youngest and first woman of colour to complete the gruelling Race Across South Africa Freedom Challenge, a 2,150 km race from Pietermaritzburg to Paarl in just 21 days.

With only 5 years’ experience in ultra-endurance cycling, she has tackled some of the world’s toughest mountain biking races such as The Munga and the Absa Cape Epic where she won every stage in the Amateur category. Last year she completed the 1,000 miller (1,640 km) which she finished in just 8 days, cycling from Vereeniging to Cape Town.

Most recently, Omphile clinched third place in the women’s solo category of the Cullinan Ultra-Gravel, a life-changing gravel-grinding odyssey. She conquered 260 km of unmarked district roads, tackling a whopping elevation gain of 3,200 m in an impressive 15-hour marathon aboard her Tagati gravel bike.

“Riding my bike brings me so much joy! Exploring new places, learning about different cultures, and sharing smiles along the way—it's truly the universal language of love. There's nothing quite like the incredible power you feel with each pedal stroke.” Omphile says she takes pride in both her victories and failures, “I’ve been winning and losing all my life. The important thing is to get started and not let fear make you miss out on amazing opportunities”.

Are you ready to kickstart your cycling journey but not sure where to begin? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Book a test ride with one of our team members on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon and let us guide you in finding the perfect Tagati bike for your lifestyle.

Book here: 👇
https://slingcycles.com/tagati-test-ride/book-a-tagati/

And that’s a wrap! Congratulations to Talitha Hellerle, the lucky winner of the VIP Flight Experience at Outdoor X with Sling Aircraft. We are THRILLED to have you aboard for this unforgettable adventure! Team Sling cannot wait to meet you and share in the excitement of meeting you at South Africa’s BIGGEST outdoor and lifestyle expo!

To all the participants who gave it their all, thank you for your enthusiasm and support! Even if you didn't clinch the win, we invite you to join us at Stand G4 and G5 from Friday, May 31st to Sunday, June 2nd. Swing by, meet the Sling team and let's share our love for adventure together!

Tickets sold at the gate. Kiddies under the age of 13 get in for free! See you there Slingers!

With The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race. taking place in just T-minus three days, we thought you would like to “meet” the mastermind behind our most favourite adventure of the year!

CapeTalk's Pippa Hudson of the “Lunch with Pippa” show, recently welcomed Jeremy for an exclusive chat and discovered the secrets, challenges and the many exhilarating moments behind the scenes of the TKBR.

The interview is available here: https://omny.fm/shows/afternoons-with-pippa-hudson/travel-adventure-cycle-race-through-the-tankwa-kar

Win a VIP flight experience at Outdoor X with Sling Aircraft!

Slingers, we are THRILLED to invite you to join us and Sling Aircraft at Outdoor X, South Africa's BIGGEST adventure and lifestyle expo, from May 31st to June 2nd at Stand G5.

ADDED BONUS: Keep your eyes on the skies and experience the excitement firsthand as Sling Aircraft takes flight over the venue at 10h00 am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning.

DOUBLE ADDED BONUS: Win a VIP flight experience at Outdoor X with Team Sling! How you may ask? Entering is easy. For a chance to win, simply follow the steps listed below:

1. Like the Outdoor X social post on our Facebook or Instagram page.
2. Follow us AND Outdoor X on social.
3. Tag 3 friends.
4. Post to your story. (This is a bonus entry. The account must be public.)
5. The competition closes May 15th with the draw taking place May 16th. The winner will be announced on the Outdoor X social pages.

The full event details can be accessed here: https://mailchi.mp/523c5fbe3822/win-a-vip-flight-experience-at-outdoor-x-with-sling-aircraft

See you there Slingers!

Your lower back is aching. Your neck and shoulders are tight. Your gears aren’t shifting smoothly. You’re tired of drinking and eating sweet carbs. You’re covered in a sweat-caked layer of dust. Your one eye is stinging. Your hands are sore. You can feel chaffing in the crease between your butt cheek and hamstring. Your sense of humour is in a coma and you’re feeling a little weak. Although you don’t acknowledge it at the time, this is your happy place!

Limited to 500 entries this year, you and a trusted riding partner will embark on a life-changing gravel-grinding odyssey from Cullinan to Dunkeld Country Estate in the 24-hour, 260 km Cullinan Ultra-Gravel.

Do you dare? If so, we'll see you there!
https://slingcycles.com/events/cullinan-ultra-gravel/

Gear up for an epic journey at the 2024 Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race with Team Sling!

Experience the thrill of adventure amidst the stunning Karoo Desert. Join us on the last weekend of May as Sling Aircraft and Sling Cycles teammates and enthusiasts unite for an unforgettable event.

If you're a proud Sling owner and cycling enthusiast, mark your calendars! This is THE event of the year you won't want to miss… And even if you don't own a bicycle but would still like to join, fret not! We've got you covered with Tagati demo bikes available for the weekend courtesy of Sling Cycles.

Registrations are closing on April 15th, so secure your spot now for an unforgettable weekend via the link below.

https://mailchi.mp/6c9a8210abd0/sling-invites-you-to-join-us-at-the-tanqua-kuru-bicycle-race

Come and play in the desert. We’d love to have you.

Ready for an adventure that's as bold as you are? Dive into the wild with our range of Tagati Titanium gravel bikes!

From rugged mountain trails to winding coastal roads, our bikes are built to conquer any terrain. Where do you dream of taking your Tagati? Comment below and let us know!

👍 = Mountain trails
❤️ = Coastal roads
🥰 = Forest paths
😯 = Urban exploration

Get ready to hit the road with us! Our Tuesday and Thursday 15h00 pm rides are BACK in full swing at Sling Cycles, Hangar 28, Tedderfield Airpark!

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, join us for an exhilarating ride on a Tagati model of your choice. Don't miss out on the fun—reserve your spot and bike now on our website form!

See you there Slingers!

https://slingcycles.com/tagati-test-ride/book-a-tagati/

Happy Tagati Tuesday cycling enthusiasts!

Want to see you and yours featured? Share your favorite moments with us. Send in your photos, videos and stories and stand a chance to be featured alongside the many other fellow Slingers who share the same love for life!

A high-performance Titanium bicycle that effortlessly crosses the divide between gravel, touring, commuting and riding a trail.

Find out more about our Tagati via our website: https://slingcycles.com