BEST RACES
This is a hand-picked – and undeniably subjective – selection of some of our favourite races, which tip a hat to all of the above.
The U MTB Stage Race
This three-day jaunt on private farms in the Piket-Bo-Berg region takes in all 101 kilometres of what is arguably the finest continuous network of trails in the land. As tough, technical and ‘serious’ as it is in terms of riding, it’s also chilled, quirky and fun, in terms of vibes, venue and food. Just read one digital newsletter from the organisers to understand the tone and gees of the event. piketbobergtrails.com
Ride2Nowhere
The charm of the little village of McGregor, the post-stage festivities and the spectacular riding all ensure that this event is a firm favourite on the South African stage-racing calendar. As with all of these boutique events, entries are limited and sell out fast. You’ve been warned. ride2nowhere.co.za
Dr Evil Classic
This three-day event takes in some of the most spectacular trails and venues in the Garden Route, including forest riding you wouldn’t otherwise have access to. “Contrary to what you’d expect from the name,” explains Leon Evans himself, the legend after whom the race is named, “the Dr Evil Classic is aimed at average riders as well as hardcore racers. “The idea was to create routes that are interesting, scenic and that will test those who set out with the intention of racing the event, but not be too difficult or long for those wanting to enjoy the ride at a lesser pace.” drevilclassic.com.
Lions Karoo to Coast
The most iconic point-to-point MTB race in South Africa, without a shred of doubt. It (usually) serves as an official premier seeding event for the Cape Town Cycle Tour, and the 4 700 entries sell out in a blink. Taking place in late September, from Uniondale to Knysna, the race features some 1 521m of ascent and 2 244m of descent over the 100km route and attracts an eclectic field of riders, from top pros to serious amateurs to weekend warriors and everyone in between. In addition to the beautiful route, it’s undoubtedly the varied field and the festival atmosphere it brings that make this event such a hit, year after year. karootocoast.com
Karooburn
The name is about as apt as you’re going to get. It’s hot. And at 242km, it’s long as well. It offers both mountain-bike and gravel-bike categories, and sees riders sweat their way from the Great Karoo sheep-farming town of Calvinia, down towards the Tankwa Karoo – via the R355, the longest dirt road in South Africa. Best of all, the last week of February sees the Tankwa at its most cauldron-like. Bring sunblock. And a lot of hydration packs, filled with good humour. karooburn.co.za
The Jock
Founded way back in the early 80s, the Jock Cycle Club gave birth to one of the oldest races in the country, and it remains a firm favourite among both pros and weekend warriors. What makes it unique is that it covers around 150 kilometres over three stages – all in one day. Riders can choose to do one, two or all three stages, and the route (which usually takes riders from Nelspruit through White River and Sabie, before finishing back in Nelspruit) is not to be underestimated. thejock.co.za
The Kremetart One-Day Stage Race
At 175km over four stages on one day, the Kremetart offers a similar challenge to The Jock. It’s a ‘local is lekker’ type of vibe at the event, set in Limpopo province – the locals of Louis Trichardt (Makhado) pull out all the stops to make the visitors welcome. The four-stage format means the distance is broken into achievable sections, and there’s plenty of sustenance at the stops to help you refuel. Go for the vibe, go for the route and go for the sense of achievement at the end of that long day. kremetartcycling.co.za
The Timber City Classic
Oudtshoorn has a thriving cycling community, with various road and trail options around the Klein Karoo town. But if you want to go racing, the 104km Timbercity Cycle Tour is usually an official seeding event for the Cape Town Cycle Tour, and a great choice. There are route options for every level of rider, from a flat 30km and a slightly more challenging 57km to the Cango Caves, to the main 104km route, which takes riders into Matjiesrivier at the foot of the Swartberg Mountain range. The route features some 1 200m of ascent, most of which comes in the first 60km. edencycling.co.za
Around the Pot
It wasn’t the first hundred-miler on the SA scene, but this Swellendam-based event has exploded in popularity in its short existence – close enough to Cape Town to travel with ease, far enough away to make a weekend away of it. If big, rolling hills and wide-open gravel spaces do it for you, look no further – there’s even a compulsory half-way lunch stop, and a trip across the Breede River on the pont. Even better (for the mad ones, the sad ones), 2020 sees the inaugural 200-Miler – 320km of dust, sun and fun. What’s not to like? aroundthepot.co.za
Swartberg 100
It’s ‘100’ for mileage (and then some). With 171 long kilometres (79km of gravel in three sectors), 3 000m of ascent and a hairy descent down the Swartberg Pass, only the very fit and very brave need apply. Did we mention the summit of the Swartberg comes only at the 150km mark? swartberg100.com