If you’re looking for a destination in South Africa that offers an array of natural surroundings for trail running and mountain biking, then Plettenberg Bay, and the Garden Route really need to be on your list. The region is a part of the Garden Route National Park, offering adventures tracks and trails through forest, Fynbos, canyons, beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs – a variety of incredible, near-pristine scenes to enjoy. Recently declared a UNICEF Biosphere Reserve, the Garden Route is home to some of South Africa’s most beloved trail runs and mountain bike races, in addition to being a growing destination for adventure races. If you’re looking to simply get out and enjoy, then any time will do, but if you’re looking for competition, September and October (as well as December and Easter) offers a slew of races to choose from!
Below are some of the upcoming events in September and October 2018
EDEN TO ADDO CORRIDOR HIKE
1-22 September 2018
Is this the Camino of the Cape? We certainly think so. The Eden to Addo Corridor hike is a 20-day, slackpacking hike along the ancient paths of the indigenous elephtants. The trail takes hikers through the Garden Route National Park and the enormous Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve, some of the wildest and most biodiverse places in South Africa. The best part? All money raised through the hikes goes to the conservation of this floral wonderland. Find out more: www.edentoaddo.co.za
DR EVIL CLASSIC MTB
20-22 September 2018
The Dr Evil Classic, designed by Dr Evil himself, Leon Evans, is gaining a reputation as one of the finest multi-day stage races in South Africa. The race takes place over three days and consists of three different routes and a different race village each day, ensuring that riders get to explore the best riding in and around Plettenberg Bay, including the magnificent Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve. Find out more: www.drevilclassic.com
KAROO TO COAST MTB
23 September 2018
This popular single day route sees riders light out from Uniondale in the Klein Karoo and travel 100km through the lovely mountain pass down to a glorious finish in Knysna. Karoo to Coast is an established race that usually sells out well in advance, so start making your plans for 2019 now. Find out more: www.karootocoast.com
MTO TOUR DE PLETT
6 October 2018
This single-day event is suited to every kind of mountain bike rider, from youngsters to the super serious riders, as it offers various distances of: 16km, 45km, 60km and 87km. All funds raised are to the support the Kwano Cycling Academy and the trail meanders along forest tracks, the Plett coastline finishing in style across a floating bridge to Central Beach! Find out more: www.tourdeplett.co.za
KURLANDBRIK ROBBERG XPRESS TRAIL RUN
7 October 2018
Mountain bike race one day, trail run the next – it’s a great weekend to be active in Plett! The Robberg Xpress Trail Run has combined two of our favourite things: Robberg Peninsula and sport in nature to create the Robberg Xpress Trail Run. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this fun run around our beautiful National Monument and World Heritage Site, Robberg. Find out more: www.facebook.com
THE WILD CORRIDOR MTB TOUR
23-27 October 2018
Join ex-professional cyclist, Kevin Evans, on a ride into the wild. Take on the Eden to Addo Corridor on two wheels. Starting in Kareedouw, riders will travel with Kevin through the Baviaanskloof, Langkloof and Tsitsikamma to finish in lovely Plettenberg Bay (don’t forget to book a few days in Plett to recover!). The best part? It’s E-bike-friendly! Find out more: www.wildcorridor.co.za