Calendar dates for the BIGGEST bike races in South Africa for 2026

Save the date! These are the dates for the biggest bike races in South Africa

Plan ahead for 2026 with the dates for the biggest bike races on the South African cycling calender. Find them right here and fill up your cycling todo list for 2026 and beyond. And yes, we can take your bicycle to or from any of the events below. Quick and easy with bicycle couriers. For the best boxed bicycle deliveries in the country. In our humble opinion. And backed up by thousands of deliveries and many happy reviews. From looking at the dates for the biggest bike races. To being at the start line. Let’s go!

Attakwas: 17^th January 2026

What is the Attakwas race date? The #HellOfTheSouth Attakwas is South Africa’s toughest extreme one-day mountain bike race and happens on 17 January 2026. And yes you can send your bicycle from anywhere in South Africa to the start line of the Attakwas extreme with #bicyclecouriers. Better yet, send it to you hotel or a local bikeshop in advance. And ensure your bike arrives. Before your do! For two decades, the #AttakwasExtreme has been South Africa’s toughest one-day mountain bike race, pushing riders to their limits. Since its inception in 2007, it has earned legendary status as a must-do event on the mountain biking calendar.

20 years tough! Is the Attakwas the biggest bike race in the country? Nope. But certainly one of the hardest. Welcome to the hell of the south. Maybe we do a double again this year, who knows. Let’s see. Entries are much cheaper when you enter early and nearly double as much when you decide over the December holidays. But then again this is one of those events where you might just roll the dice and grab an entry off the hub after someone inevitably didn’t do his part over the holidays and decides to bail before the start in the second week of January. Check out atta.co.za/

Tankwa TREK: 5-8^th February 2026

When is the Tanka Trek date? The Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek presented by Biogen is truly a ride like no other. The iconic four-stage race takes place from 5-8 February 2026 as one of the first UCI events of the season. Tankwa TREK is the perfect training ground for a 2 man team if you intend to cycle the ABSA Cape EPIC together shortly afterwards. And they do pull in some big names. A multi day MTB stage race with shorter days but certainly no walk in the park. and yes you can send your bicycle to CERES or to KALEO with #bicyclecouriers. Just book online and in advance. From anywhere in SA.

With breathtaking trails through the Bokkeveld and winding routes in the Witzenburg area, this race features some of the most unique scenery South Africa has to offer. This region renowned for its unforgiving summers and harsh winters, routes through rocky outcrops and climbs steeper than the imagination can fathom! Some trails are hand-built and smoothly sculpted, while others rough and loose – but all reward the adventurous at heart. Riders are not only treated to tough yet exhilarating riding, but also get to enjoy true ‘Karoo hospitality’ with a world-class race at Kaleo Guest Farm. Come and test yourself on the tankwatrek.co.za/

PE Herald: 15^th February 2026

When is the PE Herald date? KICK INTO HIGH CHEER | As we say #CHEERSTO40YEARS, we wish every single participant, sponsor and supporter who has been involved with the #HCT2026 over the past four decades a peaceful and blessed day with your family. It has been one hell of a ride. There are 4 events in total:

• Road: 15^th February 2026
• MTB: 8^th February 2026
• Junior: 8^th & 14^th February 2026
• Quest: 8^th & 15^th February 2026

Wow. #CheersTo40Years for the PE Herald cycle tour this year. Impressive indeed! Born in PE but never have I done the PE Herald. And after the CTCT (CPT) and 947 (JHB) and Shova (DBN) and gone OFM classic (BFN) the Herald (PLZ) remains the last of the big circa 100km classics I have to do in SA. But alas not in 2026 as the dates are around Valentines day weekend again and we also start with the 1500km 3-week Bolandcycletour and Tourdeboland as below. long may this continue. And I hope to ride the Herald one day. On heraldcycletour.co.za/

PE to Plett: 19-22^nd February 2026

When is the PE to Plett date? Where diversity is key. The M&G investments 4 day mountain bike stage race that is the PE to Plett runs from 19 to 22^nd February 2026. Whether you’re chasing personal bests and racing flat-out or simply riding for the love of mountain biking, soaking in the beauty of the Garden Route with no pressure — this is a spectacular journey you won’t want to miss! Entries are limited to 250 riders across both The Ride and The Tour. And yes you can send your MTB to the start line of the PE to Plett or Arno at the COIMBRA cycles bike shop in St Francis by using #bicyclecouriers, as always.

Welcome to South Africa’s most diverse stage race. As we look forward to the 2026 edition of the M&G Investments PE Plett, we have decided to stick to the same formula as in 2025 — following the same direction, starting from St Francis Links in St Francis Bay, covering over 280 km along the famous Garden Route, and finishing four days later at Nature’s Valley Rest Camp. We believe this approach worked exceptionally well, beginning with the toughest day and gradually easing as the event progressed. #Keepthecadence on peplett.co.za/

Bolandcycletour: 16^th Feb till 9^th Mar 2026

When is the Bolandcycletour date? 3 weeks prior to to the CTCT Cape Town Cycle Tour, which means the 2026 Bolandcycletour runs from 16^th February 2026 for 3 weeks until the 9^th of March 2026. A once-in-a-lifetime road bicycle tour in sunny South Africa. Cycle in a group according to your ability, under the watchful eye and friendly guidance of your knowledgeable ride captains. We explore the Peninsula, Swartland, Klein-Karoo, Winelands, Overberg and climb the best mountain passes around. On-the-bike we average 75kms/day, with 2-3 optional and rest days in-between. And top if off with the Cape Town Cycle Tour at the end.

Not the biggest bike race in South Africa but certainly one of my favourites. Any guess why? Because this is my very own event. Which is a three-week road cycling spectacular through the Boland. For our guests from abroad. To experience sunny South Africa in all its glory. While the off-the-bike afternoon activities and festivities are just as important as the on-the-bike sights and sounds and scenery of the Boland region. Come and join us. It is a bargain. And local is lekker rates for South Africans. Or pick the shorter weeklong Tourdeboland. That has been ten years in the making. As on cyclotourism.co.za/

Tourdeboland: 1-6^th March 2026

When is the Tourdeboland date? Tour Dates for the 2026 versions of the Tourdeboland run from 1-6 March 2026; or 28-Feb till 9-March for the extended Tour incl. CTCT. Perfect timing. And last year was the 10-Year Anniversary edition of the Tourdeboland! This tour, our annual weeklong cycling holiday, will get you fit and in peak condition for the Cape Town Cycle Tour that Sunday. Not that his is a ride, not a race, so we drink wine and have fun and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Boland. The numbers range from 500 kms and 5000 meters of climbing up to 700 kms and 7500 vertical meters. And #bicyclecouriers will ensure your bicycle gets to the start line in Cape Town and back home again safely.

Same as for the last ten years. Tourdeboland runs during the week directly prior to the CTCT. Which is perfect timing for those who come from abroad. Or even upcountry. As you can come and enjoy a wonderful week of cycling with friends and family and like-minded road cyclist who enjoy the Western Cape winelands. And even if you take part in the sick/lame/lazy group like some of us, you will be in tip-top shape for CTCT cycle tour Sunday. As on cyclotourism.co.za/

 

CTCT: Cape Town Cycle Tour: 8^th March 2026

When is the CTCT Cape Town Cycle Tour? The Cape Town Cycle Tour runs on Sunday 08 March 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. Taking riders on a 109km route around the Cape Peninsula, the Cape Town Cycle Tour is South Africa’s must-do cycling event. With route highlights that include full road closure, boisterous roadside support and the glistening ocean views from Chapman’s Peak, this ride is a bucket-list item that needs to be ridden to be believed. And sending bicycles to and from the CTCT is a very busy time for us #bicyclecouriers. So, ensure you book yours early. And yes, we also have last minute overnight options to send your bike to CPT…

Is this the CTCT Cape Town Cycle Tour the biggest bike race in South Africa? Yes. And the world. How many cycle tours have you done? I can’t remember. Unfortunately, not all of them properly recorded or rightly chipped. But I have been there every year since as long as I can remember from say 2010 onwards. And a few at school and varsity. So safe to say it should be around 15 or 20. And I loved every single one of them. Including the fast ones. The windy wones. The rainy ones. And all the ones where we pull buggies for WOW foundation. Warrior on wheels. And that has been quite a number. And a very rewarding experience. Plus, excellent exercise. Enter on capetowncycletour.com/

Absa Cape EPIC: 15-22^nd March 2026

When is the ABSA Cape EPIC date? Registration is sold out and the 2026 edition of the ABSA Cape EPIC runs from 15–22 Mar, 2026. The 2026 Absa Cape Epic, pinnacle of the Epic Series, tears across 692 kilometers of raw South African wilderness, with 15 900 meters of climbing that will humble the unprepared and honor the relentless. From the dusty singletracks of Meerendal Wine Estate to the wild vastness of Montagu, through the rugged passes and trails of Greyton into the heart of Stellenbosch for the Grand Finale, the world’s premier mountain bike stage race charts a brutal, beautiful route across the Western Cape. Love it. On epic-series.com/capeepic

When you talk of the biggest bike races in South Africa then the EPIC jumps to the top of the shortlist. Everyone surely knows all about the ABSA Cape EPIC. Which is the Tour de France of MTB mountain biking. This year has longer stages and maybe slightly less technical bits. Maybe to counter the Nedbank Gravel BURN to se certain extent. Either way. There is the familiar prologue. Then Montagu area this year. in the place of Paarl. And some home ground advantage in Stellenbosch towards the end. As always, send your bicycle to the EPIC with #bicyclecouriers

Tour DURBAN: 19^th April 2026

When is the Aquelle Tour Durban date? The road races will all take place from Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, 19 April 2026. Road riders have the choice of four distances: 96km, 68km, 42km, 28km and the 100km aQuellé Tour Durban Invitation Race (which includes 100km Individual Race & aQuellé CSA National Inter-Club Challenge). And once again #bicyclecouriers will send your bicycle to and from any place in South Africa to DBN for the Aquelle Tour Durban in 2026 once more. To a bike shop. Or to your accommodation. Book on bicyclecouriers.co.za/

Details for the 96km TOUR DURBAN road race right here. Date and Time: Sunday, 19th April 2026. Distance: +- 96km. 1st batch start: TBC. Starting Point: Moses Mabhida Stadium and the Finishing Point: Moses Mabhida Stadium. This route is predominantly on the M4 north of Durban with a short lap followed by two 42km laps. With full road closure at all times, riders will start with a short 12km loop on the M4 to Durban North, followed by two 42km loops on the M4 to Mdloti and back. This route will be spectator friendly with friends and family able to see riders and cheer them on regularly. More on tourdurban.co.za/

IRONMAN® series: 18^th April 2026 and more

When are the IRONMAN® event dates? There are 4x IRONMAN® races in South Africa in 2026. Two in April in PLZ. The DBN half in June. And the Mosselbaai half towards the end of the year. dates below.

• IRONMAN® 5150 in Port Elizabeth: April 18, 2026
• Full IRONMAN® in Port Elizabeth: April 19, 2026
• Half IRONMAN® 70.3 in Durban: June 7, 2026
• Half IRONMAN® 70.3 in Mossel Bay: opening soon

Biggest bike race in South Africa? Nope. But certainly the biggest triathlons in the country. And with good reason. It is not everyday that you find a brand that is so strong that people tattoo it on their calves. But what happens if a more popular or more difficult version of the IRONMAN® series comes along? Time will tell. For now these are the triathlon events many athletes aspire to. And with good reason. Just don’t refer to a half IRONMAN® 70.3® as a full IRONMAN®. Please. Enter your local and international IRONMAN® events on ironman.com/im-south-africa

Sani2c: 6-8^th and 7-9^th May 2026

When is the Sani2c date? There are two versions of the Sani2c. the adventure runs from 6-8 May 2026, and the “OG” runs from 7-9 May 2026. More than a ride. The KAP sani2c is a three-day, 270-kilometre mountain bike stage race, which takes place in the south-eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in South Africa. There are two versions of the annual, three-day event, which takes place over a total of four days. E-bikes are catered for in the OG event. Let #bicyclecouriers send your bicycle to the Southern Drakensberg. Or back home again after the finish. Remember your box. And book on bicyclecouriers.co.za/

What a wonderful experience. Especially if you do a road trip up from Stellenbosch to Underberg for the sani2c. And when your trip is more than paid for because you take MMB bikes there from back in the day. Upon arriving there in what was it 2018, the white powder enchanted the surrounds as it snowed heavily overnight before the start. And then on subsequent outings we went up the SANI pass time and again. What a wonderful climb. And enough reason alone to consider the sani2c.co.za/

Go2berg? Go2sea!: 10-17^th September 2026

When is the Go2berg date? It is no more. And when is the Go2sea date? Join the waitlist for the Go2sea mountain bike stage race from 10 to 17 September 2026. FROM CLARENS TO BALLITO. 7 incredible days of riding through the heart of South Africa. 2 nights in Berg and Bush country with single-track for Africa. A single-track feast through Karkloof Nature Reserve. The most breath-taking rural riding through Zululand Valleys seldom travelled and never ridden until now. Finish on the awesome single track of Holla Trails and then onto the beach at Salt Rock Ballito north of Durban. We’ll send your bike to the start in Clarens. Or back hom from Ballito. Book on bicyclecouriers.co.za/

It is not a ride in the park. It is an uplifting challenge that is not out to break you. You will need to prepare and train to enjoy the experience. For most it is a ride and some it is a race. How much does the Go2sea route differ from the original Joberg2sea route? I’m curious to know. We should ask those who have done it. or those who organize the Go2sea. Or if you have a few moments go and have a look at the Joberg2sea on strava and then compare it to the new Go2sea route as on go2sea.co.za/

GKT: Great Kei Trek: 8-10th May 2026 and more

When is the Great Kei Trek date? The Investec Great Kei Trek is What Bucket Lists are Made of and there are 3 date options for 2026:

• Great Kei Trek Original: 8-10 May 2026
• Great Kei Trek Tour: 15-17 May 2026
• Great Kei Trek Lite: 16-17 May 2026

Set in the untamed beauty of the Eastern Cape Wild Coast, The Investec Great Kei Trek takes you on an unforgettable journey through some of the Wild Coast trails, breath-taking coastal views, and challenging but rewarding terrain. Each day, you’ll experience a new route, returning to Morgan Bay — your adventure hub and home base for the event. You’ll cover no more than 60km each day. Picture yourself riding through stunning vistas, with well-stocked water points that feature not just the basics, but treats like boerie rolls, toasted sandwiches, pizzas, and more! Every twist and turn offers a new experience and plenty of surprises along the way. and we’ll send your bike to Morgansbaai and or back home. Book on bicyclecouriers.co.za/

We used to exclusively send bikes from CPT to Morgansbaai on the other side of ELS for the Great Kei Trek. But we don’t anymore. It was inevitable. They grew to a point where it justified having fully assembled bike trailers transporting their fleet. But there are always. Bikes that come late or need special treatment or make stays behind for a few days after the race for whatever reason and that is where #bicyclecouriers shines bright. So book with us. And enter on the greatkeitrek.co.za/

36ONE MTB Challenge: 22-24^th May 2026

When is the 361 MTB, or the 36ONE date? Join us from the 22-24 May 2026, when all trails lead to the breathtaking mountainscapes of the Klein Karoo. This is South Africa’s ultimate race with 361km and a maximum of 36.1 hours to complete it. While this race remains a mountain bike race in our opinion, participants now have the flexibility to take it on with a gravel- or mountain bike, so choose wisely!  If you are not up for the full Challenge you can take on The Half or opt for The Relay in a team of 4 or 2. Start and finish in Oudtshoorn and #bicyclecouriers can easily send your bicycle there. And back afterwards. Book in advance.

The is the event for BRAM from bicyclerentals.co and he prefers it over the Transbaviaans. I tend to respectfully disagree as the latter is pure magic. And probably why I have done the TB five times and the 36ONE only once before. But I do love a long MTB ride and maybe ’26 is there year to swop things around again. If it doesn’t clash with our AUDAX calendar for the 1200 BRM. Check out the36one.co.za/

Nedbank Gravel BURN: 25-31^st October 2026

When is the Nedbank Gravel Burn date? The Nedbank Gravel BURN runs from 25-31 October 2026. Is the Nedbank Gravel Burn the biggest bike race in the country? Kevin will certainly want the Nedbank Gravel Burn to be classified as one of the biggest bike races in South Africa. I have done the first one and this is certainly one of the best. And indeed, the most prominent gravel bike stage race in the country, maybe soon in the world. Unique, albeit not unlike the EPIC. Except for the fact that it includes more unique daily venues, run on gravel bikes iso MTB’s, and you enter as individuals not a two-man team event. It was great. Just take the champagne gravel with a pinch of salt. Ask Jan Braai or Karl Platt. As on gravel-burn.com/

In short, the Nedbank gravel BURN is a solo gravel race. Over 7 days. And 800kms. With 11,000 meters of climbing. In the Western Cape and Eastern Cape of South Africa. Want to send your bike to or from the Nedbank Gravel BURN? We leave no bike behind. Unlike what happened to myself. But that is a story for another day. From another provider. #bicyclecouriers will send your bike to Knysna. And even collected it boxed from Shamwari for the trip back home if need be. Just be cognizant of the service days for remote areas and book in advance. On https://bicyclecouriers.co.za/

KINDLING: Short Gravel Burn from 25-27^th April 2026

When is the Kindling Gravel date? 25 – 27 April 2026. Brought to you by the Nedbank Gravel BURN. A 3 day, 300km long weekend. Kindling by ChemChamp is unique gravel cycling experience, held in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Over three days, riders see breathtaking scenery, test themselves over highly varied terrain and soak up the atmosphere at the remote and bespoke Blaauwater Burn Camp, in the Great Karoo. And yes #bicyclecouriers can send your bicycle to the start town of Graaff Reinet and back again after the finish. Let us know. Happy to help.

We attended the launch of the Kindling afew weeks ago at the Ciovita head office in CPT. It was an intimate affair and great to see how those who are involved speak with passion about the event. Well done Kevin, we love it when someone is proud of his work in the way you are. For those who cannot do the full Nedbank Gravel BURN for whatever reason. Think of the Kindling as the W2W. Ie the Kindling is the the Nedbank Gravel BURN what the Wines2whales is to the ABSA Cape EPIC. Check it out on kindling-gravel.com/

GR: Garden Route Giro: 13-18^th April 2026

When is the Garden Route GIRO date? 13 – 18 APRIL 2026. SA’s Supreme Gravel Stage Race happens in mid-April 2026. The GR Giro takes place from Mon 13 Apr – Sat 18 Apr 2026 @ Mossel Bay, Western Cape. Welcome to the Garden Route Giro, a six-day gravel odyssey through some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes on the planet. From the rugged coastline of Mossel Bay to the lush coastal forests of Wilderness, this race is more than a challenge—it’s a journey through time, terrain, and untamed beauty. More on gardenroutegiro.co.za/

Roughly 680kms with 11,000 meters of climbing over 6 days. With fierce competition, relentless climbs, fast-paced gravel sprints, and jaw-dropping scenery, the Garden Route Giro promises to be the most sought-after gravel stage race in the world. Riders will battle through a grueling 684-kilometer route, crossing towering mountain passes, rolling farmlands, deep river valleys, and the arid expanse of the Karoo, before returning to the ocean’s edge. And yes, you can send your bicycle to the GR: Garden Route Giro with #bicyclecouriers

FREEDOM Challenge: 18-26^th June 2026

When are the Freedom Challenge event dates? 2026 sees the exciting launch of a new race on the Freedom trail: Race Across South Africa. The dates for the 2 options are:

• Original FREEDOM Challenge: no GPS navigation: 18-26^th June 2026
• New FREEDOM trail: Race Across South Africa: 13^th April 2026

The Freedom Trail was founded in 2004 by David Waddilove as a mountain bike route across South Africa to honor the country’s rich history, landscapes, and spirit of endurance by retracing forgotten paths once used for travel and trade. And brand-NEW means that it comes in 2 flavours. You can either do the traditional FREEDOM Challenge with NO GPS and only map & compass navigation, community supported and 2150 km during JUNE 2026. Or the new FREEDOM Touring Route which is a self-supported 2000kms across SA which allows for GPS navigation and there are no portages, in APRIL 2026. There are also 4x spinoffs ie shorter events as follows. RTR Race to Rhodes. RTC Race to Cradock. RTW Race to Willowmore. RTP Race to Paarl.

Every June/July, racers depart on the roughly 2,200-kilometer Race Across South Africa along the Freedom Trail, a network of jeep roads and singletrack trails that traverses nearly the entire country from east to west, taking participants through remote and rugged terrain in a diverse array of environments. Riders have 26 days to complete the course before the official cutoff, and must make their way between the 24 mandatory checkpoints/support stations, which provide food and accommodation to all participants. It’s a single-stage, non-stop event, and riders are required to be fully self-sufficient between checkpoints, using paper maps, a compass, and narrative directions for navigation. Check out what happens on freedomchallenge.org.za/

Around the Pot 100 miler: 25^th July 2026*

When is the Around the Pot date? Not yet updated on their website at the time of writing but The Around the Pot gravel cycling event in Swellendam, South Africa, is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026, as a qualifier for the UCI Gravel World Series, offering various distances including 100 & 200-milers for rider. The B-well Around the POT presented by SEESA says they are SA’s GREATEST GRAVEL RACE and have distances of 25, 60, 100 milers. And yes #bicyclecouriers will happily send your bicycle to the start town of Swellendam and back home again afterwards.

Riders will depart from Swellendam and will experience 100 miles (155km) of gravel road, racing towards the Potberg mountain. They will then reach Ouplaas to enter into a 30min neutral zone before riding the last 60km back towards Swellendam where the Gravel KING and QUEEN will be crowned each year. It certainly goes through a stunning part of the country and demands your attention. More info and entries on aroundthepot.co.za/

TRANSBAVIAANS: 8^th August 2026

When is the Transbaviaans date? Are you Ready for the toughest single stage race? The Transbaviaans happens on 08 August 2026. And has been running for 21 years and counting. The team behind the Transbaviaans is Team: Wikus and Elmarie van der Walt, Marelize and William Rhodes, Carmen and Zane Schmahl, Nina and Terence Jonck. It is a team event. With 24hrs in which to complete. Since 2004. A 230kms single stage MTB race. With over 2800 meters of climbing. welcome to the Transbaviaans! And #bicyclecouriers will send your bike to the start in Willowmore. Or back home from the finish in Jeffriesbaai.

LOVE IT! Done five and would love to do more. Now when are we cycling to the Transbaviaans again? Even though Bram says he much prefers the 36ONE MTB race over the Transbaviaans. Different pedal strokes for different folks. All I want to do is to ride my bicycle. Either of them would be perfect, thank you very much. Even through Transbaviaans you do during the day and 361 goes through the night. Enter for number 6 on transbaviaans.co.za/

Race to the SUN: 30^th May 2026

When is the Race to the Sun date? Beyond the Horizon with the King Price Race to the Sun that happens on 30 May 2026. Right at the end of my birthday month and probably after the finish of our 1200km AUDAX ride around the 20^th or so. Again it comes in 2x flavours: the 100 miles race to the sun and the 50 miles race to the sun. The former is King Price Race to the Sun is an exhilarating 100-mile gravel race from Hartbeespoort Dam to Sun City. Cyclists of every skill level are invited to participate in our race, conquering this challenge on a route known for its speed and flat terrain, encompassing a total elevation gain of 1000 meters.

And The 50-miler is perfect for riders 16 years and older looking for a new challenge or those not ready to take on the 100-mile distance yet. Riders will start at the Halfway point at Beestekraal Kerk in Roodekoppies to Sun City. The race to the sun is up north and the equivalent of the race to the sea down here in our valley. Have a look on racetothesun.co.za/ – and whichever one of the two distance for the race to the sun you choose. Bicycle couriers will send your bicycle up to Hartebeespoortdam for the start. Or to JHB or PTA or surrounds. Wherever you stay, or to a bike shop. And back home again afterwards if you come from far. Book on bicyclecouriers.co.za/

Race to the SEA: 5^th September 2026

When is the Race to the Sea date? The mountains are calling and the King Price Race to the SEA happens on 5 September 2026. It comes in a full and half distance. 164 km of fast-rolling gravel from Franschhoek to Hermanus. Ride through endless orchards, golden canola fields, and past towering wind turbines. The mountains stretch for miles, and the adventure runs even deeper. Or 82 km of pure speed from Caledon to Hermanus! Race through rolling gravel roads, sweep past golden canola fields, and ride beneath towering wind turbines. This is a route built for big moves and even better views! More on racetothesea.co.za/

The race to the sea is down here in CPT from FHK to the coast and looks like great fun. Add onto the bucket list and see if it doesn’t clash with any other rides this year. It is earlier than Karoo2coast so you can make another weekend of it. from FHK to Hermanus. And send your bicycle to CPT, Stellenbosch or Franschhoek for the start and then back again from Hermanus to your home with bicyclecouriers.co.za/

Karoo to Coast: 27^th September 2026

When is the Karoo to Coast date? On 27 September 2026. Thank you to all the riders who have supported the Lions of Knysna and Uniondale over the past 25 years by participating in this event! The Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge is a 100km off road race from UNIONDALE to KNYSNA via the Prince Alfred’s Pass. The route is scenic, challenging and riders are encouraged to train sufficiently for this event in order to maximise the enjoyment of the experience. And send your bicycle to Uniondale or Knysna or back home with #bicyclecouriers.

Is the Karoo to Coast the biggest bike race in South Africa? Well, it certainly is the biggest one-day MTB race in the country. Peak numbers peaked at around 4000 riders. Covid and rains did some damage and numbers dwindled. But they are rapidly climbing again. And this is our annual self-made MTB tour from Stellenbosch or Paarl via Swellendam to the Garden route. Then Uniondale. Three days of fun up. and the race down. Magic on karootocoast.com/

Cape Pioneer TREK: 22-26^th September 2026

When is the Cape Pioneer TREK date? Get ready for the exhilarating 2026 edition of the Cape Pioneer from 22-26^th September. 2026 sees the 3rd edition of the rebirth of the Cape Pioneer, now boasting a shorter name and route, but undoubtedly the individual stages will be as challenging as they are rewarding! Over the past 17 years, we’ve explored the Karoo and Coast, journeying from Prince Albert to Riversdale, and from Calitzdorp to Mossel Bay. We’ve crossed rivers, conquered vast mountain ranges, faced natural disasters, and triumphed over pandemics. This expedition has led us to unveil our best route yet – 2026 promises a challenging, diverse, scenic, and ultimately rewarding experience along the Karoo and Garden Route. Have a look on capepioneer.co.za/

There was a black Friday special this year for a 2-man entry at less 50% sans accommodation or anything extras. But a great deal, nonetheless. And if it wasn’t on the same date as the karoo2coast weekend this year then I would have loved to tick off this bucket list MTB stage race. Not for the faint hearted apparently. #bicyclecouriers will happily send your bicycle to the start in Wilderness, or Knysna, or George or wherever you need your bicycle before the PIONEER. And back home again afterwards. Book online.

AMASHOVA: 19^th July 2026

When is the Amashova classic date? The 2026 edition of the Amashova national road cycling classic from PMB to DBN is on 19 July 2026. And to me it feels earlier than in previous years. But I might be wrong. It did rain on us for most part of the 2024 edition as far as I can remember. And yes #bicyclecouriers will happily send your bicycle either to the start in Pietermaritzburg and back from the finish in Durban. Or anywhere else in the country. Book on https://bicyclecouriers.co.za/

Is the Amashova the biggest bike race in the country? No. But they say it is the oldest of its kind. So what is the Oldest Road Classic Cycle Race In South Africa? Welcome to the Amashova National Classic. And I love it! it comes in 106kms, 65kms and 38kms variants. Even though starting in PMB and ending in DBN is a bit of admin for a one day road bike race. But never fear, bicycle couriers will send your bike to the start line in PMB. And collect it again afterwards from DBN. Cracking service. Now get there! more info on shova.co.za/

947 Ride JHB: 25^th October 2026*

When is the 947 Ride JHB date? Own the streets of JHB on the last weekend of October 2026. The date for the Virgin Active Ride Joburg road race in 2026 is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026. The official date is marked as “not yet confirmed” on some cycling calendars. There is a almost 100km long ride and 35km short ride. Iconic landmarks such as the M1 Highway, Nelson Mandela. Bridge and Kyalami Circuit. And sending your bicycle to the 947 Ride Joburg is as easy as it gets with #bicyclecouriers. We’ll send your bike to the nearest bike shop are directly to your hotel or accommodation. Brilliant. Dewald, let’s go for rides at Gold Reef City theme park again!

Is the 947 Ride JHB the biggest bike race in the country? No, because the CTCT is. But the 947 Ride JHB certainly has more climbing per km than the CTCT. Great value for money in terms of vertical meters gained then. Who could have thought that JHB is more up and down than around CPT? Own the Streets of Joburg while riding the M1 highway and experience the thrill of racing the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit before celebrating your achievement at the FNB Stadium in Soweto. With the 97km Road Race and 35km Short Ride to choose from, enter now and Ride Joburg at its Best. Have a look at ridejoburg.co.za/

W2W: Wines2whales: 6–15^th November 2026

When is the Wines2whales date(s)? There are 3x W2W events and their dates are as follows:

• W2W Chardonnay 6-8^th Nov 2026
• W2W Pinotage 9-11^th Nov 2026
• W2W Shiraz 13-15^th Nov 2026
• All in November 2026

Send your bicycle to The race with GEES! Three days of mountain biking from the coast to the wines. The FNB Wines2Whales is more about the journey than the destination, but no matter your inclinations or ambitions, you’re guaranteed a fun-filled, action-packed three days of riding alongside many like-minded people at the 2026 FNB Wines2Whales. And you can send your bicycle to Somerset West for the start in Lourensford and back from Hermanus after the finish in Benguela cove again, as always, with #bicyclecouriers.

I’ve done it in 2025 for the very first time and this is an absolute perfect cycling weekend. Many people, great tracks, short days and long beers. Fun in the Western Cape Winelands right here in sunny South Africa. What is not to love? ’25 was the switchback and ’26 should be back to normal, from Lourensford to Benguela. As on epic-series.com/wines2whales

DC: Old mutual Double century: 21^st November 2026

When is the Double Century date? The 2026 Old Mutual Wealth Double Century is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026, taking place in the scenic Overberg region, starting and finishing in Swellendam, as a challenging team time-trial cycling event. The annual Old Mutual Wealth Double Century is the grand-daddy of endurance events in South Africa; a unique time trial that sees 250 teams of between six and 12 riders unite to ride the 202km route as fast as they can (or as happily as they can).Pure bliss on doublecentury.co.za/

Cycling from Stellenbosch to Swellendam on Friday. then do the DC on Saturday. And cycle back home on Sunday. For the perfect 3x200km+ days that adds up to a 600+kms cycling weekend. Or for those who prefer to focus on the race only. And not cycle there and back. Let us send your bicycle from anywhere in South Africa to Swellendam for the DC. Even directly to your accommodation beforehand. So that your bike is there and ready and waiting for your arrival. Solo or for your whole team. Just book on bicyclecouriers.co.za/

MUNGA: 25-30^th November 2026

When is the MUNGA date? The Munga 2026 runs from 25-30 November 2026 for 120 hours non-stop. A single-stage mountain bike race across the middle of South Africa in the heat of summer.  The perfect way to switch off and feel one with nature and end your cycling year on a high. Then you deserve a holiday. Especially if you have done a yoyo, both up and down. And if you are not, then #bicyclecouriers will happily send your bike and your kit to the start line at the casino or to your chosen hotel in BFN Bloemfontein. And back home again after you finished at the start line in Doolhof. Or from Ceres or earlier departure points like this year. Book on #bicyclecouriers.

The Munga runs over a little more than 1000 kilometres. There are 5 race villages where riders can rest, eat and get mechanical assistance. There are also ten water points placed between 60 and 90 kilometres apart. The race is semi-supported meaning that riders will be provided with support from race officials and at race villages, but will not be permitted to have support along the route. Everything a rider needs he will find at the water points or race villages, or it must be taken along on his bike. More info on themunga.com/

*What else?

Fancy something else to be on here? Let us know. Or check out our many other calendars. And yes with each one of these you can send your bicycle to the start line (or BNB or hotel or nearby bikeshop) with #bicyclecouriers. TADA!