Looking for a mountain bike or gravel challenge near Joburg and Pretoria in October? Well, the annual Cradle Mountain Trophy on Saturday 11 October is just that event! Established in 2010, the Cradle Mountain Trophy offers a one-day, non-technical endurance challenge over three distances. Here’s what you can expect.
Paid partnership with The Leverage Corporation
The annual Cradle Mountain Trophy, organised by The Leverage Corporation, has been lengthened in distance and toned down in technical nature to offer mountain bikers and gravel racers a marked and supported challenge not far from home.
The event will start and finish at Valley Lodge & Spa, Magaliesberg, around an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. There are three distances: 100km, 55km and 40km, making it an ideal event for all fitness levels. The Valley Lodge & Spa is family friendly and includes accommodation options, which you can find here.
The routes are marked and are primarily on very quiet gravel roads that crisscross the agricultural lands in the region.
“For those who have entered Gravel Burn or Wines2Whales, the 2025 Cradle Mountain Trophy is well timed to offer an endurance test in a supported environment,” said Rob Jackson, Race Director.
“A tough 100km challenge just a few weeks before those events will be an ideal way to fine-tune pacing, nutrition strategy, tyre choice and tyre pressure options. We also have well-stocked refreshment points along the route to ensure everyone gets the liquids and quick-energy snacks they need.”
While the routes are marked with distinctive directional arrows and confirmation tape, the route is also available to upload to devices for those that enjoy a more self-navigation experience.
There is also a 10km and 5km trail run/walk for non-riding family or supporters.
Entries close on Sunday 5 October. For more information, or to enter online, click here.
