There are few better places to spend a spring weekend on a bicycle than the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Rolling hills, quiet country roads, flowing district gravel and welcoming hospitality have made the region one of South Africa’s favourite cycling destinations. This November, riders will have a brand-new reason to head to that region.
Paid partnership with The Leverage Corporation
The inaugural Midlands Adventure, presented by Stellantis South Africa, takes place from 6 to 8 November 2026 at Waterwoods Equestrian Estate near Nottingham Road, introducing a two-day event designed to appeal equally to gravel racers and mountain bikers who enjoy covering big distances without highly technical terrain.
The format is simple, but challenging enough to reward strong riding. The full event consists of an 80km opening stage followed by a 45km second stage. Riders looking for a slightly more manageable weekend can opt for the shorter 50km Stage 1 before joining everyone for the 45km finale on Sunday.
What makes the event particularly attractive is the terrain. Rather than demanding technical mountain biking skills, the routes promise fast, scenic riding through one of South Africa’s most picturesque landscapes, making it an ideal event for experienced gravel riders as well as mountain bikers looking for something a little different.
The event is organised by The Leverage Corporation, a company with two decades of experience delivering mass participation endurance events.
“Thanks to the support of Stellantis South Africa, the distributor of leading motor brands, including Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Opel, Peugeot, Fiat and Leapmotor and Waterwoods Equestrian Estate, we are thrilled to be able to host a new event in KwaZulu-Natal,” said event organiser Rob Jackson.
“For the past 20 years we have been hosting mass participation cycling and running events in Gauteng and North West. And since 2018, we have hosted the Investec Great Kei Trek mountain bike event in the Eastern Cape. The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands offers a wonderful location for our newest event, the Midlands Adventure. The goal is to bring the same, relaxed, fun, adventurous vibe and energy of the Investec Great Kei Trek to the Midlands Adventure,” added Jackson.
The Midlands Adventure also represents another step in the growth of the Stellantis Adventure Series, South Africa’s premier gravel racing series. While the new event sits outside the 2026 series standings, it will officially become part of the multi-event series from 2027. That makes this year’s inaugural edition an excellent opportunity to experience the venue and routes before series points are on the line.
For competitive riders, there is plenty to race for. The event offers substantial cash prizes across the various categories, including the two-day competition and junior racing, while still maintaining an atmosphere that welcomes riders simply looking for a memorable weekend on the bike.
Just as importantly, the Midlands Adventure has been designed as far more than a race. Riders entering the two-day event can look forward to a Friday welcome braai, Saturday evening potjie dinner, commemorative event apparel, finisher’s medal, professionally managed timing and well-stocked water points. Friends and family won’t be left sitting around either, with weekend entertainment, activities for such as Yoga/ Pilates, Bird walks for non-riders and trail running events creating a genuine outdoor festival atmosphere.
It isn’t simply another event to tick off the calendar. It’s an opportunity to escape the city, immerse yourself in the beauty of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and enjoy an unforgettable weekend with family and friends, whether you’re riding, running or simply soaking up the atmosphere.
Its location also makes it surprisingly accessible. Waterwoods Equestrian Estate is under two hours from Durban and less than five hours from Johannesburg, placing it within comfortable driving distance for many of South Africa’s largest cycling communities.
Whether you’re chasing prize money, preparing for the 2027 Stellantis Adventure Series or simply looking for a spring weekend of outstanding riding in one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions, the Midlands Adventure promises to be a worthy addition to the calendar.
With entries now open for the inaugural edition, riders have the chance to be among the first to write the history of what could become one of the country’s standout late-season cycling events.
To find out more or to secure your entry, click here.
Paid partnership with The Leverage Corporation
