GLACIER STORMS RIVER TRAVERSE: BOOK YOUR 2026 SPOT FOR FOREST FUN

The Glacier Storms River Traverse is renowned for providing fun on and off the bike. In fact, it is probably better known for the festive atmosphere in the Tsitsikamma Village Inn race village than it is for the riding… though the latter is certainly exhilarating too! Entries to the 2026 edition, which takes place from 31 July to 2 August next year, are open.

Paid partnership with Dryland Event Managament

For nearly two decades, the dual tracks through the indigenous forests, pine plantations, and pastures of the Tsitsikamma region have welcomed mountain bikers in late winter. Though the terrain undertyre is often muddy, that does not dampen the spirits. In fact, the touch of adversity enhances the overall experience.

The stage distances are relatively short, with climbing limited as much as possible, to allow everyone to finish each day’s riding with enough time left in the afternoon to enjoy the other reasons for travelling to the edge of the Eastern Cape. Aside from a few brief singletracks, the idea behind the course is to allow friends, partners, and teammates to ride alongside one another and chat the stage away. Muddy puddles, the rocky climb near the start of Stage 2, and the double ascents from the Storms River gorge on Stages 1 and 3 provide challenges of fitness, but do not prevent even the most recreational of riders from taking part. This is especially true with the growth of E-Bikes.

“We’ve always welcomed E-Bikers to the Glacier Storms River Traverse,” Henco Rademeyer of Dryland Event Management said. “It was clear from the first time we had participants on E-Bikes here that the event is almost perfect for them. Overtaking is easy, the stages are short enough to complete on a single battery, and they make it possible for so many more riders to join the on-the-bike fun.”

“There are always people who want to race, and E-Bike riders are more than welcome to push their own and their bike’s limits here. The challenge is always to see if the fastest E-Bikers can beat the young elite mountain bikers who enter to test their form ahead of the more serious racing events in the second half of the year. This year, Paul de Vos, on his E-Bike, was 26 minutes slower over the three stages than the fastest analogue riders, Travis Rademan-Ludeke and Jordan Boshoff. But in previous years, Anel Strampe has beaten everyone, on her E-Bike,” Rademeyer reflected.

“For those who want to cruise, an E-Bike is also perfect,” he continued. “For families where one rider is stronger than the other, an E-Bike and an analogue bike level out the difference. Or both can take it easy on E-Bikes, take in the sights, and stop at our water points for even longer. You by no means have to ride fast if you’re on your normal bike, either; everyone is encouraged to slow down and soak up the relaxed Storms River atmosphere.”

The combination of Glacier by Sanlam, Biogen, and Dryland Event Management ensures that the water points are dangerously alluring. If riders stop for longer than it takes to fill a bottle and grab a Biogen Liquid Energy Gel, they are likely to get stuck tasting date balls, homemade fudge, and enjoying an ostrich steak strip hot off a Weber Braai. Non-riding family members can catch a lift to the water points in one of the event’s GWM P300 bakkies so that they can support the riders out on route.

The treats are not confined to the water points either. From the arrival snacks, Perdeberg Wine tastings, and complimentary Gin and Tonics during registration on Thursday to the final lunch on Sunday afternoon, riders and their family members will be superbly looked after. Glacier by Sanlam hosts kids’ activities and a forest walk, while the attractions of the region mean that non-riders can go exploring in the Tsitsikamma National Park or to Plettenberg Bay during the stages. The adventurous can even squeeze in a jump off the Bloukrans Bridge for a terrifying/thrilling bungee.

Riders are encouraged to bring their families along to the Glacier Storms River Traverse, and supporter meal packages are available to purchase through the online entry portal. To secure a spot in the 2026 edition, visit www.stormsrivertraverse.co.za. For more inspiration, like the Glacier Storms River Traverse Facebook page or follow @stormsrivertraverse on Instagram.

Paid partnership with Dryland Event Managament