There’s something special about riding trails that have history baked into every switchback. Not just the kind of history you see on a Strava segment – but the kind you feel in the land, the farms, the passes, and the stories that linger long after the dust settles.
Paid partnership with MTB Adventures
That’s exactly what you get at the 2026 Houw Hoek MTB Tour – a weekend escape on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April into the heart of the Overberg and Elgin Valley, where good riding meets good living.
Born in 2009 as the Wines2Whales pre-ride, the Houw Hoek MTB Tour has quietly become one of the Western Cape’s longest-standing multi-stage MTB weekends. It’s the kind of ride that strips things back to what matters: flowing trails, proper climbs, stunning views, and the people you share it with.
You’re not here to chase podiums. You’re here to ride.
BASECAMP – WHERE IT ALL COMES TOGETHER
Everything revolves around the iconic Houw Hoek Hotel – South Africa’s oldest licensed hotel. Built in 1779, with a liquor license dating back to 1834, it’s seen more stories than most finish lines ever will.
And during race weekend, it becomes more than just a place to stay. Think post-ride beers on the lawn, families kicking back by the pool, and enough off-bike entertainment to keep everyone happy:
- Padel courts
- Swimming pool
- Virtual golf
- Putt-putt
- And for 2026 – yes – a zip line
Because why should the fun stop when the riding does?
THE RIDING: CLASSIC TRAILS, NO PRESSURE
The Houw Hoek Tour is a non-timed, multi-stage event, which means you decide how hard you want to push. Ride it as a social cruise, or light it up on the Strava segments if bragging rights are your thing.
Either way, the routes deliver.
Stage 1 – Botrivier Loop
48.5 km | 900 m climbing
A rolling introduction through Wildekrans and Genevieve – vineyard-lined roads, smooth transitions, and just enough elevation to wake the legs.
Stage 2 – Elgin Valley Loop
46.5 km | 980 m climbing
Lebanon and Paul Cluver bring the goods: forest trails, sculpted singletrack, and that unmistakable Elgin flow.
And then – the wildcard. New for 2026: you can zipline to the finish of Stage 2! Not metaphorically. Literally. After a full weekend of riding, you’ll trade wheels for wires and fly your way back – because if you’re going to finish a stage race, you might as well do it with a bit of style.
WHY THIS ONE MATTERS
The Houw Hoek Tour sits in a sweet spot. It borrows the best parts of big-name routes like Wines2Whales and the Cape Epic, but dials down the intensity. What you’re left with is something more accessible, more social – and arguably more enjoyable.
It’s the ride you do with your partner, your mates, your riding crew that just wants a proper weekend away. No pressure. No rush. Just really, really good riding.
If you’re looking for a race, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for a weekend that reminds you why you ride in the first place – this is exactly it.
Enter here: https://entries.mtb-adventures.co.za/events/83363-hh-tour-2026
Book your stay: events@houwhoek.com
Paid partnership with MTB Adventures
