Mountain biking is about more than just the trails. It’s about the places we ride, the people we meet, the memories we make – and when it comes to events that capture the true essence of South African riding, Ride the Karoo sits in a league of its own.
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Back for 2026 and now firmly entrenched as one of the most unique stage races on the calendar, the Ride the Karoo 3-Day MTB Stage Race is not your average multi-day grind. Held in the heart of the Great Karoo near the charming town of Middelburg, this is a race where the experience goes far beyond the bike – without compromising the riding itself.
TRUE KAROO GRIT, WITHOUT THE SUFFERFEST
Let’s start with the reason you enter any stage race: the riding. The three-day format is designed with the social rider and the experienced stage racer in mind. Daily distances are manageable, but with enough climbing and terrain variety to keep things real. Think open plains, flowing jeep track, hidden singletrack, and wide vistas that stretch further than your front tyre’s been in months.
It’s not just the landscape that makes it special. These are trails you won’t find on Trailforks. Much of the route crosses private farms, purpose-built sections, and historic Karoo routes that tell stories of generations past. You ride through working sheep farms, across dry riverbeds, and into valleys few get to explore on two wheels.
MORE THAN A RACE, THE SOUL OF THE KAROO
Where Ride the Karoo sets itself apart is what happens off the bike. This isn’t a suffer-and-sleep race village setup. It’s more like a Karoo-inspired boutique festival. The central race village at Dwarsvlei is the heartbeat of the experience – a place where riders gather around fires, enjoy farm-fresh meals under the stars, and sip local wine and craft beer while swapping stories from the trail.
There’s no plastic pasta or processed protein shakes here. The catering is a cut above: Karoo lamb, roosterkoek, fresh veg straight from the farm, and decadent desserts that make finishing each stage even sweeter. It’s an immersive taste of Karoo hospitality that adds to the soul-feeding nature of the entire event.
Evenings include live acoustic music, sundowners and that sense of community that’s become rare in the ultra-competitive racing world. You’ll come for the ride – but it’s this part you’ll remember.
MORE THAN A GOODIE BAG
If you’re someone who enjoys a decent race goodie bag (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), you’re going to love what Ride the Karoo puts in your hands. The 2026 goodie bag is packed with over R1500 worth of high-quality gear – and we’re not talking throwaway samples and gels.
Expect items like a custom-designed cycling shirt for the early birds on top of a custom Kakiebos t-shirt, Versus socks and much more. It’s a celebration of both function and flavour – a proper extension of the authentic feel.
LIMITED ENTRIES, UNLIMITED MEMORIES
With just 350 entries available, Ride the Karoo has kept things intentionally intimate. This is not a numbers-driven race; it’s an experience-focused one. Whether you’re a solo rider or coming as a team of two, you’ll be treated like a guest – not just a race number.
And while podiums and prizes are on offer, the real win is soaking up three days of Karoo magic – riding trails few have touched, connecting with fellow riders, and disconnecting from the chaos of everyday life.
If you’re looking for something different in 2026 – something more authentic, more grounded, more South African – then Ride the Karoo should be high on your list. Entries open soon, and they won’t last long.
For more info and to secure your place at the start line, visit www.ridethekaroo.co.za.
