Get ready to ride wild and free through the heart of the Klein Karoo! The 2025 Montagu Gravel & Grit Festival returns on Saturday 8 November, bringing with it a once-a-year chance to traverse some of the most remote, rugged, and awe-inspiring terrain in the Western Cape – including sections of the 2026 ABSA Cape Epic Stages 1 & 2.
With two distances to choose from, there’s something for every type of rider – from hardcore mountain bikers to social weekend warriors. Whether you’re in it to race, ride or just enjoy the views and wildlife, this is the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
Choose your challenge
105 km MTB Race (Absa Cape Epic Preview)
This year’s MTB route just got a major upgrade. Not only does it include sections of the 2026 ABSA Cape Epic Stages 1 & 2, but it will also run in reverse, featuring the iconic Joubertspass, the majestic Ouberg Pass, and a ride through the spectacular Slagkloof trail, where the ‘Lion King Rock’ keeps silent watch. Add in jeep tracks, gravel roads, two big climbs and 1982m of ascent, and you’ve got yourself a real mountain biker’s feast. E-bikes welcome (one battery only).
62 km Fun Ride
Perfect for the adventure-seeker who wants the experience without the extreme effort. The 62km route takes you across the newly included Ouberg Private Nature Reserve, with 987m of climbing, good gravel roads, and well-maintained jeep track. Scenic, social, and spectacular.
Thanks to the generous support of private landowners and our local gravel community, we’ve stitched together a route that is as magical, diverse, and wild as the landscapes themselves. From giraffe to gemsbok, kudu to springbok, riders on the 105km route can expect more than just a race – this is a ride through Africa itself.
Race-day details
All routes start via Joubertspass, with the 105km tackling Ouberg Pass. The 62km cuts off earlier into the beautiful Ouberg Nature Reserve. Be prepared, the terrain is varied and wild – choose your weapon wisely.
E-bike Rentals? Contact Francois at Manic Cycles: 082 413 8935
Terrain Breakdown:
- 105 km MTB: 49 km gravel, 2 big passes, 2 km Slagkloof, jeep tracks, 1982m ascent
- 62 km Fun Ride: Good gravel & jeep track, 987m ascent
There will be well-stocked water points on each distance, medals to all finishers and prizes to be announced.
For more information or to enter, click here.
