There’s tough… and then there’s The Grind. On 7 February 2026, Gauteng’s premier gravel showdown returns – raw, real, and ready to remind you what proper off-road endurance feels like. This year we shift to the superb Valley Lodge & Spa in Magaliesburg, giving the event a fresh landscape without losing The Grind’s authentic grit, camaraderie, and character.
Paid partnership with The Leverage Corporation
Whether you’re a seasoned gravel addict, a mountain biker looking for a new test, or an eBiker eager to go the distance, this is your moment. MTBs and eBikes are welcome – because The Grind is about effort, not equipment.
Timing-wise, The Grind is ideal for those preparing for the Absa Cape Epic. A big training ride on a marked route with water points and medical support…
THE BEAST: 155km
Make no mistake: the 155km BEAST is Gauteng’s ultimate gravel challenge. This is the route that haunts training plans and fuels bragging rights. With 1700m of climbing, varied terrain, relentless rollers, and long, lonely stretches of true Magalies gravel, this is where you come to test yourself – honestly.
The question stands: Can you tame 155km in under 10 hours? Only you, your legs, and your willingness to suffer get to decide.
To help you go the distance, BEAST riders get:
- Well-stocked water tables
- Two special collection points at the 53km and 135km marks (at the same location)
- A personalised bottle/cooler-box drop at the start (six-pack size), clearly labelled, transported and returned to you post-race
It’s a simple advantage – but when the BEAST bares its teeth, especially if it’s a hot day, every advantage counts.
THE CHALLENGER: 70km
A solid, honest grind – perfect for riders who want a proper Magalies outing without the full-body interrogation of the BEAST. Expect punchy climbs, big-sky scenery, and enough grit to leave you smiling at the finish.
THE TASTER: 45km
Short, spicy, and full of flow. A great option for newer gravel riders, weekend warriors, or anyone looking for a rewarding ride that still gives you the unmistakable Grind vibe.
And yes, mountain bikes and eBikes are welcome on every route. Bring what you ride. Bring the effort.
The 45km event doubles as Round 2 of the 2026 Luxliner Schools Series, a non-technical half-marathon distance series geared to offer marked, supported races for Junior and Youth Category (Under 18). Riders score points for their school at each round and a winning school is rewarded with R50000 in prize value at the end of the series.
For those with non-riding supporters, there are 5km, 10km and 15km trail runs to keep them actively engaged while you ride.
WHAT YOU GET
Every entry includes:
- Race entry
- Event shirt (for entries before 25 January 2026)
- Fully-stocked water tables
- Medical support
- Race timing
- Shower facilities
- Post-race hospitality area
- Race medal
- Complimentary event photos
- Prizes, lucky draws, and chilled-out finish-line vibes
Entry Fees
155km BEAST
- R750 (Late Entry R850)
70km Ride
- R450 (Late Entry R550)
45km Ride
- R375 (Late Entry R400)
NEW VENUE, SAME SPIRIT
Valley Lodge & Spa brings a fresh flavour to the 2026 edition – a beautiful, rugged Magalies setting that perfectly complements The Grind’s reputation for honest, unfiltered riding. The venue may change, but the soul of the event remains untouched: community, scenery, adventure, and that unmistakable Grind toughness.
The gravel is ready. The challenge is set. The BEAST is waiting.
For more information or to enter early, click here.
