There are gravel races that simply tick the distance box, and then there are events that become part of South African cycling folklore. In just five editions, the Prince George 100 Miler is rapidly moving into the latter category. Set for Saturday 17 October 2026, this unique point-to-point gravel race combines demanding riding with some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
Paid partnership with Dryland Event Management
Starting in the Karoo town of Prince Albert and finishing at Louvain Guest Farm beneath the Outeniqua Mountains, the Prince George 100 Miler is the kind of event that appeals to riders searching for more than just another day in the saddle. It’s a race built around adventure, endurance and the raw beauty of the Western Cape backroads.
The route itself is what has elevated the event’s reputation so quickly. Riders leave the quiet streets of Prince Albert before heading towards one of South Africa’s most iconic climbs: the Swartberg Pass. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest gravel mountain passes anywhere in the world, the Swartberg is steeped in history and drama. Its gravel switchbacks rise high above the Karoo floor, delivering panoramic views while simultaneously forcing riders to settle into a rhythm that balances patience and suffering.
Built by legendary road engineer Thomas Bain in the late 1800s, the pass remains a bucket-list ascent for cyclists from around the world. During the Prince George 100 Miler, however, it becomes far more than a scenic backdrop. It’s the defining moment of the race – the climb that shapes the day physically and mentally before riders descend towards the greener southern slopes of the Western Cape.
And there is no escaping the fact that this is a serious cycling challenge. Covering 167km with over 2600 metres of ascent, the full-distance event demands respect. Riders need endurance, sensible pacing and enough resilience to manage the constantly changing terrain and conditions. But that is exactly what makes the race so rewarding. The Prince George route isn’t manufactured to feel epic; it simply is.
What also makes the event special is the sense of transition throughout the day. Riders move from the dry, open expanses of the Karoo into increasingly lush terrain as they approach the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains. Hosting the race in spring only enhances the experience. After the winter rains, the landscapes are at their most vibrant, with green valleys, flowing rivers and colourful vegetation softening the normally rugged scenery.
For riders not quite ready to tackle the full 100-mile distance, the event also offers a 50 Miler option. With approximately 1000 metres of climbing, it provides a more accessible way to experience the atmosphere, scenery and gravel roads that make the Prince George such a standout event. It’s still a proper challenge, but without the same level of brutality demanded by the full route.
As expected from Dryland Event Management, the event experience extends well beyond the riding itself. Dryland has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s premier cycling event organisers, consistently delivering events that combine professional logistics with memorable rider experiences. From route marking and water points to the finish-line atmosphere at Louvain Guest Farm, the attention to detail is part of what keeps riders returning year after year.
As with any point-to-point race, logistics become part of the planning. There is a car-drive service option for those who need to get their car from the start to the finish. High quality accommodation in both Prince Albert and Louvain Guest Farm help make for a great weekend escape, both for riders and supporters.
The finish venue itself is another highlight. Nestled beneath the Outeniqua Mountains, Louvain Guest Farm provides the perfect setting to reflect on a hard-earned day on the bike. Riders roll in dusty, tired and often slightly broken, but also with the unmistakable satisfaction that only a true point-to-point gravel race can provide.
Entries for the fifth edition are expected to attract strong demand as the event continues to grow in popularity among South Africa’s gravel racing community. Whether you are chasing a major endurance challenge or simply looking for one of the country’s most scenic gravel experiences, the Prince George 100 Miler deserves a place on the calendar.
The event is open to gravel bikes, mountain bikes and eBikes in both the 100 Miler and 50 Miler. Those keen to tackle the 100 Miler on an eBike can do a battery swap on the route. This will be done in conjunction with the organisers.
For more information or to enter, click here. https://www.princegeorge.co.za
Paid partnership with Dryland Event Management
