For the past 13 years Urban Goat Event Management has been delivering memorable mountain biking experiences in the Great Karoo with a three-day mountain bike event, Ride the Karoo 3 Day. It’s a race if you want it to be, but most of the 350 participants treat it as an escape to enjoy freedom and fun.
Paid partnership with Urban Goat Event Management
Mountain bike stage races generally cater for racers with a touch of chill. While participants are timed and results published, Ride the Karoo 3 Day focuses more on the chill with an unhurried vibe throughout, exceptional Karoo hospitality, amazing country cuisine and as much attention to off-the-bike value as on it, including live music and fun activities for the whole family. Non-riding supporter packages are available to ensure the unique experience can be shared with loved ones too.
In 2012 former top cyclists, Rian and Charlotte Gouws joined forces with Middelburg farmer, Piet van der Merwe, to organise the first edition of Ride the Karoo 3 Day. There was an April edition and a September edition that year and both were successful and the foundation for a unique mountain biking experience. First prizes were a Karoo lamb giving the race the nickname, the Race for Vleis! Just one of the quirks that has developed at the event.
In 2021, the event moved its base from Fairview Farm to Dwarsvlei. Still in the same wilderness area, but with a race village that’s better equipped to maintain the same high standards as the event has grown. Unlike most stage races, the numbers are purposefully limited at Ride the Karoo 3 Day to ensure the rider experience is the priority.
It’s quite possible that Ride the Karoo 3 Day is the South African stage race with the most character. Unique quirks over the years have included 100 Arabian horses leading the participants onto the start of a stage, tractor sunset-drives to a classic Karoo viewpoint, a one-on-one race between a pro mountain bike racer and a horse; a ‘brew ride’ to a local microbrewery for a free beer after a stage; a cappuccino-stop option on the final stage and two-person wheelbarrow races to name just a few…
While the routes have changed somewhat over the years, the format has remained largely the same, starting with a 20km Friday night stage (the Karoo night sky is iconic), followed by the longest stage on the Saturday (70km) and culminating with a moderate final stage on the Sunday (46km). EBikes are also welcome. See the 2025 edition route details here.
The entry fee includes all meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch and two nights tented accommodation as well as a high quality Kakiebos swag collection worth R1600. All finishers get a unique handmade Karoo ‘medal’ made by local artists. Accommodation is upgradable at an increased fee. See the 2025 edition accommodation options here.
Ask anyone that’s completed at Ride the Karoo 3 Day event what stands out for them and most will mention the food, which includes freshly baked farm bread, rusks, spitbraai, pumpkin fritters, condensed milk coffee, sweet home-made Koeksisters, craft beer on tap, Karoo lamb chops, Karan Beef steak and ice-cold draft beer. See the 2025 edition schedule menu here.
Farmer Piet, one of the Ride the Karoo 3 Day founders sadly passed away in 2017, but his legacy is carried on each year through the unique Karoo experience that sees the establishment of new friendships, incredible ‘platteland’ hospitality, community upliftment and magical memories made to last a lifetime.
There are still a few slots left for the 2025 edition of Ride the Karoo from 26-28 September. Entries close on 31 August, so hurry. See what your entry fee includes and do your online entry here.
