The Gears 4 Ears MTB Fundraiser race raises funds for cochlear implant candidates. The location changes but the most recent one took place in the coastal town of Ballito, 47 Kilometers (30 miles) north of Durban. It was held at the Holla mountain bike trails — beautiful, marked biking paths that run through farms in the Ballito region. Many of the race routes go through private farmlands where owners have welcomed the event.
Source: Hollatrails.co.za
Winterton is a small town situated on the banks of the Tugela River in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains, KwaZulu-Natal. This invigorating bike race features night events for optimal star-gazing on the naturally gorgeous Mountain Splendour Eco Resort. The races include an off-road trail run-and-mountain bike combination on the first day and mountain biking on the second.
Source: Mountainsplendour.co.za
This event takes place at a wine farm in the Durbanville hills, so it won’t be hard to find a little after-race treat to reward yourself. The race itself will take you through lush farmlands and gorgeous vineyards with views of the Boland Mountains. You’ll alternate between bike paths and bumpy jeep roads.
Source: Pedalpower.org.za
This is a two-day mountain-bike race that offers a 120 kilometer route or an 80 kilometer route (75 miles or 50 miles). Participants are literally trailblazers — this event is the first to use its particular routes for bicycles. The race will take you through stunning farmland (one named Eden, and for good reason), and some impressive private properties that have welcomed cyclists.
Source: Stillwatersports.com
This race features a mountain race portion, a cycle challenge and a kids’ race. The race takes place in Riversands Commercial Park in Fourways which features gorgeous real estate and natural beauty. The race begins in the park and loops all the way down to the metropolitan area of Johannesburg before winding back up. The race raises money for charities. Last year’s race benefited the Botshabelo Babies home.
Source: Cyclechallenge.co
This casual-but-fun event raises money for the Muriel Brand School for Cerebral Palsy. There are 50 kilometer, 35 kilometer and 10 kilometer races. They will take you through the dry lands of Dalpark Extension and the mining town of Brakpan across from Carnival City, a casino and resort area in South Africa.
Source: Springsadvertiser.co.za
This race takes place on and around a farm — Farm Holsdam, in the riverside town of Barkly West. Races include a 60 kilometer, 30 kilometer and 12 kilometer to benefit the Christina Kiddie children’s home and, appropriately, there will are family friendly activities such as an organized walk, a classic car exhibit and entertainment. The event takes place next to the Koeistal Christmas market, so it’s a popular holiday event.
Source: Kelrn.co.za
Participants in this race get to view buffalo and rhino on the highveld plains, but they’ll also ride through metropolitan areas of the region in the province of Mpumalanga. The route takes riders through a eucalyptus forest, and for the fearless, there is a route with a 75-kilometer descent into a gorge. There is also some generous prize money–between around $270 and $500 for first place winners.
Source: Alutourdefarm.blogspot.com
This race takes place at the harbor town of Mossel Bay, and is based out of the charming Eight Bells Inn Mountain Resort. Participants relax there over food and drinks after the races. There are mountain-bike races and trail runs, with a five-kilometer and 10-kilometer trail run and a 35-kilometer and 75-kilometer mountain race.
Source: Bicycling.co.za
As the name suggests, this race takes riders on gorgeous trails that are along coastal or vineyard routes. Most rest points are at resorts, vineyards, estates or golf courses so if you’re in the mood to pamper yourself, do the race and then go back to your relaxation spot of choice.
Source: Arabellacountryestate.co.za
