LIONS KAROO TO COAST | ICONIC 100KM MOUNTAIN, E-BIKE & GRAVEL BIKE CHALLENGE

27 SEPTEMBER 2026

The Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge is a 100km off road race from UNIONDALE to KNYSNA via the Prince Alfred's Pass. The route is scenic, challenging and riders are encouraged to train sufficiently for this event in order to maximise the enjoyment of the experience.
The 2026 entry fee is R950 and will include complimentary dinner served at the registration venue on Saturday, 26 September.

Please note that riders are also required to purchase a CSA Day License and Finish Time Timing Board, if they do not already have one.

All proceeds from the event support the Lions Clubs of Knysna and Uniondale.

Entries are limited to 4,500 riders and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis — don’t miss out!

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON!

The Lions Karoo to Coast welcomes MTB, Gravel, and E-Bike riders!

Our popular free E-Bike battery swap service has sparked a major surge in participation, with E-Bike entries tripling for the 2025 event.

Gravel riders will start in the usual seeded bunches, but there’s separate prize money and podium places for the top Gravel man and woman.

Why Enter the 2026 Lions Karoo to Coast?

  1. Ride for a reason – every rand raised goes straight back into community upliftment through the Lions Clubs of Knysna and Uniondale.
  2. Tackle the route in reverse! Experience the famous Gravel Burn Stage One the other way around — a fresh twist on a classic challenge.
  3. Gravel glory! Dedicated prizes for the first male and female Gravel riders.
  4. New Age Group Fun Prizes – because every rider deserves a chance to shine.
  5. Wine & Wheels Expo in Uniondale – a festive start to your weekend.
  6. Glamping options with upgraded ablutions and new hot showers.
  7. E-Bikes welcome! Plus our popular free E-Bike battery swap service keeps you charged all the way to Knysna.
  8. Fully stocked, charity-run waterpoints bringing the vibe and cheering you on along the route.
  9. Festive Knysna finish – the perfect ending to an unforgettable ride.
The Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Race has been selected as an Official Premier Seeding Event of the 2026 Cape Town Cycle Tour
The event is owned by the Lions Clubs of Uniondale and Knysna and all proceeds from the event go to Sightfirst, the South African Guide Dog Association and other urgent needs in the community.
The Lions Karoo to Coast is a CSA Sanctioned Event, please note that you will be charged for a day license should you not already have a CSA membership
The Nuts and Bolts
2026 Race
Race Date:
27 September 2026
Start Time:
Approx. 07h30
TRACK POINTS:
4122
DISTANCE:
95.95km
ESTIMATED TIME:
4.35.32
ASCENT:
1560m
DESCENT:
1815m
START ELEVATION:
727m
FINISH ELEVATION
3m
MIN ELEVATION:
3m
MAX ELEVATION:
1815m