Final Rider Information – 2025 Lions Karoo to Coast

 

The Lions teams from Uniondale and Knysna are in full swing this week, putting the final touches in place for the 2025 Lions Karoo to Coast taking place this weekend.

To make sure you have the best possible experience, we’ve gathered all the key info and reminders you’ll need to get the most out of your Karoo to Coast adventure.

From all of us — here’s wishing you a safe, memorable, and incredible ride!

 

SEEDING

Seeding emails were sent out on Tuesday, 16 September by the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust.
If you have not yet received a seeding email, please contact info@entries.co.za.

For all seeding queries, please chat to the friendly Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust team at registration.

REGISTRATION

Uniondale Show Grounds

  • Friday, 19 September | 16:00 – 20:00
  • Saturday, 20 September | 13:00 – 20:00

Late Registration (no entries or substitutions)
For riders not staying in Uniondale:

  • Sunday, 21 September | 06:00 – 07:30
  • Location: Uniondale Show Grounds

WINE & WHEELS EXPO

Start your race weekend at the Wine & Wheels Expo in Uniondale!

  • Friday, 19 Sept | 16:00 – 20:00
  • Saturday, 20 Sept | 13:00 – 20:00

Expect delicious local food, a lively wine bar, great coffee, sweet treats, fun activities for the kids, and live music to set the vibe. It’s the perfect spot for riders, families and supporters to soak up the pre-race atmosphere!

START & FINISH VENUES

  • Start: Uniondale Showgrounds (📍 -33.655098, 23.137234)
  • Finish: Knysna High School Sports Grounds (📍 -34.038166, 23.042861)

FREE TOG BAG SERVICE

The tog bag truck will be parked on the registration field outside the food hall from 06:00 to 07:15. Please load your bags on to the truck. Bags will be available for collection from the Trucape Tent on the Knysna High School Sports Grounds. A security guard will be stationed at the tent, riders will produce their tickets in order to collect their bags.

WEATHER

Safety and Disaster Management are continuously monitoring the weather. The weather is changeable on the route – please ensure you have a warm waterproof top with you on the ride and sufficient layers for colder sections.

MERCHANDISE

All pre-purchased merchandise is for collection at registration in Uniondale only. Please note that we are unable to accommodate swopping of sizes at registration. If you are unable to collect your merchandise, a friend is welcome to do so on your behalf. Please provide them with proof of purchase. Alternatively, please read through the details on the MERCHANDISE PAGE on our website and fill in the courier request form by no later than 30 September 2025.

RIDER DINNER

Dinner will be served in the dining hall at Registration on Saturday, 20 September from 17:30 to 20:30. Please note: This meal is only for riders who selected the dinner option when entering online. Family and friends are warmly invited to enjoy meals from the vendors at the Wine & Wheels Expo, where a wide variety of delicious options will be on offer.

PRIZE FOR BEST DRESSED RIDER

It’s time to get creative!
A prize awaits the best dressed rider — we can’t wait to see your outfits!

START TIMES

  • Tandems – 07:25
  • A – 07:30
  • B – 07:35
  • C – 07:40
  • D – 07:45
  • E – 08:00 (E-Bike Start)

E-BIKE BATTERIES

  • All spare E Bike Batteries will need to be dropped off at the designated table at registration by no later than 06:15 on Sunday morning (no drop off of batteries after this time)
  • Spare batteries will go to the Buffelsnek Squirt E-Bike Gazebo, which is at the 59km mark.
  • Spare full batteries will need to be clearly marked with rider name (We will provide you with a sticker at the drop off point) Batteries on the bikes that the rider starts with must also be clearly marked with rider name.
  • Only after the last E Biker passes the pick up point will the flat batteries be transported from Buffelsnek to the finish line. T
  • he batteries will go to the Tog Bag pick up area close to the TruCape Tent at the finish venue – Waterfront Drive – Knysna High School Field.
  • There will be security guard at this point who will require your sticker with your name on it to collect / release your battery. Do not forget your E Bike Battery key.
  • The event is NOT responsible for the loss or damage to batteries.

WATERPOINTS

There are waterpoints (including the finish point) on the 100km route. There will be food at the points from the Buffelsnek water point – which is approximately half way through the event. There will be sufficient water and Coca-Cola at all points for riders. Riders are encouraged to take sufficient energy bars/food for your estimated time in the saddle. Please carry at least two full water bottles with your drink of choice and preferably a full “Camelbak” if you have one. Riders should be able to fix a puncture and may want to carry their cellphones. If you are allergic to any medication etc – please indicate this on your person when riding. There will be 8 waterpoints on the route.

FINISH LINE MASSAGE

We’re excited to welcome Ariel Wellness to Karoo to Coast! From 10min massage to treat a spasm to 30 or 50 min for your legs or full body sport massage.

  • 10 min massage – R100
  • 20 min massage – R200
  • 30 min massage – R250

Bookings:
+27 64 946 2282
arielwellnesshouse@gmail.com
www.arielwellness.co.za

GAME FARM CROSSING

Riders will pass through a short section of game farm on the Wapad. Please note: Participation is at your own risk.

EMERGENCIES ON ROUTE

If you see a serious accident: Call the emergency number on your race board (emergencies only). Report to the rider’s number + location.