Riding the Lions Karoo to Coast Challenge for the first time is a bucket-list goal for many cyclists. Covering 100km from Uniondale to Knysna via Prince Alfred’s Pass, the event rewards smart preparation, steady pacing and resilience —…
When riders line up for the 25th edition of the Lions Karoo to Coast MTB, Gravel and E-Bike Challenge on 27 September 2026, they won’t just be chasing the finish line — they’ll be riding…
Uniondale to Knysna | Garden Route | 27 September 2026 Prince Alfred’s Pass, South Africa’s longest and most historic mountain pass, will once again take centre stage at the Lions Karoo to Coast MTB, Gravel and…
Having broken the course record in 2024, Tristan Nortje became the first rider to dip below the 3-hour mark at the Lions Karoo to Coast, as he bettered his own record en route to victory…
Community is at the core of the Lions Karoo to Coast, from the individuals who volunteer to man registration tables and water points to the charitable beneficiaries of the race, and on to the young…
The Lions Karoo to Coast has been a mainstay of the South African mountain biking calendar since 1999. The historic route, which follows the country’s longest gravel pass from Uniondale to Knysna, has ensured that…
On STRAVA, this segment is called “respite.” 10km with an average gradient of – 2.2% Respite indeed! Buffelsnek is where I put my Gilet (little French jacket) on! The climb to get here is on…
I hope you changed gears! The Climb from the orange Grove to Dieprivier Heights averages 10% for a kilometer! This is the steepest part of climbing on the whole route! The top of the first…
Why you should enter now for the iconic Karoo To Coast Mountain Bike Challenge! There’s something inherently magical about a point-to-point race and the Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge is no exception. This…
Now the climbing starts! 6km, 303m, 4.7% over the average to the top, and there’s some flat. Beautiful packed stone walls line and support the left side of the road. A view down on “The…