Official Approval Secured for the Historic 25th Edition
There is exciting news for mountain bikers across South Africa!
The 25th edition of the Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge has officially received all the necessary permissions to take place on Sunday, 27 September 2026. After months of planning, consultation and collaboration following the devastating floods that affected the Garden Route earlier this year, one of South Africa’s most iconic mountain bike events is ready to celebrate a remarkable milestone.
This year’s event is about much more than reaching the finish line. It is a celebration of resilience, determination, community spirit and the willingness of people from many organisations to work together for the benefit of an entire region.
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Those words from Race Director – Zandile Meneses – perfectly sum up the journey to securing approval for the 2026 event. Combined with the Uniondale Lions’ famous “Boer maak ‘n Plan” attitude, they inspired months of hard work to ensure that the event could continue despite the significant flood damage sustained in May.
The Lions Clubs of Uniondale and Knysna would like to sincerely thank everyone who played a role in making this possible. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure and Mobility, the Provincial and Municipal Traffic Departments of George, Oudtshoorn and Knysna, the events Independent Safety Officer, Frontier Medix, local municipalities, tourism authorities, engineers, emergency services, landowners and the many individuals who gave generously of their time and expertise.
This achievement demonstrates what can happen when government, emergency services, tourism organisations, volunteers and local communities work together towards a common goal. The result is not only the continuation of an iconic sporting event but also an important economic boost for the Garden Route and Klein Karoo at the tail end of winter.
A New Chapter Through De Poort
Every great event has a story, and the 2026 Lions Karoo to Coast will have one unlike any other.
Following extensive flood damage to the WaPad section of the traditional route, riders will leave Uniondale via De Poort, travelling through one of the area’s beautiful mountain gateways before joining the familiar Karoo to Coast route at Avontuur. From there, riders will continue over the breathtaking Prince Alfred’s Pass, ride through the indigenous forests of Kom se Pad, and finish as always at Knysna High School.
The revised section not only enables the event to continue safely but also introduces riders to another spectacular part of the Langkloof and Garden Route that few have had the opportunity to experience from a bicycle.
The Story of De Poort
For generations, De Poort has been a natural gateway between Uniondale and the fertile valleys beyond. Nestled between dramatic mountain ranges, the route follows a landscape shaped over centuries by rivers flowing through the Klein Karoo.
The exceptional floods of May 2026 left their mark on this landscape, damaging roads and infrastructure throughout the region. Yet those same floods also revealed something remarkable—the resilience of local communities and the determination of government departments, engineers and emergency services to restore access and find practical solutions.
Every rider travelling through De Poort this September will become part of a unique chapter in the history of the Lions Karoo to Coast, experiencing a route that reflects the resilience and spirit of the people who call this region home.
Rider Safety Remains Our Highest Priority
The safety of every participant has guided every decision throughout this process. Following comprehensive route inspections and independent risk assessments, a number of mitigation measures will be implemented on race day.
At De Poort, riders will enter a controlled neutral zone where they will dismount and carefully walk across a short section of shallow flowing water under the supervision of marshals before continuing their ride. The placement of the event waterpoints in the first half have also changed – please note this in your food and drink planning.
Along selected sections of Prince Alfred’s Pass, temporary orange and yellow safety mesh, additional warning signage and experienced marshals will identify areas where riders should reduce speed and exercise extra caution. For the safety of all participants, De Poort and Prince Alfred’s Pass will be closed to through traffic on race day, with access maintained only for landowners and authorised event vehicles.
Please also note that roadworks are currently taking place on the George–Uniondale route. Riders and supporters travelling to Uniondale via George are encouraged to allow at least an additional 30 minutes for their journey to the race villages.
More Than a Mountain Bike Challenge
For 25 years, the Lions Karoo to Coast has been about far more than cycling.
Owned by the Lions Clubs of Uniondale and Knysna, the event exists to make a difference. Every entry supports Lions community projects that improve the lives of people throughout the region.
The event also plays an important role in the local economy. Close on 1500 riders, their families and supporters visit Uniondale, Knysna and neighbouring towns each Heritage Weekend, providing welcome business for guesthouses, restaurants, shops, fuel stations, cafés and tourism operators after the quieter winter months.
When you enter the Lions Karoo to Coast, you are not simply taking part in one of South Africa’s favourite mountain bike events—you are investing directly in the communities that make it possible.
Celebrate Heritage Weekend at the Wine & Wheels Expo
The festivities begin before race day with the Wine & Wheels Expo, taking place at the Uniondale Showgrounds on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2026.
The Expo will showcase cycling brands, local wineries, exhibitors, food vendors and local businesses, creating a vibrant Heritage Weekend atmosphere for riders, families and visitors alike.
Race registration will also take place during the Expo, making it the perfect opportunity to collect your race pack, meet fellow riders and enjoy Uniondale’s renowned hospitality before Sunday’s adventure.
Join Us for a Historic Ride
The 2026 Lions Karoo to Coast celebrates 25 years of unforgettable riding, extraordinary scenery and community spirit.
With more than 1,100 riders already entered, excitement is building for what promises to be one of the most memorable editions in the event’s history. Entries close on the 7th September and no late entries will be accepted.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best, riding with friends or taking on the challenge for the first time, this year’s event offers the chance to be part of something truly special.
Join us on Sunday, 27 September 2026, and help celebrate the 25th edition of the Lions Karoo to Coast.
Enter today at www.karootocoast.com and ride one of South Africa’s most iconic mountain bike challenges—where every kilometre supports local communities and every rider becomes part of a remarkable legacy.
