The Rooibos MTB returns to the Piekenierskloof Pass above Citrusdal on 25 July 2026 with four non-technical routes built for mountain, gravel and e-bikes alike.
Source: Rooibos MTB official
The routes
Rooibos MTB sits in the Cederberg foothills above Citrusdal, on the Piekenierskloof Pass that carries the N7 north out of the Cape. The organisers describe all four routes as non-technical, scenic loops that pass over privately owned farms and take in district roads — country you don't normally get to ride. That non-technical character is the event's calling card: it explicitly welcomes mountain bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes, and the flagship 120km distance is registered as a gravel event.
With 30km, 55km, 80km and 120km on offer, it scales from a family-friendly outing to a genuine day out, all from the same start at the De Tol Farm Deli. It makes a strong winter target for Cape riders wanting big rooibos-country views without the technical stress of a rocky singletrack race.
Rooibos MTB start — De Tol Farm Deli
Race start & registration
Registration & logistics
Number collection is spread over three days so out-of-towners can travel in relaxed. Per the organisers, registration runs on Thursday 23 July (14:00–17:00) at D'ville Cyclery in Durbanville for early collection, Friday 24 July (14:00–20:00) at the Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort on the N7, and on race morning, Saturday 25 July (06:00–07:30) at the De Tol Farm Deli. Entry fees, route profiles and water-point detail weren't published on the organiser's page at the time of writing — confirm current pricing and start times directly at rooibosmtb.co.za or via entries@rooibosmtb.co.za before you travel.
Weather & setup
This is a deep-winter ride. Citrusdal sits in a winter-rainfall zone, and July is both its coldest and one of its wettest months — climate averages put daytime highs around 17°C, nights near 6°C, and roughly 75mm of rain across the month. Plan for a cold, potentially damp start on the pass and layers you can shed as the day warms.
Editorial recommendation — the organiser publishes no official tyre spec; this is BikeBuy's advice based on the terrain. On non-technical farm and district gravel, a fast-rolling 40–50mm tubeless gravel or semi-slick MTB tyre is ample; you're chasing rolling speed and comfort over grip. Fit mudguards or accept a gritty back if the winter rain has been through, and carry enough to be self-sufficient between the field's water points.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is Rooibos MTB 2026? +
Saturday 25 July 2026, starting and finishing at the De Tol Farm Deli on the Piekenierskloof Pass (N7) near Citrusdal in the Western Cape.
What distances are on offer? +
Four routes — 120km (registered as a gravel event), 80km, 55km and 30km.
Can I ride it on a gravel or e-bike? +
Yes. The organisers say all routes are non-technical and suit mountain bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes.
Where do I register? +
Pre-collection at D'ville Cyclery, Durbanville on Thursday 23 July, at the Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort on Friday 24 July, or on race morning at the De Tol Farm Deli.
The bottom line: Rooibos MTB is an accessible, scenic winter gravel-and-MTB day in the Cederberg foothills — low on technical difficulty, high on views, and open to just about any drop-bar or flat-bar bike in your garage. Just dress for a cold Citrusdal morning and confirm the entry detail with the organisers before you commit.
