The three-day Glacier Storms River Traverse returns to the Tsitsikamma on 31 July, with entries closing for one of South Africa's most rider-friendly stage races.
South Africa's stage-race calendar is deep in its winter block, and the Glacier Storms River Traverse is one of the season's most enticing short-format options. Rather than the point-to-point, tent-village grind of the country's bigger week-long races, it runs three days out of a single base in the Tsitsikamma — aimed squarely at riders who want a proper multi-day event without committing a full week away from home.
The route numbers describe a race built for enjoyment rather than attrition: 163 km and 2,600 m of climbing spread across three stages of 62 km, 50 km and 51 km. Organiser Dryland Event Management welcomes e-bikes alongside conventional mountain bikes, underlining the event's accessible positioning.
That accessible positioning matters for the local market. For Gauteng and Cape-based riders, a long weekend on the Garden Route is an easier sell than a full week's leave, and the single-venue format at the Tsitsikamma Village Inn keeps the logistics and cost down. It also slots neatly into the run-in for South Africa's spring and summer marathon season, making it a useful fitness block for anyone building towards bigger events later in the year.
- Day 1Stage 1 — 62 km / 950 m climbing
The longest and hilliest day of the three, ridden from the Storms River base.
- Day 2Stage 2 — 50 km / 820 m climbing
The shortest stage, on the event's signature flowing, non-technical trails.
- Day 3Stage 3 — 51 km / 830 m climbing
A final loop to close out 163 km and 2,600 m of climbing over the weekend.
“This was next level. I have never been to an event with so much 'gees'. Everything was just perfect.”
Frequently asked questions
When and where is the 2026 Glacier Storms River Traverse? +
It runs 31 July to 2 August 2026, based at the Tsitsikamma Village Inn in Storms River, with all three stages riding out from the single venue.
How hard is it? +
163 km and 2,600 m of climbing over three days on mostly flowing, non-technical trails, so it rewards steady fitness more than technical skill.
Can I ride it on an e-bike? +
Yes. The organisers welcome e-bikes alongside conventional mountain bikes.
How do I enter? +
Entries are handled through the official site, stormsrivertraverse.co.za, and are closing as spaces fill.
