The three-day Glacier Storms River Traverse returns to the Tsitsikamma on 31 July, and with the field capped at 300, entries are closing fast 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. With the field capped at 300 and entries closing, it is 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: roughly 163 km and 2,600 m of climbing spread across three manageable stages of 62 km, 50 km and 51 km. Organiser Dryland Events describes the terrain as flowing and largely non-technical — the kind of profile that rewards fitness and rhythm over technical skill, and one reason the event is happy to line e-bikes up alongside analogue mountain bikes.
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.
Source: Bike Hub
- Day 1Stage 1 — 62 km
The longest day of the three, ridden from the Storms River base.
- Day 2Stage 2 — 50 km
The shortest stage, on the event's signature flowing, non-technical trails.
- Day 3Stage 3 — 51 km
A final loop to close out roughly 163 km and 2,600 m of climbing over the weekend.
“challenging enough to feel rewarding, but accessible enough to keep the focus on enjoyment rather than survival”
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? +
It is pitched as an accessible stage race — about 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, but the field is capped at 300 riders and is closing as spaces fill.
