Are you ready to tackle a stage race with a difference? Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned competitor, the Glacier Waterberg Traverse at Summerplace Game Reserve from 9-11 May, less than three hours from Johannesburg, is your ideal event. Here are 10 good reasons why.
Paid partnership with Dryland Event Management
It’s an escape
Although Summerplace Game Reserve in the Limpopo province is a bit of a drive, it’s under three hour’s drive from Johannesburg and even less from Pretoria. It’s close enough for an easy drive (mostly on freeway) and far enough away from the big cities of Gauteng to be a real escape!
It’s deep in the bush
Summerplace Game Reserve is located in both the Bushveld region of South Africa and the Waterberg Biosphere. It’s a true South African bush destination where you are surrounded in every direction by natural vegetation, geology, fresh air and crisp night skies.
It all happens on a private game reserve
All three stages for both the RIDE and the RACE take place inside Summerplace Game Reserve. There are more than 40 species of large mammals, including Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Eland, Roan Antelope, Kudu, Sable Antelope and more. There are also more than 130 species of trees and over 140 species of birds. It’s a nature-lover’s dream.
The trails are sublime!
Summerplace Game Reserve is owned by passionate mountain bikers. As a result, the mountain bike trails network on the reserve makes it one of the best mountain biking destinations in South Africa. There is more than 140km of hand-built singletrack trails on the reserve as well as easy-riding gravel roads and game-drive jeep-track routes. Summerplace Game Reserve regularly hosts Cycling South Africa national cup and national championships events.
The accommodation is top-notch
Early entrants have a chance to book Summerplace Game Reserve accommodation, which is refined and includes self-catering lodges. Glacier Waterberg Traverse entrants that miss out on the local reserve accommodation, will have access to comfortable tented accommodation, including luxury tents.
Exceptional catering
Entry to the Glacier Waterberg Traverse includes all meals from dinner on Thursday 8 May, until lunch on Sunday 11 May after the final stage – a total of nine delicious, nutritious meals. Dryland Events are widely known for their exceptional standard of catering and that can once again be expected at the 2025 Glacier Waterberg Traverse.
A race for all levels of rider
Serious racers that are fit and strong can enter the RACE, which offers three tough stages. Don’t be deceived by the distances! Recreational riders can still experience the challenges and rewards of a multi-day event by entering the RIDE, which offers three shorter stages all starting and finishing at the same place. You can view the stages here.
eBikes are welcome
The Glacier Waterberg Traverse has an eBike category in the RIDE. This is the shorter distance event which makes it possible to complete each stage on one fully charged battery without too much trouble.
There’s a team-entry option
Although the Glacier Waterberg Traverse is primarily a Solo event, there is a team-category for those who want to tackle the three-day event with another rider. This is ideal for riders who may be doing their first stage race and want to have the support of someone else. It’s also ideal for families where a parent and teenage child may want to team up for a shared bicycle-bonding experience.
Supporters are welcome
Unlike many stage races, the Glacier Waterberg Traverse is geared for both racers and supporters! Supporters can enjoy a fun weekend away and share the experience with their riders. There’s obviously a supporter package that needs to be purchased to secure accommodation and catering.
To find out more or to secure your entry, click here. The first 100 entries will get a complimentary commemorative Glacier Waterberg Traverse cycling jersey worth R1000!
