For the past few years, mountain bikers have enjoyed a no-pressure wilderness riding experience at the De Hoop Nature Reserve. But for 2025, the organisers have reclassified it as a two-day stage race. It’s not just any stage race, however. Here are eight reasons why…
Paid partnership with Overberg MTB Events
Reason 1: No tented village
Mountain biking is challenging enough as it is. You don’t need your sleeping environment to offer a further challenge. At the De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience, all accommodation is at the De Hoop Collection, a range of refined accommodation to suit all budgets in stunning cottages, suites, lodges and homesteads, some of which were built in the late 1800s. There’s also a camp site and rondawels for those seeking something more simple.
Note: Accommodation is not included in the entry fee and booking for the three-night stay needs to be made directly with De Hoop Collection via email to: nicola@dehoopcollection.co.za (do not book through Booking.com!)
Reason 2: It’s a three-nighter
At the De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience your accommodation package (charged separate from your entry fee) is for three nights, including the night before the first stage and the night after the final stage. This allows you to spend the Sunday afternoon and evening relaxing and socialising before heading home after breakfast on Monday morning!
Note: The De Hoop Nature Reserve is very remote, hence the importance of booking your accommodation at the venue.
Reason 3: All meals are included
Your entry fee for the De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience includes all meals, from dinner on Friday night until breakfast on Monday morning! That’s eight delicious, nutritious meals that you don’t have to worry about, making it possible to focus your attention on your race and recovery strategies.
Reason 4: A very special race route
Nestled between the Potberg Mountains in the north and the Indian Ocean in the south, De Hoop Nature Reserve is a haven for animal and plant species all protected by the World Heritage Site status of the reserve. The route covers a combination of gravel road, jeep track and singletrack. Each stage takes you to a different part of the reserve where you can appreciate the rocky coastlines, large sand dunes, beautiful blue ocean (whale-spotting is a highlight), lowland fynbos and thriving wetlands. Game you’re likely to encounter include Eland, Cape Mountain Zebra, Grey Rhebok and Bontebok; with Caracal and Leopard spotted only by the lucky few.
Stage 1: 55km Ride the Rock – incorporates Flatrock and Dennis the Menace sections.
Stage 2: 62km Trails to Whales – incorporates Potberg, Vaalkraens and Koppie Alleen sections.
Reason 5: Race for category recognition
There will be race timing and podium recognition for participants who shine in the following five different categories:
- Solo Men
- Solo Women
- Ladies Team
- Mixed Team
- Men’s Team
Some prize money will also be offered for those who like to compete for cash!
Reason 6: These aren’t extras, they’re all included!
In addition to your access to two days of engaging race routes in a World Heritage Site and eight scrumptious meals, your entry fee to the De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience includes a commemorative event T-shirt, a goody bag, a bicycle service package, EPT sports massage after both stages, well-stocked route water points and medical support. That’s incredible value!
Reason 7: It’s a social vibe…
While the bike race itself is the main attraction, off-the-bike time is just as important and the organisers, Overberg MTB Events, have ensured it’s most social. Expect Old School Live Music, a Boma braai around an open fire with sunset views, sundowners on the deck, wine tasting, and fabulous food and hospitality from De Hoop Collection https://www.dehoopcollection.com .
Reason 8: It’s an authentic escape
Although we’re spoiled with our established network of mountain bike trails, which we can ride every week, entering an event like the De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience takes us somewhere different. A new place to race, relax, make friends and create fresh memories.
The De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience is organised by Overberg MTB Events, a company with significant experience in delivering high-quality bespoke events that are meaningful and memorable.
The 2025 edition of the De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience is from 13-15 June. To ensure a premium experience, numbers are limited. To secure your entry, visit the online entry portal here. For more information about the event click here.
