Are you looking for an off-the-beaten-track mountain biking adventure? Mark your calendar for Ride the Karoo Stage Race, an exciting three-day event that promises breathtaking landscapes, stimulating stages and camaraderie among fellow riders. Set against the backdrop of one of South Africa’s most iconic and rugged regions, the Karoo, this event is just different and curated for both seasoned riders and those looking to have a fun MTB weekend escape.
Paid partnership with Urban Goat
The Karoo is a vast semi-desert landscape that stretches across South Africa’s interior, known for its expansive vistas, arid beauty, and unique vegetation. Riding through this remarkable terrain is an unforgettable experience. With its winding trails, rocky outcrops, and occasional river crossings, Ride the Karoo offers participants a real challenge while showcasing the unmatched beauty of this historic region. Expect sweeping views of open plains, majestic mountain ranges, wildlife encounters and the kind of stillness that only the Karoo can provide.
Ride the Karoo offers a thoughtfully designed route that will not only test your endurance but also allow you to experience the diverse geography region. Whether you’re winding your way through the rocky hills, navigating singletrack trails, or making your way across wide-open spaces, each stage offers a fresh adventure and a unique way to experience this iconic landscape.
The stages are as follows:
- Stage 1: 20km with 230m elevation
- Stage 2: 73km with 660m elevation
- Stage 3: 46km with 520m elevation
See the full route description here.
Ride the Karoo has gone to great lengths to ensure the supporter’s experience is as engaging and memorable as that of the riders. Supporters need to book their own accommodation in the area and purchase a Supporter’s Tour Pass to join riders for the event meals, facilities and activities. Supporters can also head to supporter points on the route on Stages 2 and 3.
Accommodation, refreshments and meals are all included in the entry fee and there are options ranging from Standard Tents to Glamping Tents, as well as renovated farm stables to fit all budgets and definitions of an extraordinary escape.
As you’d expect on a Karoo farm, the meals include Karoo lamb chops, Karan Beef steak, baked farm bread and condensed-milk coffee at breakfast. There’s obviously ice-cold draft beer to enjoy as you cross the finish line with sweet koeksisters and savoury snacks to keep you fuelled at the water points on the route.
Daily bike wash (included in the entry fee) and massage packages (additional fee) are also available.
At the heart of Ride the Karoo is the spirit of Urban Goat. Known for its focus on bringing people together through outdoor adventure, Urban Goat’s approach to this mountain bike stage race is centered around community and fun. The event is about pushing boundaries, connecting with nature, and sharing the experience with like-minded individuals. Along with the race itself, participants will enjoy a range of social events, great food, and the opportunity to make new friends.
In order to preserve the exclusive value of the participant and supporter experience, numbers are limited. The 2025 dates are 26-28 September. Click here to find out more and enter online.
