A stage race is almost a rite of passage for South African mountain bikers. Almost. You don’t have to do one, but most want to. A stage race is a fantastic reason to travel to new place, ride your bike through stunning scenery, escape from your daily grind, meet new people and achieve personal goals. Which is the best stage race to start with? The Glacier Storms River Traverse. Here’s why…
Paid partnership with Dryland Event Management
Most mountain biking experiences are positive. But occasionally a crash, a serious mechanical problem, or a discovery that your fitness or skill aren’t sufficient, can result in a negative experience. These issues normally arise at a, shall we say, ‘hardcore’ stage race, where the distances, gradient, terrain and trails are formidable. At the Storms River Traverse, all of these factors are mitigated – shorter stages on largely predictable surface gravel roads and jeep track with limited gradient are on the schedule. There’s some singletrack too, but it’s low risk.
Stage 1 is 63.9km with 950 metres of climbing. It’s the longest stage and tackling it on fresh legs makes it less formidable. The stunning forest scenery through the Storms River Gorge and ocean vistas over the Storms River mouth offer great distractions when your legs start burning…
Stage 2 is 50km with 670 metres of climbing. It’s the shortest stage that winds through indigenous and plantation forests to the west of the race village. This stage includes a brand-new section for this year’s edition that gives you more incredible oceanside riding as you approach the finish.
Stage 3 is 50.7km with 830 metres of climbing. This stage heads in an easterly direction to the lower slopes of the Tsitsikamma mountains on forest roads. The return to the finish under the canopy of the Tsitsikamma forest, is along easy routes to ensure you finish safely. And with a smile.
For those that ride full eBikes, the moderate stage distances should ensure no range anxiety, however those on light eBikes will have to manage their pedal assistance more carefully – or use a range extender.
One of the most scenic places in South Africa is the Tsitsikamma National Park on the Garden Route. It’s a protected multi-dimensional national park that includes dense, indigenous forest, ancient rivers, delicate fynbos and coastal reefs. At the Glacier Storms River Traverse, you get to enjoy this area of natural beauty and wonder. On every single stage!
When you’re relatively new to mountain biking, the riding is hard enough, you don’t want to still have to tough it out off the bike too. That’s why accommodation at the Storms River Traverse is in buildings, not tents. The race village is based at the Tsitsikamma Village Inn and there’s a range of Guest House and B&B accommodation close by to suit all budgets. There is also a luxury-tent option for those interested.
Your entry fee includes two meals a day (lunch and dinner); and the two water points on each stage offer the legendary Dryland Event fare to ensure your nourishment is the last thing you need to worry about. There’s a chance you may even gain a few grams of bodyweight at this stage race!
The event is family-friendly and family members/partners are encouraged to join you for the experience. With shortish stages you are back before midday normally, allowing you plenty of time to spend with your supporters. For those with small kids that want participate in the event, there’s an on-site child-care service.
As part of their quest to encourage youth participation, the organisers have introduced a reduced entry fee for those aged 15-23 years as well as defined categories in which they can be competitive.
The atmosphere is festive and there are no professional racers to ramp up the pressure during the stages. While there is some racing happening at the front among the competitive riders, most participants enter the Glacier Storms River Traverse to have a good time, not a fast time.
For more information or to enter online, head to the Glacier Storms River Traverse website.
Paid partnership with Dryland Event Management
