The Great Trek is the mountain biking race that’s not a race. It’s more like a meeting of like minds out on the trails around South Africa’s gorgeous Wild Coast.
Last year was the inaugural staging of this prestigious event, and it’s back even better than before amid rave reviews. If you like to say you’ve been-there-done-that on your mountain biking travels, put this outing on your South African safari wish list, along with the Sani2C Bike Race.
Ups and Downs of the Great Kei Trek
This 3-day ride from Thursday 2nd May to Saturday 4th May, takes in 240km of pristine natural landscapes and farmlands starting from the village of Tylden, outside Queenstown.
Your travel day, the 1st of May, is a public holiday and festivities kick off with a pre-race party after registration, so make sure you’ve booked accommodation in the Eastern Cape for the night before. It’s going to be a long one.
Teams should consist of two people and the aim of the Great Trek game is to push yourself as hard as you can during each section without the pressure to win.
It’s a great way to stay fit outside of the main mountain biking season and have fun at the same time, or enjoy some non-competitive scenic mountain biking during your vacation time.
Day 1 – 75km
The first stage sees riders whizzing along farm tracks and some minor hills to the historic village of Old Thomas River.
Here you’ll get your first taste of Eastern Cape Hospitality with the whole town turning out to welcome you. You’ll spend the evening being wined and dined by your consummate hosts, listening to fascinating tales of the village’s history and dining on hearty country fare.
Day 2 -95km
On the second day of your epic adventure, you’ll be heading towards Komga, near East London. This is the land of luxury wild coast resorts, the stunningly beautiful Amatola hiking trail and the scenic Kubusi Valley.
After negotiating the hills and vales of your day’s trail, you’ll spend the evening being thoroughly spoiled by the Komga townsfolk with a feast of traditional South African country fare.
Day 3 – 75km
The final push from Komga to Morgan Bay, includes travelling past the churning turbines at the Chaba Wind Farm and the quaint seaside village of Haga Haga.
After that, there are only a few climbs to negotiate before descending on gorgeous Morgan Bay. This is one of the most popular eastern cape holiday destinations, and it’s easy to see why.
The race comes to an end on the cliffs of Morgan Bay overlooking turbulent ocean scenes with celebratory refreshments courtesy of the local brewer. From there, contestants take a slow pedal to the Morgan Bay Caravan Park for prize giving and burgers. The after party takes place at the Morgan Bay Hotel, and if last year is anything to go by, you should plan for a late night.
Ready to Pedal?
The Great Kei Trek showcases the camaraderie of the mountain biking community, the great hospitality of the Eastern Cape and great scenes along the way.
If that sounds like a combination that can’t be beat, get in touch with our southern African travel experts to start planning your South African safari in time for the race this May.
