As the KAP sani2c gears up for its 21st edition in May 2025, founder Farmer Glen still marvels at how fast time has flown. “I know, it’s scary, hey? If you’d asked me, I would have said we’ve done maybe 11, not 21,” he muses. For two decades, this iconic three-day mountain bike race has delivered more than just a ride—it’s been a journey of grit, camaraderie, and deep community impact.
More Than a Ride—A Test of Will and Spirit
Covering approximately 270 kilometers from the foothills of the Drakensberg to the Indian Ocean, the sani2c route is legendary. Riders push through misty midlands, indigenous forests, and the infamous Umkomaas Valley descent before the final stretch along the coast. Every section, from the thrilling “Umko Drop” to the punishing “Unitrans Iconic Climb,” tells its own story.
Glen acknowledges that the race isn’t easy: “Day Two is hard. Everyone’s nervous about it, and they should be—it’s proper.” But even the infamous climbs serve a purpose. “Life’s hard, and even if you don’t make it up Iconic without putting a foot down, you do get there in the end,” he reflects. “That’s what sani2c is about—it’s more than a ride.”
Tweaking Perfection—A Race That Evolves Every Year
Even after 21 years, Farmer Glen and his team are constantly refining the experience. “We’re always tweaking the route. It might be small things, but they make a big difference,” he explains. This year, there’s a new farm section on Day One, while Day Three will see a fresh attempt at making the famous Scottburgh lagoon crossing more dramatic.
“I actually bought the bridge to take it out to sea and ride back, but that was a step too far,” Glen chuckles. “We’re hoping the waves push into the lagoon a bit, so riders really feel like they’ve ridden to the ocean.”
The constant fine-tuning extends beyond the trails. From ensuring smooth race village logistics to analyzing where queues form on singletrack sections, Glen’s team leaves nothing to chance. “A little tweak can make the flow so much better.”
A Trail That Gives Back—Sani2c’s Community Legacy
Since its inception, sani2c has been about more than just the ride—it’s about the people along the way. The event generates over R10 million annually for schools, charities, and local entrepreneurs. From trail maintenance crews to community-run water points, the race fuels opportunities for those living along the route.
“We’ve never deviated from the original community event ethos,” says Glen. “The local schools, the landowners, the guys maintaining the trails—it’s all part of the bigger picture.”
What’s New in 2025?
This year’s race will see the continued integration of e-bikes, with the KAP sani2c e-Trail taking place from May 6-8, 2025. For the truly adventurous, the sani2c Nonstop on June 20, 2025, offers an extreme 250-kilometer challenge, where riders have just 24 hours to complete the journey.
“We hope to see many of our sani2c riders pushing themselves in 2025 and trying the nonstop,” says Glen. “You just have to do it.”
The Best of Sani2c—Farmer Glen’s Favourite Section
For Glen, there’s one standout moment on the trail. “Day Three, Mtagati Push—when you’ve broken the back of sani2c,” he says. “You’ve seen the sea, you’re riding through coastal bush, and you realize how far you’ve come—from the ‘Berg, through all these different landscapes. That’s special.”
Final Advice from Farmer Glen
With a few months left until race day, Glen’s advice is simple: “Get in some good long rides. Don’t worry about speed, just build endurance—especially back-to-back rides over the weekend. The more prepared you are, the easier it’ll be.”
As the countdown to the 21st edition of sani2c begins, one thing remains certain—this is more than just a mountain bike race. It’s a test of endurance, a showcase of community spirit, and an adventure that keeps riders coming back year after year.
For more details and registration, visit sani2c.co.za.
Join the ride. Feel the gees. Take on KAP sani2c 2025.
2025 KAP sani2c roadshows
Gauteng: Sunday 2 March 2025, Taroko Trail Park, Modderfontein, JHB (Ride 7:00am, coffee 8:30am)
Cape Town: Saturday 29 March 2025, Contermanskloof MTB Trails, Durbanville (Ride 7:30am, coffee 9:00am)
Durban: Saturday 5 April 2025, Giba Gorge MTB Park, Hillcrest (Ride 7:00am, coffee 8:30am)
If you’re not sure if you’ll be fit to ride in mid-May, here are some tips and information about the training programmes on offer. There is also the option of a customised plan to get you ready in time, and based on your schedule.
Sign up here
