You love the rush of singletrack, the technical challenge of roots and rocks, and the camaraderie of trail days. But perhaps you’ve caught glimpses of a new horizon – wide-open roads, endless vistas, and the satisfying crunch of gravel under your tires. If you’re a mountain biker looking to explore the burgeoning world of gravel cycling, the inaugural Garden Route Giro (GRG), set for April 13–18, 2026, isn’t just a race; it’s your definitive gateway.
Dryland Event Management, renowned for delivering world-class, rider-centric events, has meticulously crafted the GRG to be the “roadie’s gateway to gravel.” But for us mountain bikers, it’s something even more exciting: a chance to leverage our bike handling skills, challenge our endurance, and experience the breathtaking beauty of South Africa’s Garden Route in an entirely new dimension.
The Route: A Masterpiece Forged by History and Nature
The GRG isn’t just about covering distance; it’s about traversing “Three Worlds”—the dramatic coastline, the vast plains of the Karoo, and the majestic inland mountains. What makes this 684km route truly unique are its seven iconic passes, each a testament to human ingenuity and natural grandeur.
Imagine yourself on Swartberg Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage site, its dry-stone walls seemingly defying gravity as they snake up to 1,583 meters above sea level. This isn’t just a climb; it’s a journey back to 1888, when the legendary road builder Thomas Bain and 250 convicts chiselled this masterpiece into existence with no mortar, only sheer determination. As you conquer its 12km, 15% gradients, you’ll appreciate the precision required to descend its “marbles”—loose, oversized stones that demand a mountain biker’s touch on the bike.
Then there’s the enchanting Phantom Pass, a shorter but deeply atmospheric stretch through ancient indigenous forests. Named not for ghosts, but for the elusive grey butterflies that flit through its canopy, this was Thomas Bain’s first major project back in 1862. Here, your singletrack skills for navigating dappled light and rooty sections will serve you well, making for a truly immersive, almost ethereal riding experience.
And these are just two of the seven giants. From the consistent grind of Montagu Pass, the oldest unaltered pass in South Africa, to the challenging, remote expanses of Prince Alfred’s Pass (Bain’s 68km masterpiece!), each ascent and descent offers a distinct flavour and a historical narrative that adds layers to every pedal stroke. This isn’t just a gravel race; it’s an expedition into the heart of the Garden Route’s heritage.
Tech Talk: Gearing Up for Gravel Glory with Canyoncafē
For mountain bikers making the switch, the biggest questions often revolve around equipment. What tire pressure for gravel? What gear ratios make sense for long climbs? And should you go drop-bar or flat-bar? The GRG has partnered with Canyoncafē to answer precisely these questions in a series of “Perfect Gravel Setup” videos.
As mountain bikers, we’re accustomed to lower tire pressures for traction and comfort. Gravel shares some of this philosophy, but with nuances for rolling resistance and puncture protection on sustained rough roads. Canyoncafē’s experts will break down ideal tire widths (think 40-45mm) and pressures that balance grip on loose surfaces with speed on smoother sections.
Gear ratios are another critical consideration. While your MTB often boasts a massive range, gravel racing demands efficiency. We’ll explore setups that offer climbing prowess for those monster passes like Swartberg, without sacrificing top-end speed for the flats. Expect discussions on 1x vs. 2x drivetrains and the sweet spot for cassette range that will keep your cadence spinning smoothly all day. These insights are invaluable for any mountain biker looking to optimize their gravel machine.
Beyond the Race: The GRG Ambassador Experience
The GRG isn’t just for elite athletes chasing the R700,000 prize purse (though that certainly adds a thrilling edge!). It’s designed for anyone seeking a premium, fully supported cycling adventure. To showcase this, the “Ambassador Takeovers” will be a key part of the build-up.
Follow local pros as they fine-tune their training on the actual GRG route, offering course previews and tactical advice. But equally important, you’ll hear from “average joes”—fellow enthusiasts, perhaps even some mountain bikers like yourself, who are stepping out of their comfort zone and embracing the gravel challenge. They’ll share their training logs, gear choices, and personal stories, demystifying the preparation process and proving that the GRG is achievable for dedicated riders of all levels.
Why Now is the Time
The Garden Route Giro isn’t just a race; it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to push your boundaries, to immerse yourself in one of South Africa’s most spectacular regions, and to become part of a new community that blends the grit of off-road cycling with the camaraderie and hospitality Dryland Event Management is famous for. With its professional organization, stunning scenery, historical depth, and bespoke rider experience, the GRG is set to become a marquee event on the global gravel calendar.
For mountain bikers, it’s a chance to explore a different kind of adventure. The skills you’ve honed on singletrack – reading terrain, bike handling, and sustained effort – will serve you incredibly well. It’s time to trade some of that rock garden for wide-open spaces and the quiet hum of rolling gravel.
Entries are open. Start your journey from singletrack to scenic gravel today.
Visit GRG to learn more and secure your spot for April 2026!
