If you’ve spent any amount of time on the South African mountain biking circuit, you know the name Dryland Event Management. They are the architects behind some of the most punishing, beautiful, and “soul-stirring” races on the calendar. But beyond the brutal climbs of the Attakwaskloof and the shimmering pans of the Tankwa, there is a quieter revolution happening in the background of their events: the Dryland Rewards Program.
In a sport where entry fees, gear maintenance, and travel can quickly turn a hobby into a major financial commitment, Dryland has done something fairly radical. They’ve turned loyalty into a currency.
Here is everything you need to know about the Dryland Rewards program, how to climb the tiers, and why your 2027 race season should probably start with a download of their app.
What is Dryland Rewards?
At its core, Dryland Rewards is a tiered loyalty system designed to give “value back” to the athletes who consistently support Dryland events. Launched back in late 2020, it moved away from the traditional “one-off” race entry model and toward a structure that rewards the “frequent flyers” of the dirt.
The math is simple: the more you finish, the less you pay for your next adventure. Depending on your tier, you can qualify for anywhere from 5% to a massive 60% discount on event entries.
How Do You Join?
Unlike many corporate loyalty programs that feel like you’re signing your life away, joining this one is straightforward.
- Download the App: You need the “Dryland Rewards” mobile application (available on iOS and Android).
- Register Your Profile: You’ll need your South African ID number, as the system links your race results directly to your identity. This ensures that your points are yours and yours alone.
- Enter Through the App: To ensure your points are tracked and your discounts applied, you perform your entries via the app’s interface.
The Science of the “Tier”: How to Earn Points
The program doesn’t just count how many races you show up for; it counts the weight of those races. Points are allocated based on a combination of the number of riding days and the level of difficulty.
For example, finishing a one-day classic like the Prince George 100 Miler might net you 10 points, while surviving a multi-day epic will carry significantly more weight.
The Tier Breakdown:
- Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Beyond: As you accumulate points within a “rolling” year, you move up the ladder.
- Dynamic Nature: It’s important to note that this is a dynamic process. Your tier level is determined by the events you successfully completed during the last complete run of that specific event. If you skip a year of your favorite race, those points will eventually expire as the new year’s results are confirmed.
The Heavy Hitters: Which Cycling Races are Involved?
The Dryland calendar is a “who’s who” of South African mountain biking. If you’re looking to rack up points, these are the marquee events you’ll be targeting:
1. The Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme (The “Hell of the South”)
The season opener and arguably the toughest one-day race in the country. It’s a 120km trek from Oudtshoorn to Great Brak River. It’s rocky, it’s hot, and in 2027, it’s entering its 21st year. If you want to prove you’re “tough enough” for the year ahead, this is where you start.
2. Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek
A four-day UCI stage race that attracts the world’s elite. It’s famous for the “Merino Monster,” a climb that has broken the spirits of many a professional.
3. The 36ONE MTB Challenge
361 kilometers. One stage. 36.1 hours to finish. It is a circumnavigation of the Klein Karoo that tests the very limits of human endurance.
4. Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek
Known as the “Race with Soul,” this is a five-day journey through diverse terrains, from the forests of Saasveld to the heart of the Karoo.
5. The Prince George Monumental 100 Miler
A point-to-point race that takes you over the Swartberg Pass and through the Montagu Pass, finishing at the coast. It’s a visual feast and a massive points-earner for the rewards program.
Why Should You Actually Care? (The Human Element)
Let’s be honest: we don’t ride these races because they are easy. We ride them because they change us. But the Dryland Rewards program adds a layer of practical incentive that makes the “lifestyle” of a mountain biker more sustainable.
1. The Discount is Real: If you are a regular who hits the Attakwas and a couple of stage races a year, you quickly find yourself in the higher tiers. A 20% or 30% discount on a stage race entry fee isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s the difference between doing one race a year and doing three.
2. The Perks Beyond the Price Tag: While Phase One focuses on entry discounts, Phase Two and the “Top Tier” benefits are where things get interesting. We’re talking about automatic accommodation upgrades, complimentary bike transport, and even technical backup or sports massages. For the truly elite tiers, there have even been whispers of complimentary flights. It’s about being treated like a pro, even if you’re a mid-pack warrior.
3. The Referral Bonus: Through the Entry Ninja integration, you can also use a referral link. If a friend enters using your link, you get a R250 voucher. In a tight-knit cycling community, those vouchers add up fast.
4. It Values the “Finisher”: You don’t get points for entering; you get points for finishing. The program rewards the grit it takes to cross the line within the race rules. It’s a badge of honor that lives in your digital wallet.
The Verdict
As we look toward the 2027 season—with entries for the Attakwas Extreme already open as of March 2026—there has never been a better time to gamify your cycling habit.
The “Hell of the South” is waiting, and while the Karoo sun won’t show you any mercy, the Dryland Rewards program certainly will. It’s rare to find a system that actually rewards the “suffering” we put ourselves through on the weekend, but Dryland has managed to do just that.
Download the app, book your slot, and start turning those corrugated climbs into actual value back in your pocket. See you in the Kloof.
