Good times are synonymous with the Glacier Storms River Traverse. Sunshine… not as much. In the 14-edition history of the event, the sun has rarely shone for three consecutive days.
In 2026, the weather gods finally smiled upon the 250 mountain bikers gathered in the Tsitsikamma, delivering three unseasonably warm days with 20°C highs and clear blue skies. The fine weather raised spirits even higher than usual and ensured this year’s weekend was one to remember.
“We had rain last week, but the weekend looks perfect,” forecast David Pienaar, co-owner of the Tsitsikamma Village Inn, before the start. “The tracks will be muddy in places, but not as muddy as in previous years.”
That proved true. From Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August, the plantation roads and indigenous forest tracks gradually dried out, leaving just enough mud to keep the signature Storms River character alive.
Wine, Braais, and Off-the-Bike Festivities
That riders return year after year, despite the risk of wet days, speaks volumes for the event’s social charm. It functions as an annual reunion for old friends and a scenic weekend escape.
The festivities kicked off on Thursday evening with popcorn, sweets, droëwors, Perdeberg wines, and Weihenstephaner beers, balanced by a Biogen station to help riders pre-fuel.
Stage 1 presented the weekend’s longest test at 62 km, featuring a double ascent of the Storms River Pass. In between climbing, MTO plantation dual tracks allowed participants to ride two-abreast and chat away the kilometres. Water points powered by Glacier by Sanlam and GWM South Africa sat on cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, inspiring longer stops than usual to take in the views.
By Stage 2, the riding turned faster and more technical, but the social atmosphere remained front and centre. Water points proved hard to leave—especially the second stop, where hot ostrich fillet strips off the Weber braai were a crowd favourite.
High Energy and Standout Performances
The final day carried a bittersweet feel as pedal strokes brought riders closer to the finish line. “I’m happy, but I’d love to just stay here and ride every day,” remarked one participant. “I’m not ready to go home.”
While most of the field rode strictly for leisure, competitive action added plenty of spark. Karina and Kelvyn Els claimed victory in the E-Bike Teams category, edging out Dalene Eksteen and Bas Gouweloos by 1 minute and 44 seconds after three days of electrified racing. Paul Andries De Vos and Maria Palm took the solo men’s and women’s E-Bike crowns, while Alex Hayman and Joshua Le Roux won the analogue men’s team division.
Veteran Yolande de Villiers took home the solo women’s crown, setting a blistering overall pace that would have placed her second in the solo men’s division. Meanwhile, 19-year-old rising talent Ruan Portwig delivered a standout performance, finishing faster than all but one of the solo E-bikers over the weekend.
As the sun set on the 2026 edition, riders headed home with muddy bikes, warm memories, and a weekend of coastal forest riding well spent.
