Seven Passes MTB Event

About the Seven Passes MTB Event

Where: The route follows the 7 Passes road between George and Knysna
Level: 75 km; advanced riding
Type of route: some tar, but mainly dirt mountain roads through indigenous forest, pine plantation and private farmland
Best: in Autumn, just before the rains

This mountain bike event is a new event, inaugurated at the end of April 2015. Known as the Susan Deacon 7 Passes Weekend MTB, the race begins in George and follows the 7 Passes Route along the back roads through indigenous forest, pine plantations, farmland and across historical bridges and rushing rivers.

The beautiful scenery is the star of the show as it follows the Karatara, Homtini, and Phantom passes amongst others. The event's terrain and difficulty have been compared with the Karoo-to-Coast MTB event, and the 77 km event is a real challenge.

There is a short route option: the Leeuwenbosch Dairies K2K route is a 36 km route starting at the Karatara halfway mark that gives junior cyclists and those just starting in the sport a chance to enjoy the event as well.

The main route incorporates a few surprise areas on privately owned properties to add technical sections to the race. In this way the race excludes much of the tarred roads of the passes.

Both routes finish at the Knysna waterfront, which includes a floating bridge finish.

The first day is the choice of either the full route, or the halfway point start at Karatara. Day two is a return ride, purely for the joy of it, back to the start venue at the King George. Only those taking part in the event may ride the return journey.

There are three water points, at 20 km intervals.

To avoid disappointment it is advisable to book your accommodation well in advance for this event. Visit the Knysna Accommodation pages to find guest houses, hotels and self catering places to stay and for additional info about Knysna which includes attractions, restaurants and things to do, see Knysna Info.