Taking on challenging single tracks, following exciting trails through ancient forests, meandering through Cape fynbos, racing the waves along pristine beaches or taking a leisurely cruise around the Knysna Estuary – whatever your pedalling pleasure, Knysna is your perfect cycling destination.
Knysna is fast becoming known as the mountain biking Mecca of the Garden Route and with good reason: the variety of natural surroundings cater to all cyclists’ needs; from the serious off roader looking for a challenge, to families pedalling together for fun.
Capitalising on the unique surroundings, Knysna also offers a full calendar of mountain biking and road cycling events. And if you book your stay through www.exploreknysna.com, you’ll start your weekend wearing the yellow jersey.
The Rocky Mountain Garden Route 300 takes place in February and, now only in its third year, the GR 300 has secured its place as one of the favourite races on the South African mountain biking calendar. Challenging teams to traverse 300km over three days, the GR 300 features the best in mountain biking trails in and around Knysna.
April sees the Rheenendal Memorial Mountain Bike Challenge, featuring stunning single track under the forest canopy, at the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains. Another incredible single track ride is the Homtini Mountain Bike Challenge, also taking riders through our mysterious forests. The RE:CM 200 Knysna takes place in June and is just like the GR 300, only a bit easier.
The end of June and beginning of July in Knysna means it is time for the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival and, of course, cycling! The 30th Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival will take place from 28 June to 7 July this year, with the first weekend promising great excitement to all cyclists. The Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Knysna Rotary Cycle Tour is one of the most anticipated cycling events of the year, offering the best in trail mountain biking as well as exciting road racing.
When the weather warms up in September, so does the cycling, with The Dr Evil Classic Three Day Stage Race returning after a very successful first year. Taking riders through some of the most spectacular local scenery, this is sure to grow into another of Knysna – and South Africa’s – favourite races.
Also at the end of September is The Pennypinchers Die Burger Lions Karoo to Coast 100km Mountain Bike Challenge . A firm favourite on our riding calendar, cyclists make their way from Uniondale to Knysna via the spectacular Prince Alfred Pass.
And while the 2012 Moon To Noon ride turned into a Light To Night ride at the end of November, riders can look forward to an exhilarating night to day or day to night ride through Knysna’s beautiful surrounding areas.
Then again, if the strain of training and competing is not quite your thing, you can always take the family on an easy, leisurely ride from your comfortable accommodation just to the corner store.
So if you are an avid competitor searching for your next challenge or a cyclist yearning for uniquely beautiful trails, Knysna is the place to pedal.