The Trans Baviaans is more than just a mountain bike race — it’s a celebration of endurance, community, and the incredible spirit of the Baviaanskloof. Each year, the event brings together riders, volunteers, local businesses, and supporters from across South Africa and beyond. If you’d like to be part of the extraordinary experience, contact us to get involved.

• School Support: Sponsorship of school stationery for local learners in the Baviaanskloof region.
• Food Donations: Fresh produce and leftover food from checkpoints are donated to nearby communities after the event.
• Local Catering Empowerment: Community members are employed to provide authentic local cuisine along the route, including:
• Roosterbrood at Vero’s
• The famous boere braai at Smitskraal

Willowmore Enrichment Through the Trans Baviaans

The Trans Baviaans is more than just a mountain bike race — it’s a celebration of community. In Willowmore, the event provides a valuable economic and social boost.

• Each year, the event provides a unique platform to uplift and involve local youth through sponsorship and participation in the Opening Ceremony where several local schools and youth groups are invited to take part, helping to build community pride and create a festive start to the race. Beneficiaries include:

• Willowmore Laerskool
• Elmore Laerskool Trompoppies (Majorettes)
• Die Boys Brigade (Brass Band)
• Willowmore Sekondêr

This initiative brings energy, visibility, and a sense of purpose to the youth of Willowmore, while fostering deeper ties between the race and the community that hosts its start.

Leading up to the race, local residents are employed to assist with vital pre-event logistics, including:

• Setup and branding
• Registration
• Venue preparation and breakdown

This not only empowers community members with temporary employment but also provides a much-needed cash injection into the local economy.

In addition, beloved local institutions contribute to the rider experience while raising funds for their causes:

• The NG Church prepares and serves the traditional pre-race pasta meal
• The Landbougenootskap provides a hearty breakfast on race day

Through these efforts, the Willowmore community plays a central role in the event while benefiting directly from its success — a true celebration of collaboration, pride, and purpose.

Global Leadership Academy’s Involvement in the Trans Baviaans

Global Leadership Academy (GLA) is a registered non-profit high school based in Jeffreys Bay. For many years, GLA has proudly served as a community partner of the Trans Baviaans, with the event becoming the Academy’s largest annual fundraising initiative.

Through this partnership, GLA contributes to the success of the race by:

• Running a professional vehicle transfer service from Willowmore to Jeffreys Bay
• Providing volunteers to welcome riders across the finish line
• Coordinating the organization and distribution of finish-line drop boxes

This initiative not only helps ensure the smooth execution of the Trans Baviaans, but also raises essential funds to support quality education and leadership development for local youth.

Global Challenge’s Involvement in the Trans Baviaans

Global Challenge is proud to be a long-standing community partner of the Trans Baviaans mountain bike race. Over the years, their involvement has become an essential part of the event’s success and serves as a meaningful way to support their ongoing work with young people.

As part of their contribution, Global Challenge takes responsibility for several key aspects of the race, including:

• Managing rider registration and start check-in
• Running Checkpoint 4 at Bergplaas — famous for their warm hospitality and legendary soup
• Assisting at Checkpoint 5 (Hadleigh Pakhuis)
• Managing Checkpoint 7 at Zuurbron

Their committed team ensures a smooth and memorable experience for riders, while using the event to help fund the transformative programs they offer to youth from across South Africa and beyond.