Rider Info
Part of a legacy
Born out of a passion for the great outdoors, the event has proudly grown in stature and fame since 2004 and said to be the best single stage event on the South African mountain biking calendar. It certainly is among the most challenging, the most unique, and features the most breathtaking route. It’s no wonder so many accomplished mountain bikers proudly count their Trans Baviaans finishes among their greatest achievements on the bike!
Race start time
08:00 Saturday in front of the Townhall, Willowmore
Location of Start and Finish
Start Venue: Willowmore
The karoo town nestled in the heart of the Eastern Cape, proudly serves as the start venue. More than just a starting point, Willowmore becomes the hub of energy and excitement as riders from all over the country gather here for all the pre-race activities like Registration, the Race Expo, Race Briefings, and the traditional Pasta Meal
View the Trans Baviaans Google Map, featuring all key event locations and points of interest.
Finish Venue: Jeffreys Bay, Mentors Country Estate
The race finishes in the vibrant coastal town of Jeffreys Bay (Afrikaans: Jeffreysbaai, or simply “J-Bay”)—South Africa’s surfing capital. Known for its world-class waves, sunny skies, local crafts, and surf shops on every corner, it’s the perfect place to relax and celebrate your finish. The final stop of your journey, Mentors Country Estate, is a beautiful venue set in serene surroundings—ideal for closing off your Trans Baviaans adventure in style.
Registration time
Registration opens on Friday from 12:00 at the Willowmore Townhall in the main street and will continue until 20:00.
There will be no registration on Saturday morning.
Prize giving
10:00 Sunday, Mentors Country Estate, Jeffreys Bay
Race cut-off
The Trans Baviaans is a 24-hour endurance event.
- Halfway Cut-Off – Checkpoint 4:
Riders must depart from Checkpoint 4 before 00:00 on Sunday morning - Finish Line Cut-Off:
The final cut-off at the finish will be at 10:00 on Sunday morning. After this time, official event support will be withdrawn, and team supporters must then collect their team.
Registration
To streamline your registration experience, please ensure you have all required documents and items ready when you arrive—knowing your team number ahead of time will also help speed things up and keep the process running smoothly. Listed below is what you need to bring to Registration.
-
Personal Identification
You must collect your race packs and drop boxes in person.
-
Waiver and Indemnity
This is a legally binding document that outlines your rights and responsibilities as a participant. You are required to read it carefully before entering the event and sign it prior to the race start.
-
Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency (ECPTA) Indemnity
As part of your participation in the event, you are required to complete this indemnity form.
This document is a mandatory requirement from the ECPTA for access to the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve during the race.
-
Drop Box Contents
We recommend bringing the items you’d like to place in your drop box with you to Registration, especially if you are staying out of town. Trucks are loaded during Registration on Friday to start departing in the early hours of Saturday morning to ensure they are in time at the Checkpoints. NO Trucks will be available on Saturday morning for loading.
-
Spending Money
Don’t forget to bring some spending money to registration—you’ll want to check out the expo and grab some great gear or souvenirs – after all, you’ve earned it making it this far!
Should you want to collect the Race Pack on behalf of a friend, ensure to bring a copy of their ID and the completed consent form. You can download the form here: Race Pack & Drop box collection consent form
Drop Boxes
Drop boxes are optional for use and available for teams who wish to send personal items (such as nutrition, clothing, or gear) to specific checkpoints along the route.
Drop boxes are allocated to three specific checkpoints and cannot be sent to any others:
Checkpoint 2: at 93kms
Checkpoint 3: at 123kms
Checkpoint 4: at 140kms
All items must fit completely inside the drop box, and the lid must close securely – plan you race strategy and pack accordingly.
Drop box size:
22 litre capacity
34cm long
23cm wide
28 cm high
CHECKPOINTS
| Location | Altitude (M) | Distance | Avg Fastest | Avg Slowest | Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| START Willowmore | 828m | 0km | n/a | n/a | START |
| CP1 | 728m | 52 km | 1 hr 30 mins | 3hrs 30mins | Food and drink provisions, Rest spot, medic , toilet |
| CP2 | 381m | 93km | 3 hrs | 6.5hrs | Check-in/out. Food & Drink Provisions, Drop boxes, Mechanic, Bike Wash, Evacuation Vehicles, Medic, Toilet |
| CP3 | 169m | 123km | 4hrs | 10 hrs | Check-in/out. Food & Drink Provisions, Drop boxes, Evacuation Vehicles, Medic, Toilet |
| CP4 | 668m | 140km | 5.5 hrs | 14hrs | Check-in/out. Food & Drink Provisions, Drop boxes, Mechanic, Evacuation Vehicles, Medic, Toilet |
| CP5 | 83m | 172km | 6hrs 30mins | 17hrs 30mins | Check-in/out. Food & Drink Provisions, Supporters allowed, Mechanic, Medic, Toilet |
| CP6 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | Self-check-in |
| CP7 | 218m | 205km | 7hrs | 21,5hrs | Check-in/out. Food & Drink Provisions, Medic, Toilet |
| FINISH Jeffrey’s Bay | 63m | 230km | 8hrs | 24hrs | Check-in/out. Bar, Food Stalls, Spectators allowed, Bike Wash, Transfer Bikes, Transfer Vehicles, Medic, Toilet & Showers |
Mandatory Gear
The Baviaanskloof is remote and hard to access, meaning help may take time to reach you. Weather can shift quickly, and temperatures can drop suddenly — especially overnight.
The following compulsory gear is required per rider and must be seen as the bare minimum to be on the bike. It must be carried with you from start to finish. While you may not use every item during the race, each one is critical in an emergency situation.
-
Map
-
Race Number
-
Basic first aid kit
-
Space blanket
-
Jacket
-
Repair kit
-
Spare tube
-
Headlight
-
Taillight
-
Spare batteries
-
Hydration
-
Mobile phone
-
Whistle
-
Helmet
-
Bicycle
Prize Giving
Completing the Trans Baviaans is a right of passage. Completing 5 finishes within 24-hour time limit earns you the required number of medals to complete the 5-piece puzzle that fit into a trophy (shield) AND puts you in a special club. Earning your 10-year shield sets you apart as a true legend yourself. While the handful of 15 x, or more, finishers are men and women you can spend long hours talking to. They know a thing or two. They’ve seen remarkable things and shared in the legacy of this amazing race.
To be eligible for prizes and official recognition, each podium category must have a minimum of 10 teams and may not include e-bike riders or tandems. Missing the prize giving ceremony will result in your prize being forfeited.
The following categories will receive recognition:
-
First 5 Mens Teams
-
First 5 Ladies Teams
-
First 3 Mixed Teams
-
First 3 Master Teams
Race Rules
To ensure a safe, fair, and enjoyable experience for all participants, compliance with all event rules is mandatory.
This is a Cycling South Africa-sanctioned event, and all CSA requirements must be followed. Our race rules are primarily based on the UCI Mountain Bike Regulations. In addition to complying with CSA and UCI regulations, all participants must also adhere to the following event-specific rules:
To help you prepare, we’ve summarized the 10 most important rules below.
Top Ten Rules
- Know the route – it is not marked
- Riders are required to stay within 2 minutes of their team partner
- Teams cannot split up during the race
- You have to check-in at all checkpoints (some are unmanned)
- Make sure you carry your mandatory gear
- By dusk you must be riding with your lights on
- No outside assistance or support on the route.
- Your support crew is not allowed to travel through the baviaanskloof or be on the same route as you.
- Notify a race official / checkpoint captain if you want to withdraw from the race
- If you are eligible for a prize, you have to be at prize giving
Services
Different event services are provided for riders for their convenience. Please contact these independent service providers directly should you have any queries.
Meals
Friday Night Past Meal
The Karoo’s hospitality of the locals shows in the pasta meal, freshly baked farm bread, potatoes and koeksisters! The cost of this service can be added on your entry and during registration you will receive your pasta meal ticket.
Finish Burger
Each rider will receive a complimentary burger on the finish line.
Bicycle Transport
To make your Trans Baviaans experience as smooth as possible, we’ve partnered with trusted bicycle transport companies who are fully endorsed by the event. By choosing one of our preferred transport suppliers, you’ll not only enjoy peace of mind knowing your bike is in expert hands but also benefit from the convenience of easy collection at the finish line—these suppliers have exclusive access to park close to the venue.
Make your journey easier by supporting the transport teams we trust to deliver.
VIP Bicycle Transport and Logistics
South Africa’s Premier Bicycle Transportation Specialists
We provide top-notch bicycle transportation services to all major racing events in South Africa. Our team ensures your bike is transported:
- Safely: With utmost care and attention to detail
- Securely: Your bike is protected from damage or loss
- Trusted: Rely on us for reliable and efficient service
- Reputably: We’re known for our professionalism and expertise
- Established: Years of experience in the industry
Get in touch with us to transport your bike with confidence!”
Call or WhatsApp
Barend van Heerden 0825715557
Book on website
https://www.bicyclelogistics.co.za/product-category/events/
Hoffies Bicycle Transport
Hassle-Free Bicycle Transport to Trans Baviaans with Hoffies
Planning your ride? Let Hoffies Bicycle Transport get your bicycle there safely and on time.
- R1100 from Gauteng
- Only R1000 extra from any other main (Return) centre in SA
- Delivery to Willowmore – bicycles arrive 1 day before race day
- Collection at the finish – bicycles returned hassle-free
- Bag transport available for just R250
Reliable, convenient, Insured and trusted by cyclists across South Africa.
Book now via www.hoffies.co.za or call 071 231 2177
Bicycle Transport Joggie’s
- Safe
- Secure
- Race ready
Book online: www.bicycletransport.co.za
Go to link: https://bicycletransport.co.za/races/
Vehicle Transfers
The Global Leadership Academy is a registered Non-Profit High School in Jeffreys Bay and has been offering Vehicle Transfers for the Trans Baviaans participants for more than 10 years!
As a fundraising initiative, they provide a professional vehicle transfer service from Willowmore to Jeffreys Bay for both events. Vehicles are driven to Jeffreys Bay on the day of the Trans Baviaans, arriving well before the cyclists do. Vehicles must be fully fuelled by the owner before departure.
Bookings need to be made in advance, before 30 June. The steps to ensure your vehicle is allocated a transfer-driver are as follows:
- Email transbaviaans@gla-jbay.org to request a Vehicle Transfer Application.
- Make a non-refundable, non-transferable payment of R1000.00 before 30 June.
- Complete and submit vehicle transfer application with supporting documents.
- The Global Leadership Academy office will confirm your booking via email.
- On the day of the event, you will hand over your keys at our kiosk at the starting line – Willowmore.
- Once transferred, your vehicle will be parked in a designated parking area at Fountains Mall – the finish line.
- Collect your keys at our kiosk at the finish line in Jeffreys Bay.
Please see below the fee structure.
- Bookings made before 30 June = R1000 per vehicle
Applications received after 30 June will be processed as late bookings, and subsequently will only be processed at a higher cost of R1500.00 (Driver availability dependent).
For more information, please contact Naomi:
Tel: 042 2933053 (PLEASE NOTE: the phone number is not available during school holidays)
E-mail: transbaviaans@gla-jbay.org
*All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
*Vehicle owners are responsible to ensure all vehicles are fuelled and valuables safely stowed away.
Bicycle Shops
Show your appreciation by supporting the bike shops that stand behind the Trans Baviaans!
Qualified mechanics from reputable cycling shops will be available at selected checkpoints to assist with unexpected bike issues during the race.
While labour is available, any replacement parts or components will need to be paid for directly to the on-site bike shop.
Ride prepared, but know help is there if you need it!
Email:
- Sales: sales1@specializedgeorge.com ; sales2@specializedgeorge.com
- General Enquiries: info@specializedgeorge.com
- Service Centre: workshop@specializedgeorge.com
Tel: 044 873 0606
Website: https://www.specializedgeorge.com/
Address: 67 York Street, Dormehls Drift, George, 6529
Address: 3, Sandpiper Centre, Main Road, Sedgefield, 6573
Cycleworx Sedgefield, Shop 7 Sandpiper centre, Main road, Sedgefield 6573
Phone: Owner Sean Hanekom
Landline: 044 3431710
Cell number: 0833579999
Bike Wash at the Finish
After conquering the Baviaanskloof, your bike will have earned a clean too!
A bike wash service will be available at the finish line to help you rinse off the dust, mud, and grit from the route. Whether you’re heading home or planning to ride again soon, give your bike the care it deserves.
Details:
- Available at the finish venue
- Operated by a professional crew
- No booking needed — just roll in and freshen up your ride!
Accommodation
Tented Accommodation in Willowmore
One 3m x 3m Canvas tent sleeps x2 people
Included: Stretchers, mattresses, bedside table, camp light, camp chairs
Bedding: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, comforter, fleece blanket, pillow with case.
Organised by Petrichor Adventures
Rohan: 083 659 4514
rohan@petrichoradventures.co.za
Willowmore Info
Willowmore School Hostel
Call: 083 667 3136
Email: Hostelaccom@gmail.com
Training
This is an event not to be taken lightly…but with a well-planned approach, it’s an eminently achievable challenge that might even make you a better mountain biker!
Download the Polar Training Planner and target zone calculator here .
The training planner is designed to provide you with a framework (not a recipe) for your training allowing you the flexibility to create your own plan to fit in with your lifestyle and other commitments.
You are welcome to send any questions to info@ihfproducts.co.za
-
Determine you maximum available weekly training time – be realistic – this will be your peak week
-
Aim for 5 – 6 training sessions per week with 1-2 rest days – frequency is key
-
Your long slow distance (LSD) training session should make up at least 1/3 of your weekly training time
-
Use the target zone calculator to determine your intensity zones
-
When in doubt favor lower intensity training sessions
-
Only 1 session per week should be at higher intensity
-
Target 7 – 9 hours sleep per night