Bikes2Blossoms MTB 2026: A Day on the Trails in Elgin Valley
If you’ve never ridden through Elgin when the orchards are in bloom, October is a good time to change that. The apple and pear trees are beginning to flower, and Bikes2Blossom puts you right in the middle of it, with routes through the Elgin Valley and Grabouw Forest Trails. Taking place on Saturday, 10 October 2026, the event also brings riders onto Oak Valley’s single tracks on the Long Route, making it a day that combines the scenery with some proper trail riding.
The Experience
This isn’t just a ride, and the day doesn’t end when you cross the finish line. The event includes a race village with food vendors, drinks at the finish and a few useful extras for riders. There are also discounts for accommodation at Trail’s End, so staying over and making a weekend of it is an option.
The Routes
There are four rides to choose from, ranging from a 65km route for more experienced riders to a guided ride for children:
- Long Route: 65km MTB | 1,268m elevation | Est. 5 hours | 8:00am. Combines the Elgin Valley and Grabouw Forest Trails before finishing on Oak Valley single tracks. Suited to fit riders with intermediate technical skills.
- 40km Route: 40km MTB | 936m elevation | Est. 3.5 hours | 8:30am. A good option for intermediate riders looking for a longer ride.
- 20km Route: 20km MTB | 584m elevation | Est. 2.5 hours | 9:00am. Suited to riders looking for a shorter day on the trails.
- Kiddies Ride: 5km MTB | Est. 1 hour | 9:30am. A guided ride for children aged six to 12. Adult supervision is recommended.
What’s Included?
Your entry covers more than the ride itself, with refreshments and a few extras included on the day:
- Waterpoints sponsored by Food Lover’s Market, Peregrine Farm Stall and 32Gi
- Finisher drinks sponsored by aQuelle
- Finisher’s medal
- Complimentary apples
- Discounts on Trail’s End accommodation
- Race village with food vendors
The Setting
There’s a lot to look at once you leave the start line at Elgin Grabouw Country Club. The routes wind through the valley and Grabouw Forest, passing orchards and farmland before the Long Route heads towards Oak Valley for its single-track finish. By October, the first apple and pear blossoms are starting to appear along the way, making this a particularly good time to ride the valley.
Tickets & Details
Bikes2Blossoms takes place on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at the Elgin Grabouw Country Club.
- Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026
- Time: From 7:00am
- Location: Elgin Grabouw Country Club
- Entry: R200 – R650
- Long Route: 8:00am
- 40km Route: 8:30am
- 20km Route: 9:00am
- Kiddies Ride: 9:30am
Why You Should Go
Some events are really about the race, while others are about getting outside and enjoying the day. Bikes2Blossoms falls somewhere in between. There’s enough elevation and distance to give regular riders something to work for, but there’s also a shorter route, a Kiddies Ride and a race village to make the day more relaxed. Add the orchards coming into bloom and the Elgin Grabouw landscape around you, and it’s a good excuse to spend a Saturday on the trails.
