Pathfinders 4.0 Returns to Elgin This October
Pathfinders 4.0 is bringing a weekend of off-road riding, navigation and teamwork to the Elgin Grabouw Country Club on 23 and 24 October 2026. Presented by Trax & Trails, the event pairs riders into teams of two and sends them out on GPS-guided routes through the Elgin countryside.
You don’t need to be an experienced adventure rider to take part. With four categories covering different ages, motorcycles and levels of difficulty, younger riders can take on their own challenge while more experienced riders can test themselves on the tougher routes.
When and Where Is Pathfinders 4.0?
Pathfinders 4.0 takes place at Elgin Grabouw Country Club on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October 2026. Entries are limited to 150 teams, with two riders making up each team.
Friday gets the weekend underway with an optional time trial, which determines the starting order for Saturday. The main event takes place on Saturday, when teams head out on their chosen routes and navigate their way through the course using GPS.
What Can Riders Expect?
This isn’t a marked race where you can simply follow the rider ahead of you. Teams need to keep track of their GPS route while dealing with the terrain, distance and conditions along the way. Each loop is around 50km, and riders can expect to spend roughly four to eight hours on the route, depending on their category and the conditions on the day.
There are also one or two designated service points along the routes, giving teams somewhere to stop, regroup and deal with anything they need before carrying on.
Four Routes to Choose From
Pathfinders 4.0 has four categories, so riders can choose a route that matches their age and experience.
Bronze – Baboon Troop is open to riders from the year of their 10th birthday. Riders under 16 must team up with a chaperone aged 18 or older, and motorcycles must be at least an 85cc 2-stroke big wheel or a 150cc 4-stroke.
Silver – Klipspringer Tribe is open from the year of a rider’s 13th birthday. The same minimum motorcycle requirements apply as Bronze, and riders under 16 must also compete with an adult chaperone.
Gold – Caracul Cubs is open from the year of a rider’s 15th birthday and requires a minimum 125cc motorcycle. Riders under 16 must still be accompanied by a chaperone aged 18 or older.
Gold X – Cape Leopards is for riders from the year of their 16th birthday and requires a minimum 125cc motorcycle. Entries for this category are subject to approval and vetting by the event organisers.
What Do You Need to Bring?
Every team needs at least one GPS navigation unit, such as a Garmin eTrex or similar device. Motorcycles must also meet the event’s regulations and safety requirements.
If you’re riding in Silver, Gold or Gold X, you’ll need to carry a five-metre rope throughout the event.
Spectators Are Welcome
You don’t need to have a motorcycle entry to enjoy the weekend. Friends, family and support crews are welcome, with designated viewing areas where spectators can watch the riders come through.
4×4 spectator vehicle access is available at R150 per vehicle, giving supporters the option of reaching designated viewing areas during the event.
Camping and Glamping in Elgin
Travelling from outside the area? YOU2CAMP is offering both camping and glamping options close to the event, so you can stay nearby instead of making the drive home after the day’s riding.
The glamping option costs R1,980 for Friday and Saturday and includes a furnished canvas dome with a proper bed, mattress, bedding, lighting and an electrical point. Guests also have access to showers, toilets, braai facilities, a coffee station and communal amenities.
Traditional camping costs R365 per person for Friday and Saturday, with access to the same shared facilities. Both options can be extended to include Thursday night if you’d rather arrive before the event gets going.
Make a Weekend of Pathfinders
With the event taking place in the Elgin Valley, there is plenty of reason to stay for more than the riding. While teams are out on the routes, supporters can explore the area, and everyone can make use of the weekend to see more of Grabouw and Elgin.
For riders, the challenge comes from having to navigate the route as a team rather than simply following a course. For spectators, it’s an opportunity to spend a weekend in the valley with something happening at the centre of it.
Pathfinders 4.0
23–24 October 2026
Elgin Grabouw Country Club
Teams of 2 riders
Entries limited to 150 teams
For enquiries, contact Dan on 071 421 0250 or Brendon on 083 799 2111.
