The Grind
📍 Gauteng, South Africa
gravelmtb
Date
7 February 2026
Distance
155km · 70km · 45km
Elevation
1,726 m
Difficulty
mtb
The Munga Cycling Tour
Karoo, South Africa · 10–16 October 2026
Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard
This demanding yet supported 1,000km mountain bike tour traces the legendary Munga route through the semi-desert Karoo region of South Africa. Over six riding days, participants tackle scenic farm trails, dirt roads, and iconic passes without the stressful cut-offs of a race.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 1000km
- Elevation
- 6,000 m
- Surface
- gravel, dirt, singletrack
- Typical W/kg
- 2.5–3.5
Rider fit
Who it's for
This tour is designed for endurance mountain bikers who want to challenge themselves on an epic 1,000km route while enjoying fully supported logistics, daily hot showers, and relaxed group dinners.
Who will struggle
Cyclists who struggle with back-to-back days of riding up to 12 hours off-road, or those who are unprepared for extreme Karoo heat and heavy head-winds.
Training focus
Prioritize high-volume endurance blocks with consecutive long weekend rides on unpaved surfaces to condition your body for cumulative fatigue.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
Is this a competitive race?+
No, this is a fully supported tour rather than a race. Riders can cycle at their own pace without the pressure of competitive cut-offs.
What kind of vehicle and route support is provided?+
The tour includes three support vehicles deployed ahead, behind, and in between riders, alongside daily mini waterpoints with snacks, and planned lunch stops.
What are the daily riding distances and elevation profiles?+
Riders will cover a total of roughly 1,000 km over six days, averaging between 800m and 1,200m of climbing per day.
Does the tour follow the exact Munga race route?+
It follows the iconic race route for the most part, but introduces riders to exclusive private trails and sheep farm sections not included in the official race.
How are the logistics for starting and finishing handled?+
The tour starts in Bloemfontein and ends in Wellington. Riders must arrange their own transport to the start and from the finish, though vehicle transfer assistance from Bloemfontein to Wellington can be requested for a fee.
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