{"id":76075,"date":"2026-05-13T10:08:45","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T08:08:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/?p=76075"},"modified":"2026-05-13T10:08:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T08:08:47","slug":"sani2c-delivers-trail-magic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/sani2c-delivers-trail-magic\/","title":{"rendered":"sani2c Delivers Trail Magic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I\u2019ve been lucky enough to have done most of the major mountain bike stage races in South Africa, but for some reason I\u2019ve never made it to sani2c. This year the stars finally aligned and I was able to experience the grand daddy of three-day mountain bike stage races in South Africa for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Details<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The KAP sani2c<\/a> is a three-day, 270-kilometre mountain bike stage race held annually in KwaZulu-Natal. Founded in 2005 by \u2018Farmer\u2019 Glen Haw, it starts near the foot of the Sani Pass in the southern Drakensberg and finishes on the shores of the Indian Ocean at Scottburgh. In between, riders cross the KZN Midlands mist belt, traverse dairy and timber farms, drop through indigenous forest, and descend into the spectacular Umkomaas Valley and climb out before sugar cane fields deliver them to the coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The start venue and race village at Glencairn Farm is astonishingly picturesque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The three stages cover roughly 89, 92 and 86 kilometres respectively. Race villages at Mackenzie Club and Jolivet form the overnight stops between start and finish, each hosted by the communities living and working along the route. Entry packages are structured around a camping option that covers a tent per team, on-route support and meals, with accommodation upgrades available for those who want more comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 0: Getting there<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For Western Cape riders making the trip, the travel is not insignificant – but the event has airport shuttles you can book from King Shaka International Airport, Durban. My advice would be: suck it up and take an early flight so that you can get on the 10h30 shuttle and arrive at Glencairn with plenty of time to unpack and find your way around in daylight. I arrived in the dark, which made settling in more challenging than it needed to be. Similarly, I would suggest either staying on the night after the finish or taking the latest flight possible to ensure you are not rushed at Scottburgh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 1: Glencairn Farm \u2192 Mackenzie Club<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Glencairn Farm \u2192 Mackenzie Club<\/strong> | 89 km | 1200 m elevation gain | View on Strava<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My partner, Hayley, had a late call up, with just two weeks notice to train, and our plan was simple: I would do everything I could to help, we\u2019d do our best, and most importantly, enjoy the famed trails that I had travelled so far to experience. We nailed the brief and Hayley was a hero, digging in for the hard yards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Prologue route was a highlight, and I highly recommend trying to factor in the time to ride it as ‘warm-up’<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We were racing UCI ladies, and so were lucky enough to ride the 20km prologue on Wednesday before the main event kicked off. I say \u201clucky\u201d because that route reminded me exactly why I love mountain biking, and I had a smile on my face from start to finish. It was almost 100% singletrack: smooth winding , climbing and descending with the most incredible views of the Drakensberg peaks in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The real Stage 1 kicked off the following morning after a crisp and windy night at Glencairn farm. We had 20km of relatively flat open roads to compose ourselves before we hit the View Climb and subsequent single track. From this point, I understood why sani has retained its legend status in the world of stage races. The trails are nothing like the loose and rocky terrain I have grown used to in the Western Cape. They are smooth, fast, and flowing. Winding through plantations so that kilometres ticked over almost imperceptibly. Hayley and I found a great rhythm on the trails and took turns leading and chasing as we wove through the trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What struck me most with the scenery was the colours. The light had a special golden quality and the green, gold and autumn reds felt almost surreal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Eventually we emerged from the plantations into cleared fields, and were able to surf a seemingly endless wave of trail to the finish line at Mackenzie Club. We spent the afternoon demolishing snacks and lounging in the chill zone. I can highly recommend the banana bread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 2: Mackenzie Club \u2192 Jolivet Farm<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mackenzie Club \u2192 Jolivet Farm<\/strong> | 92 km | 1624 m elevation gain | View on Strava<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 2 was a challenge as we started at 6:30AM, just after first light. The rush and the early alarm became worth it the moment I saw the Umkomaas river glinting far below us in the golden sunrise. This descent is everything the hype promises: it sweeps on for kilometres, threading down to the valley floor through homesteads, forest and open fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dropping into the Umkomaas at sunrise was an experience I will never forget<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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What followed was an underrated highlight of the stage: an endless magic carpet ride of trails alongside the river, through remote valleys and secret citrus orchards. I could not stop looking around me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The infamous Iconic climb formed an inflection point in the stage. From this point, the terrain changed and we headed into plantations again with more weaving through trees, on fast flowing trails, linked by even faster fire road. Time flew until we could hear the finish line at Kings Harvest Academy in the distance. From the finish we rolled down in a neutral zone to the race village, nestled in the orchards at Jolivet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ideal conditions for a long afternoon tent nap and a well-earned steak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 3: Jolivet Farm \u2192 Scottburgh Golf Club<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jolivet Farm \u2192 Scottburgh Golf Club<\/strong> | 86 km | 940 m elevation gain | View on Strava<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage three posed a different logistical challenge: we started in reverse order so that as many riders as possible could be present at prize-giving. This meant a 09h45 start, and a race to ensure I made it in time to box my bike, and catch the 14h30 airport shuttle. The route was fast: trending downhill through sugarcane plantations, interspersed with sections of forest singletrack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hayley and I were the last riders in the field for the first 58 kilometres and had the sweep bike for company. Another new, and rather humbling experience in the bag. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vernon Crookes nature reserve was a highlight of the stage – offering incredible views of rolling hills in all directions. A unique indigenous forest singletrack took us to the final waterpoint, and eventually we started passing back markers as we wound our way towards the coast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We were both digging deep: the stage demanded it regardless, but my shuttle deadline added an extra edge of urgency. I was so grateful to smell the sea and realise we were closing in on the finish, although the final drag from the floating bridge to the finish at Scottburgh Golf Club felt almost as long as the entire stage. I was sad that I had to rush off and could not enjoy a bit more of the finish line energy, and take a moment to let our achievement, and the unforgettable three days of riding we had experienced, sink in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Finally<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For a mass participation event the feel is truly intimate. Farmer Glen and the organising team are there on the ground all day everyday: speaking to riders from the first to the last. As a rider you can feel that your experience truly matters to them. You are welcomed by the community at each race village, so that each one feels like home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something that makes this event truly special is the willingness of everyone involved to help. At the finish I had multiple hands assisting with packing, finding bags, pointing me to the showers and generally ensuring I made it onto the shuttle in time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the trails and scenery are second to none. We are exceptionally spoiled with the variety of riding in this country, but the route managed to surprise and delight me at every turn. I can see exactly why this event is on every mountain biker’s bucket list. I’ll certainly be back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Read the communications from the organiser. A busy build-up meant I boarded the plane underprepared: I\u2019d only checked the website to understand dates and shuttle arrangements, and the plan was to wing the rest. I definitely don\u2019t recommend this approach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The information is comprehensive, and freely available on the website, as well as in detailed voice notes from Farmer Glen and the sani team. Take the time to understand how the box transport, charging stations and other necessities work, and plan accordingly. It\u2019s the only thing I would do differently. That, and bringing a larger power bank to save me walking around to get everything charged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling Inspired?<\/strong> Search our Events Calendar<\/a> to find your next challenge or adventure, or learn more about the KAP sani2c here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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