The 2024 Trans Elands 160km “extreme” which together with the Trans Elands 60km & 25km races, was all successfully staged on a STUNNING day …WITHOUT A DOUBT, the best weather we’ve EVER had for a Trans Elands! .

We received so much positive feedback, incl. the following:

“After participating in numerous cycle races for the last 40+ years, the Trans Elands is definitely one of the best. It’s tough, but makes for great memories. Never-ending climbs with spectacular scenery. Wonderful atmosphere at the start and finish. Hats off and a big thank you to Leon, Christine and the rest of their team for putting this amazing race together.” – Tim Van Coller

In 2024 we introduced the “BIG DADDY” 70+ age category, won by Tim Van Coller and what’s more …he finished SA’s TOUGHEST 100miler with 32 minutes to spare (within the 12-hour time limit)!

Also, For the 1st time ever in our race history we didn’t have to apply the 12-hour time limit i.e. our 160km extreme race was over with half an hour to spare!

In 2024 with the 9th edition of the Trans Elands 160km “extreme” (“SA’s TOUGHEST 100 miler MTB marathon”), four riders (Bruce Campbell, Devrin Muir, Mark Jamieson and Willem Coetzee) received the distinguished “Lex’s Big 5” award for having completed FIVE Trans Elands 160km “extreme” races, which means that to date a total of 22 riders have achieved this remarkable milestone! Will you be next …to add your name to the Lex’s BIG 5 – Hall of Fame?

The 2024 Trans Elands 160km “extreme” was won by Rudi Koen (in a NEW RECORD time of 5:26:05) and the ladies’ race was won by Sarah Hill (6:43:40).

The overall record now stands @ 5:26:05 (Rudi Koen) and the Ladies record @ 6:19:26 (Yolande de Villiers).

The 2025 Trans Elands 160km, 60km and 25km is scheduled for 7 June 2025.

The 160km “extreme” MTB marathon was founded by Lex Holmes, who sadly passed away on 31 December 2016. The great turnout of riders for the first nine years of our event is evidence of firstly the influence that Lex has had over many years in mountain biking circles throughout the Eastern Cape and secondly the dedication and commitment of the new organising team to continue with and grow Lex’s legacy.

The 160km “extreme” with 3000m elevation gain is one of SA’s toughest one day mountain biking events. The event is a true test of a rider’s physical and mental capability, but with adequate preparation it is an achievable challenge.  To finish this “bucket list” event within the 12 hour time limit leaves one with a sense of reward which can only be described by riders who have achieved this feat. The Trans Elands 160km is the ideal tester for regular MTB marathon riders, perhaps the reason why so many riders have been returning year after year to tackle this event. The 160km caters for solo riders and team entries (of 2, 3 or 4 riders per team).

The 60km MTB marathon race distance was added in 2017 with great success, and acts as a stepping stone for those who in future years would like to tackle the 160km. 

In 2024 we introduced NEW routes for both the 60km and 25km races, these routes take riders on a SCENIC ADVENTURE through privately owned farmlands adjacent to the Gamtoos River, in the Loerie/ Melon area, with exclusive access for the Trans Elands!

The 60km has a 4 hours & 45 min time limit which allows for riders of varying capability to take part in and complete this 60km event (with +/- 800m elevation gain). The 60km event caters for solo entries only.

The 25km MTB Marathon with +/- 300m elevation gain gives the whole family (RIDERS from 8 years and older) the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Gamtoos River Valley farmlands by MTB. The 25km event caters for solo entries only.

The 25km starts with a 9km Neutral Zone (NZ) on tar, which gives riders ample time to get the legs warmed up, before the timing starts (at the end of the NZ) for the 25km race. Total Ride distance is +/- 34km