Cycling fans, are you ready? In just over a month’s time, you can take part in or watch all the action at this year’s Momentum Weekend Argus Knysna Cycle Tour! Managed by the Rotary Club of Knysna, this annual event caters for cycling enthusiasts of all fitness levels, offering them the adventure of exploring the scenic beauty of this part of the famous Garden Route as well as of some of the neighbouring towns.

This sporting event forms part of the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival and takes place on the first weekend of the festival, from Saturday, the 2nd of July to Sunday, the 3rd of July. There are 4 events, each available for different levels of skill, ranging from those from the young and inexperienced to the well-versed and elite. You could take part in the MTB events, try yourselves on the road events while the whole family can enjoy a forest ride and even the kids can participate in a dedicated cycle tour! With short routes taking you around Knysna or the more challenging long routes taking you on an exploration of parts of the Garden Route, this is a cycle tour you shouldn’t miss out on!

The Events

These are the four events of the Knysna Cycle Tour: MTB events, road races, the SPUR Children’s Cycle Tour and the Forest Family Dam Ride. Additionally, there will be numerous activities before and after the races over the course of this weekend. All cyclists need to be at their holding areas at least 30 minutes before the start of their races. Once you are there, you may not leave. A map and details concerning the holding areas will come with your race pack. Times will be recorded via free transponders which will be attached to your race number. Read on for more information, including the cost of entry and the requirements.

MTB Events

The MTB events will take place on Saturday, the 2nd of July, with the first race starting at 08:00. The start and finish line will be on the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival Grounds, Waterfront Drive. Participants have a selection of world-class MTB routes to compete on, such as the 15 km, 30 km, 50 km and 80 km. For those interested in taking part in the Cape Town Cycle Tour next year in 2017, the 50 km and 80 km are premier seeding events. One of the best features about these routes is the fact that they will take you through parts of the area that are normally closed to the public. While you test your skills, you’ll get to travel through gorgeous farmland areas and experience the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding fauna and flora of the Garden Route. Nearly everyone is eligible to participate, from elite riders to those as young as 9 years old! Look below for the cost of entry into each category, according to age and fitness level. Prizes are available for fun riders as well.

MTB entry fees include Sanparks conservation fee and VAT but exclude the CSA day licence.

Road Events

The Road Events will start on Sunday, the 3rd of July, with the first race starting at 08:00. The start and finish venue: Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival Grounds, Waterfront Drive. Two routes are available, one at 50 km and one at 109 km. The 50-km route will take participants through the towns of Knysna and Sedgefield while the 109-km route goes through Knysna, Sedgefield, Karatara and Barrington. Beware of the 109-km route: riders will climb a total of 1,577 metres during the race and there are a few dangerous sections (safety measures will be put in place at these sections)!

SPUR Rotary Knysna Children’s Cycle Tour

Taking place on Sunday, the 3rd of July, this official event includes fun and safe routes for children. The starting and finishing point: The Festival Pavilion, Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival Grounds, Waterfront Drive. The first race will start at 09:00. The route was specifically designed to allow spectators a good view of all the action from the grandstand and the start/finish line in Waterfront Drive. There are 3 age categories:

The cost for entry is R 60. Registration will take place at the Festival Pavilion on Friday, 1 July, from 13:00 to 20:00, Saturday, 2 July, from 10:00 to 14:00 and late registration will be allowed on Sunday, 3 July, from 07:30 to 08:30.

Forest Family Dam Ride

This event, starting at 10:00 on Sunday, the 3rd of July, from the top of the Simola hill, is a fun ride, not a timed race, that is open to the entire family. Moms, dads and kids can all join in. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic ride or you’re a serious rider looking to improve your skills, everyone can enjoy this adventure that includes some indigenous forest routes. The route is +- 25 km through the forest above Simola and past a few of Knysna’s dams. Cyclists will get an identifying wristband at the registration as well as a voucher for coffee at the finish at the Festival Grounds. The cost: R 180 per person.

Additional info

If you would like to get in touch with organisers for more info, such as additional race requirements, licences, cut-off times, check out their contact details below, plus the website so that you can get your entries in.

The main event will take place on Waterfront Drive. You can check out the interactive map below for directions.

Now that you have all the info…

You’d better start making your plans to get to Knysna. If you’re thinking of booking accommodation in the area, get in touch with one of our reservationists, and we will get you sorted out. Other than that, set a few days aside to take part in and enjoy the Knysna Cycle Tour and discover yet again just one more exciting event here in the Western Cape.