The Gravel Giro 2026 routes are locked in, marked out, and ready to test those legs. Holla Trails, Ballito is the start and finish, and we are bringing the Giro back to where it all began.

Two route options

• About 56 km, for those who like their gravel with a side of grit

• About 27 km, for those who prefer slightly less suffering and slightly more smiling

Both routes are mostly on gravel roads, with no technical mountain bike (MTB) single track sections. What you will get is a rolling profile with a proper amount of climbing. The kind that makes you negotiate with yourself halfway up, and feel quietly heroic at the finish.

Vintage roots, all bikes welcome

Gravel Giro is proudly rooted in celebrating classic bikes, but modern bikes are more than welcome too. Ride your vintage steel, your gravel bike, or your modern MTB. If it has two wheels and you have good vibes, you belong here.

We are not too strict on “classic” either, anything before 1999 counts.

Weekend notes

The main ride takes place on Saturday 16 May 2026, and we will also have social events, details below.

Registration and cost

Participants must register and pay before the event.
A limited number of late registrations are welcome, but will include an additional R50 late fee.
Late entries will have to pay with cash at the registration. (Cycle Lab, Cornubia, 14th &15th May from 12:00 till 17:00, or before the event at Holla Trails on the 16th May.)
Unfortunately late entries will not receive a T-Shirt and only limited goodie bag items.

• Early registration, up to 31 March, R445 per participant

• From 1 April onward, R490 per participant

Your entry includes

• Holla Trails day permit

• Commemorative poster and goodies

• Commemorative event T shirt

• Our famous goodie bag items

Programme of events

Number and goodie bag collection

Cycle Lab Cornubia
14 and 15 May, 12:30 to 17:30

Saturday 16 May, ride day

Morning

• 07:30 Late registration plus number and goodie bag collection at Holla Trails

• 08:30 Start of the main gravel ride, start and finish at Holla Trails

After the ride

• Prize giving for King of the Mountain (KOM) winners based on Strava segment times, for classic and modern bike categories

• Lucky draws and fun awards, with great prizes up for grabs

• A classic bicycle display and concourse competition at Sugar Rush Park, prizes for best locally made and best imported classic bicycles, bragging rights included

You can also collect a free beer or refreshment after the ride. A beer garden will be open, with Butcher Boys steak and boerie rolls for sale. The restaurant will be open too.

About the routes

Ride old steel road bikes on gravel roads like the heroes of the past did. All classic and vintage bikes are welcome, and riders are encouraged to bring a South African made classic or vintage steel bicycle. Dust it off, tune it up, and let it sing.

Not a classic bike owner, no problem. Modern bikes are welcome on either distance.

This is not a race, but it is a proper ride. It is meant to be challenging enough to appreciate what cycling heroes faced back in the day, with a lot more laughter and far better snacks at the stops.