The 2018 Knysna Cycle Tour is a two-day family cycling festival in Knysna, South Africa sponsored by Momentum. The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, taking place this year between Friday 29 June and Sunday 8 July, has long been an annual pilgrimage for marathon runners and cyclists. The first weekend sees the Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour MTB Events kick off festivities on Saturday 30 June, with 80 km, 50 km, 30 km, and 15 km routes, in addition to the newer 30km E-bike race. The challenging trails through the Garden Route’s forests and farmlands attracts serious mountain bikers and enthusiasts alike.
2018 Knysna Cycle Tour Road Races
Sunday, 1 July – 115 km & 50 km PLUS 115 km and 50 km MTB categories
The Knysna Cycle Tour Road Races are scenic and challenging, leaving Knysna along the beautiful lagoon road heading towards George on the N2. The 115 km route takes cyclists through Knysna, onto Sedgefield and Kleinkranz and then back to Knysna via Sedgefield and Karatara. The route does have some dangerous sections. Strong safety control measures will be imposed at these points. The 50 km route starts in Knysna and continues to Sedgefield and then returns to Knysna.
Knysna Cycle Tour 2018 MTB Events
Saturday, 30 June – 80 km, 50 km, 30 km & 15 km PLUS 30 km E-bike route
The Knysna Cycle Tour MTB events have become bucket list items for local and international cyclists thanks to the beautiful, challenging routes, which are set up and managed by Leon Evans, known affectionately as Dr. Evil. Cyclists will ride through sections of the Knysna Forest and scenic farmland areas which showcase the exquisite natural beauty of the Garden Route.
In 2017, a 30 km Electric bike route was introduced – the first E-bike event in South Africa – as well as the new route for the 15 km Ashes Fun Ride in memory of the Knysna fires. Both routes are back on the schedule for this year. More info can be found here.
Children’s Races
Sunday, 1 July – Spur Children’s Cycle Tour
The popular children’s cycle tour takes place on the Oyster Festival Grounds in a safe space where parents can keep a close eye on their young riders. The fun event sees that each child gets a goodie bag at registration and a medal if they finish.
The routes and distances are as follows:
2-4 years – 400 m: On the field.
5-7 years – 1,5 km: From the field – Hedge Street – Waterfront Drive – old railway line – past station – turn at turntable – back to Hedge Street – onto field – finish.
8-10 years – 2,5 km: As per the 1,5 km race, but riders will continue on railway track to Long Street, turn into Waterfront, back to field.
Forest Family Dam Ride
Sunday, 1 July – 30 km & 20 km scenic route into the Knysna forests
The 20km Forest Family Dam Ride is for MTB riders of all ages and competency – including children aged 12 years and older. Moms, dads and kids can join in the fun. This is a relaxed, scenic ride that is suitable for everyone, whether you are a serious rider or simply want to enjoy a relaxed ride in the indigenous forest. The 30km ride is suggested for more experienced riders. Marshals will be on the routes to ensure the safety of all cyclists and there will be a water point at half way.
The Forest Family Dam Rides are fun rides, not timed races. Cyclists will be issued with an identifying wrist band at registration, and a voucher for coffee at the finish at the Festival Grounds. More info can be found online.
The Turbine Hotel & Spa is situated at the heart of all the action in Knysna on Thesen Island – less than 2 km from the start of the races. If you’ve already booked your weekend accommodation, make sure to pop in for a bite to eat or a cold beer at The Gastro Pub. Non-hotel guests are welcome to come watch the rugby or FIFA games.
2019 race updates: the 80 km and 50 km MTB Races and the 115 Road Race have been announced as SEEDING EVENTS for the 2019 Cape Town Cycle Tour. Online entries close on 27 June but a late entry fee will be payable after 19 June.
Other events: The Momentum Knysna Forest Marathon & Half Marathon are two of South Africa’s most-hotly contested running races and will take place on Saturday 7 July.
