Lions Karoo to Coast: Southern Cape community spirit on display

CYCLING NEWS - Community is at the core of the Lions Karoo to Coast, from the individuals who volunteer to man registration tables and water points to the charitable beneficiaries of the race, and on to the young riders who have used it as a springboard to launch careers at the highest levels of cycling.

The people of Uniondale, Knysna, and the farming communities along the 96-kilometre route are all key to the success of the 26-year-old race.

With entries to the 2025 edition closing on 5 September at 17:00, this is a reminder of not only why the Southern Cape rallies around the Lions Karoo to Coast, but also why you should enter to ride Prince Alfred’s Pass on Sunday, 21 September.

The longest gravel pass in the country is an attraction in and of itself. After crossing into the Langkloof on an old wagon track, the race joins Prince Alfred’s Pass at Avontuur, in the Langkloof.

Once on one of Thomas Bain’s masterpieces, the orchards of the Langkloof soon give way to rugged Outeniqua Mountain scenery. Sheer cliff faces and deep valleys open up before you.

From the summit of every climb, new vistas unfurl, until the vegetation becomes denser and the deep, indigenous forests hint that Knysna is nearby.

Thomas Bain’s magnificent Prince Alfred’s Pass provides the majority of the 96 kilometres of the route from Uniondale to Knysna. Photo by Oakpics.com

A fast-paced descent to the Gouna River on Kom se Pad leads into the final climb to the heights of Simola. After 88 kilometres, the challenges are behind you, a smooth tar road descent brings you to the edge of the Knysna Lagoon, from where it is a beautiful cruise to the finish line on the Knysna High School Sports Fields.

The final 7 kilometres are the perfect opportunity for reflection, unless of course you are racing for victory.

In 2024, Tristan Nortje, who hails from George, shattered the 12-year-old course record. The Imbuko ChemChamp rider went solo on the Old Wagon Trail climb, just 10 kilometres into the race, and still came within 32 seconds of breaking the 3-hour mark.

Expect Nortje’s record and that mythical mark to be challenged in 2025, especially if the trend of gravel bikes equipped with mountain bike tyres continues into the Lions Karoo to Coast.

Both gravel and E-Bikes are welcome at the race. The Lions Karoo to Coast now offers a free E-Bike Service, which allows E-Bikers to send a replacement battery to the Buffelsnek aid station, 59 kilometres into the course, to ensure that they can conquer the 1 560 metres of climbing with ease.

Squirt Cycling Products will be out in force at the Buffelsnek aid station, 59 kilometres into the race. Photo by Oakpics.com.

Squirt Cycling Products celebrates 20 years of partnership with the event, and they too can be found at Buffelsnek this year, celebrating with their factory team at the free bicycle chain lube station.

They are a prime example of the local roots that run through the Lions Karoo to Coast.

On route, you will also be able to sample Peak Daily, the new official Nutrition Partners of the event. Peak manufactures some of its products in Uniondale, further deepening the regional connection.

The local municipalities and tourism bureaus are intimately involved, too. Uniondale falls within the greater George Municipality, and as the most rural of the communities in the city’s management, is supported by both the tourism office and municipality to enable the hosting of 1 500 mountain bikers and their families.

Gravel bikes are welcome in the Lions Karoo to Coast! Photo by Oakpics.com

As Executive Mayor of George Municipality, I am proud that our rural gem, Uniondale, is the starting point of the renowned Lions Karoo to Coast. For nearly three decades, this event has celebrated our region’s natural beauty, community spirit, and the connection across the Outeniqua Mountains,” Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis stated.

“What makes it truly special is how it unites our communities and showcases Uniondale’s capacity to host 1 500 cyclists and their families. This race strengthens George’s position as the sporting hub of the Garden Route while creating economic opportunities and supporting worthy causes.”

Registration for the 2025 event will be an expanded affair for the first time this year, with an Expo running alongside on Friday (19 September, 16:00 – 20:00) and Saturday (20 September, 13:00 – 20:00) for race pack collections.

Local is lekker in Uniondale, and the town will be out in force to celebrate the Lions Karoo to Coast, with food trucks, roosterkoek and pancakes, as well as a few of the Cape’s award-winning wineries.

Get involved with the local is lekker vibe of the 2025 Lions Karoo to Coast. Photo by Oakpics.com

From further afield, Seattle Coffee Co will keep you caffeinated while browsing the stalls. For last-minute spares and repairs, you will be able to drop by the Sedgefield Cycle Worx stand.

The young and young at heart can burn off energy on the mini paintball range, while the more mature visitors will be entertained by live music while relaxing in the Safari Braai Chill Zone.

On the coastal side of the Outeniqua Mountains, Knysna will be equally hospitable. The citizens, businesses, and the municipality are all eagerly awaiting the 2025 edition.

“The Lions Karoo to Coast has become one of Knysna’s flagship events,” Knysna Executive Mayor, Councillor Thando Matika, said. “Not only does it showcase the natural beauty of our area, but it also provides a welcome boost to the local economy outside of the traditional holiday season.

"Each year, the race attracts riders and their families from across South Africa, filling our accommodation establishments, restaurants, and shops, creating valuable opportunities for local businesses. We are proud to support the event by providing some essential services needed for a safe and enjoyable experience, including traffic management and safety oversight.

"This year, the bridge under the N2 was rebuilt to ensure the route runs smoothly. Hosting events of this calibre reinforces Knysna’s reputation as a premier destination for festivals and sporting experiences, and we look forward to welcoming participants and visitors alike.”

Every finisher of the Lions Karoo to Coast is a winner and can head home happy, not only for having completed a challenging and rewarding race, but also for having contributed to the event’s beneficiaries.

The Lions Clubs of Uniondale and Knysna donate all proceeds to charities, with their Knights for the Blind ethos driving donations to the Guide Dog Association of South Africa and several local ocular organisations.

Registration will be open for race pack collection on Friday and Saturday, ahead of the race on Sunday, 21 September. Photo by Oakpics.com

Four finishers will ride away particularly happy, though, as the Scott Sports Africa lucky draw has been expanded to four bicycles in 2025. To see hints of what Scott Bicycles and the other partners have in store for you at the Lions Karoo to Coast, follow @karoo2coast on Instagram and like the

Karoo to Coast Facebook page. Entries to the 2025 edition will remain open until 5 September, at 17:00.

The R800 entry fee includes dinner at the Uniondale Show Grounds on Saturday evening, and accommodation options can be found on the event website, www.karootocoast.com, or by clicking here. To enter the race, visit www.online.entries.co.za or follow this link.