The Ride of Your Life in 2025: KAP sani2c

Whether it’s the longest singletrack thrill you ever experience on the bike courtesy of the ‘Umko Drop’, or the satisfaction of reaching the top of the gruelling Unitrans Iconic Climb, sani2c delivers unmatched mountain biking, and 2025 will be no different. 

 

You cannot beat the epic scenery found along the sani2c trails

 

“Endless manicured singletrack, the camaraderie of riders and the awesome community support, sani2c is the perfect balance of beauty and struggle to make the finisher’s shirt all the more worth it. I’m not surprised that riders keep coming back,” says John Low, who was a first-time rider at KAP sani2c’s 20th edition this year. 

 

Susan Gerber is a sani2c ‘Black Mamba’, a rider who has done sani2c ten or more times, and she says: “It doesn’t matter how many times you do sani2c, every time is a new adventure, a new challenge. The spoils of beautiful trails, and the lekker vibe, and oh the food, all keep us coming back. Sani constantly delivers beyond our expectations on the trails, accommodation, facilities and hospitality. From the early days of showering in a tent, to having built showers - It has  become my annual holiday, if I dare to call it that.”  

 

From vast open tracts of game reserve or farmland, to compact indigenous forest, sani2c is a three-day dream on the bike

 

If you're looking for your next big adventure, set your sights on KwaZulu-Natal and enter the iconic KAP sani2c - there’s no better way to challenge yourself and create unforgettable memories in May 2025. 

 

Due to the event’s massive popularity, it expanded threefold over the years and three separate events now start on consecutive days. With a recent renaming of The Race to recognise it as the original sanic, the ‘OG’ still hosts the country’s top riders at the sharp end of the 1000-strong field, as they compete for UCI points, starting with a Prologue. 

 

The Adventure is still The Adventure and remains an early sell-out with a waiting list. Some say there is more of a party vibe here where the beers flow readily after each morning on the bike, and The Adventure has been around long enough for many riders to call this their sani2c ‘home’.

 

The contrasting atmosphere of plantation forest, rugged Umkomaas Valley, sugar cane fields, and the view to the ocean, makes this point-to-point journey pure magic

 

The Trail is now called the e-Trail, the sole event for e-bikers. With only 500 riders accommodated in the e-bike version, it is geared for groups looking for a more intimate, relaxing experience where a luxury tent option is more readily available. Non e-bikers can ride the e-Trail, but e-bikers may not compete at the Adventure or the ‘OG’, so this is where mixed groups will participate. This event is bound to help a novice to relax and focus on their goal of finishing ‘the best three days you can spend on a mountain bike.’

 

If you are looking for more details about the small differences between the three sani2c events, have a look at this guide.

 

The sense of achievement, and camaraderie amongst riders, is another hallmark of a well-ridden sani2c

 

All three of the KAP sani2c events have these things in common:

 

1. Point-to-Point Journey:

Unlike many stage races that are based at one race village, the KAP sani2c takes riders on a transformative adventure, starting in Underberg near the iconic Sani Pass and finishing in Scottburgh on the Indian Ocean coast. This format offers an unparalleled sense of progression and achievement.

 

2. Expertly Designed Route:

Over two decades, ‘Farmer’ Glen and his family have collaborated with local communities to perfect the route. Riders benefit from meticulously crafted trails featuring thrilling singletrack, diverse terrain, and stunning landscapes. Now firmly established, the route is constantly scrutinised for even small tweaks that will enhance the experience. 

 

The longest most exciting descent of your life awaits at the ‘Umko Drop’ into the Umkomaas Valley on Day 2

 

3. Rich in Singletrack:

The event boasts the highest proportion of singletrack among South Africa's stage races, ensuring an adrenaline-fueled experience through forests, valleys, farmlands and nature reserve, as well as criss-crossing the mighty Umkomaas River. 

 

4. Simple Logistics:

The race's thoughtful organization makes participation easy. Riders can fly into King Shaka International Airport and take the sani2c shuttle to Glencairn Farm. If riders  travel to the start in their own vehicle, local school parent volunteers drive vehicles to Scottburgh, helping to raise funds for infrastructure and other valuable improvements at their schools. 

 

Choose your line and enjoy the ride across the Mossbank Dam at the BG Bison Floating Bridge

 

5. Iconic Features:

Highlights include the breathtaking descent into the Umkomaas Valley, the adrenaline-pumping Yankee Doodle trail, and a host of floating bridges. These well-thought out elements set sani2c apart as a bucket-list experience. Not to be left out is the Unitrans Iconic Climb, which Farmer Glen created to test riders’ resolve and give them a solid sense of achievement if they make the climb without setting foot on the ground. 

 

6. Community Impact:

KAP sani2c was started as a fundraiser for a local Ixopo school, and this has not changed.  Now run through the sani2c Community Development Trust, the event generates over R10 million annually for 23 schools, charitable organisations, and environmental projects. These funds enhance education, create employment and foster entrepreneurship, as well as help to expand infrastructure, demonstrating the event's commitment to being "More Than a Ride."

 

Watch a detailed overview of what you can expect from KAP sani2c: 

 

 

Why they do it

 

“After all these years I still get excited by the reactions of riders,” says Farmer Glen. 

 

“To hear words like ‘life-changing’ and ‘mind-blowing’ when they reach the finish line, makes all this work worthwhile. Every small detail matters, whether it’s the trail building team blowing leaves off the trail at 2am, or the home-baked crunchies and banana bread in the chill-zones, everyone takes such pride in making all our riders happy.”  

 

Experience the thrills of  KAP sani2c e-Trail, Adventure or ‘OG’

 

KAP sani2c e-Trail: Tuesday to Thursday, 6-8 May 2025

KAP sani2c Adventure: Wednesday to Friday, 7-9 May 2025

KAP sani2c ‘OG’: Thursday to Saturday, 8-10 May 2025

 

When you hit the beach, you know you have arrived but still have a small climb up to the Scottburgh Golf Club finish line

 

 

Photos by Anthony Grote, Kelvin Trautman and Rory Scheffer