Route

The 2025 Buco G2C Mountain Bike Race kicks off from the Buco depot on the outskirts of Grahamstown (Makhanda). Riders roll out with a 3.8km neutral start before crossing the N2 highway — and then it’s game on.

The first challenge is a proper leg-stinger: the infamous Mountain Drive climb, taking riders to the race’s highest point at 762m above sea level. After cresting the summit, a thrilling and bumpy descent off the mountain drops riders toward Southwell Road, where the pace ramps up.

From here, a series of rolling hills keeps the legs honest as riders approach Water Point 1 (WP1) at the 23km mark.

The tempo stays high as riders blast towards Water Point 2 (WP2) at the 40km mark — a key decision point in the race.

• 70km riders peel off right here, heading south on a new loop that adds an extra challenge, including the punchy Sibuya Bush Lodge climb.

• 58km riders continue straight, heading directly towards Port Alfred.

After the 10km detour, the 70km route rejoins the shorter distance at Water Point 3. From here, both groups merge for a fast, flowing eastward run into the final stretch.

At the 66km mark (56km for the shorter distance), riders turn off the gravel onto a narrow jeep track leading towards the Port Alfred Country Club.

The grand finale includes a final drop into the Kowie River basin before racing through town to a spirited finish on the Port Alfred cricket field.