Cyclists looking for endurance and adventure can prepare for the return of the Tanqua Kuru Gravel Bicycle Race, taking place from 29–31 May 2026 in the remote Tankwa Karoo.
Blending multi-day riding with a fully immersive desert experience, the three-day event offers participants more than a traditional race. Riders can expect challenging terrain combined with a unique weekend atmosphere that highlights the natural beauty of the Karoo.
The event opens with a Friday drag race, followed by distances of 113km or 59km on Saturday, and a final 62km stage on Sunday. Mountain bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes are all welcome.
Organisers say the appeal of Tanqua Kuru lies in its experience-driven format. Participants are encouraged to view the event as a weekend escape, combining endurance cycling with landscape, community and shared experiences.
“We’ve always approached Tanqua Kuru as an experience first,” says race organiser Jeremy Crowder. “It’s about creating something that riders remember not just for the terrain, but for everything around it.”
Highlights include remote water points located deep within the desert, the well-known Bicycle Burn gathering and a Sling Aircraft aerial experience, offering riders a rare perspective of the Tankwa Karoo from above.
The event village provides a variety of accommodation options, including self-sufficient camping, dome tents with mattresses and linen, A-frame structures and limited cabins. Participants choosing tented accommodation also receive Karoo-style meals as part of the weekend experience.
With limited rider capacity and growing demand for destination-style sporting events, entries are expected to fill quickly.
Entries are now open for cyclists looking to combine endurance riding with a distinctive Karoo experience.
