MTB night riding: benefits and tips for heading out after dark
The clocks have gone back, Rampage has been and gone for another year and it’s…
Join Us for a One-of-a-Kind Mountain Biking Adventure Under the Stars — and a 5 km Stride for All Fitness Levels!
On Saturday night, 26 December, experience the magic of Great Brak River like never before. Ride or walk under the summer sky as we launch this exciting new holiday event. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist, a casual rider, or simply keen to enjoy a relaxing 5 km sunset walk, this evening is perfect for everyone.
Ride or Stride alongside friends and family as you take in the nighttime beauty of our region in a fun, relaxed, and non-competitive atmosphere. Whether you’re joining the Ride on a mountain bike, gravel bike, e-bike, or even a tandem — or choosing the 5 km Stride for a calm and refreshing evening walk — this event welcomes adventure seekers of all ages and fitness levels. It’s a memorable night designed for everyone who wants to experience the magic of after-dark exploration — together.
Strole & Ride: Nighttime Adventure Choose between the 15 km or 30 km Ride, an out-and-back nighttime cycling experience that blends challenge with pure enjoyment. The route follows scenic gravel roads through gentle farmlands and the peaceful countryside of Great Brak River. Surrounded by natural beauty and illuminated by the night sky, it’s the perfect way to discover the magic of nighttime exploration at a comfortable pace. For those joining the Strole, the relaxed 5 km route offers a calm, refreshing evening walk under the stars — ideal for all fitness levels.
Night riding has become a favourite experience for those seeking something beyond the usual daytime trails. For many endurance athletes, it serves as a valuable training method, adding an extra layer of challenge through reduced visibility and heightened focus. In the world of Stride & Ride, the Ride embodies this spirit of adventure — cyclists moving through the dark by the glow of their headlights, immersed in a calm, almost surreal atmosphere. It’s a chance to rediscover familiar routes in an entirely new way. With modern lighting technology, improved safety, and the growing excitement around after-dark exploration, night riding has evolved into an accessible, social, and truly thrilling experience for riders of all levels.
Start in Sorgfontein Road, just off the R102, in Great Brak River. First gravel road turn left, down the dirt road toward Klein Brak River. At the T-junction, turn right towards Botlierskop, go straight. The 15km will turn at 7.5km and same route back to start/finish. The 15km will continue the route past Botlierskop, take the first left onto Brandwag Road, turn-around point is 12.5 km at the marshals, and then return along the same route.
The GB Night Ride hosted on 26 December 2025 is the initiative of a group of businesses who want to contribute to the well-being of the town of Great Brak River. Laurinda Smit is driving this event with the support of three local businesses in town – Afri Hardware Grootbrak and Die Wandelpad. The GB Night Ride forms part of the new Route 12 that was launched by Mossel Bay Tourism this year.
Visitors who are not familiar with the area can participate in an event that will give them the chance to explore the night on local farm roads while participating in safety.
The event will aim to benefit the following local charity organisations – The Youth Café, The Outreach Program and Child Welfare. All three of these organisations work with the youth in the community, aiming to create better opportunities and keep the children off the street while focusing on education. Through the creativity of the GB Night Ride, a “Play & Sport Equipment Library” at the Youth Café where children can come in the afternoon and play with the equipment under the supervision and guidance of the Youth Café Interns. The objective is to instil in the children that there is a safe space to go to where someone will attend to them.
This project is a long-term initiative and GB Night Ride cyclists can, through their annual participation, contribute to the safety and development of the children in our community. Thank you for caring!
Online entries and prices for 2026 will be announced soon
DETAILS
Our team has been a leader in developing and introducing new and unique adventure and holiday events to the Midbrak Region near Mossel Bay on the Garden Route.
This is your once-a-year chance to ride along scenic gravel roads, winding through the gentle farmlands and peaceful countryside of Great Brak River, illuminated by the night sky.
Our team hosts a variety of exciting and inspiring events, from outdoor adventures and cultural festivals to family-friendly entertainment
Please follow our safety guidelines and tips to ensure a great time on the trail while minimizing the risk of injury.
Experience the best value available. Enter online pre-race and pre-race day at only R150 per person for all ages. Entry fees on race day at the event from 17:00 will be R200.
DETAILS
Ah, the night—a time when most are tucked in with a good book or a cozy pet. But for us mountain bikers, this is when the real adventure begins. As the sun sets and the world quiets, a unique magic unfolds on the trails. It’s just you, your bike, and a blanket of stars above.
Yet, with every adventure comes responsibility. We’ve gathered tips from our seasoned friends to help you make the most of your night ride safely.
Ten Tips for nigth cycling:
1. Light up your ride: Front and rear lights are a must—use high-lumen LED lights.
2. Wear reflective gear: Visibility is key, so add reflective tape and clothing.
3. Pre-ride checks: Inspect your bike thoroughly before you head out.
4. Know your route: Stick to familiar trails to avoid unexpected obstacles.
5. Buddy system: If possible, never ride alone. Safety in numbers.
6. Emergency gear: Carry a first aid kit, multi-tool, and a charged phone.
7. Dress appropriately: Wear layers suitable for night temps and weather changes
8. Ride slower: Visibility is reduced at night; ride at a manageable pace.
9. Keep your eyes peeled: Scan for wildlife and any trail hazards.
10. Stay hydrated: Bring enough water.
"If you ride with friends, make it a celebration. It will give you something to email/text/call each other about leading up to the fun of the ride."
"First and foremost, you’ll need to have some light to illuminate your adventures. Unfortunately, a camping headlamp won’t suffice."
/ RODNEY DU PREEZ
Today, night riding is a blend of social connection and adventure, as riders navigate routes by headlight, immersing themselves in a calm and often surreal atmosphere. This unique experience lets cyclists explore familiar roads from a fresh perspective. Stay tuned for fascinating articles and the latest news on night riding from around the globe.
The clocks have gone back, Rampage has been and gone for another year and it’s…
On Friday night, 26 December 2025, experience the excitement of cycling through the breathtaking landscapes of Great Brak River like never before. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, this debut holiday event offers something for everyone.
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