All the info you need

GravDuro will be setting off from Elgin Grabouw Country Club on 31 May 2026.

Read all the info below about the Schedule, Pricing, Categories, Route Markings, Bikes Allowed, FAQs

Schedule

Pricing

Format Explained

The 60km race is the 4 timed stags combined, while the 85km race is your 6 stages combined. You can race the whole route or take a break between the timed segments.  Pick your race strategy wisely.

There are two routes to enter, 4 stages and 6 stages. The route is one big loop with the stages being out in different places along the loop. The 4 stage riders and the 6 stage riders all do the same stages. The 4 stage riders just turn back after they finish the 4th stage and return to Elgin Grabouw Country Club. While the 6-stage riders continue on.

Click here to view the routes.

The overall winners will be drawn from the fastest combined times over the 4 and 6 stages respectively, in all the categories of bikes (Gravel, MTB, Gravel E-Bike and MTB E-Bike) and in a split of male and female.

Timing Explained

GravDuro Timing Explained

For GravDuro, we’ve partnered with the best in the business — Finish Time — to ensure smooth, accurate, and reliable timing across all stages.

We’ll have 12 RFID timing pods positioned along the route. These will automatically log your time as you pass them, meaning you can enjoy a rolling start into each timed stage — no need to stop and wait at the start line.

Each rider will receive a number board at registration, and mounted behind it is a sensitive RFID timing chip. This chip is your personal key to accurate timing, so please:

• Do not fold, bend, or damage your number board, as this could interfere with the chip’s signal or completely deactivate it.

• Stay close to the marked timing pods — look out for bunting tape and the boards indicating the start of a stage is approaching, this will guide you in and out of each stage timing zone.

This format opens up space for some tactical riding. Be aware that if you approach the start zone of a timed stage too closely, your time may begin — even if you weren’t planning to start just yet. So plan your strategy and spacing carefully!

In the rare case that something doesn’t register correctly, we’ll use Strava as a backup to help resolve timing disputes or missed segments.

Start and Finish Procedure

Starting Procedure Per Stage

As you approach each timed stage, you’ll see “Stage Start in 50m” signage guiding you into a start chute. This funnel ensures riders enter in order and safely, especially since riders from different batches may arrive at different times.

While you are no longer required to stop, we advise you to slow down and approach with caution. Make sure the chute is clear ahead before proceeding. Once you ride past the Start Board, your RFID chip will activate, and your time begins.

So roll through smoothly, but be aware of riders around you and don’t blast into the chute — this helps keep the experience safe for everyone.

Finishing Procedure Per Stage

At the end of each stage, there will be 1km to go boards. On arrival at the end follow the bunting tape into the finish chute, clearly marked with “Stage End” signage.

There is no need to stop — simply roll through the Finish Board, and your RFID chip will automatically log your time.

Please continue moving past the finish area promptly to keep the flow going and ensure timing remains accurate for riders behind you.

If there’s any doubt about your time registering, we’ll have timekeepers monitoring each point, and Strava data can be used as a backup if needed.

Categories

There will be the below classes available to enter for both the 6 timed stages and the 4 timed stages routes.

Time Slots – *UPDATED*

6 Stages and 4 Stages 

Why different slots?

As it will be an enduro format, meaning you start and stop racing multiple times during the event, this will mean there might be opportunities for bottlenecks to occur if all 450 riders set off at once. Thus having batch starts will assist in easing congestion at these points and allow for a better spread of riders going through the stages. All stages need to be done in the same order so the initial stages would be overwhelmed if riders weren’t spread out.

Route Markings

Route Marking & Navigation

The entire GravDuro route will be fully marked — no need to navigate off instinct! We’ll use a combination of directional boards and a clear sticker system to guide you from start to finish.

🔶 Sticker Marking System

• Two orange stickers on the left = Turn left

• Two orange stickers on the right = Turn right

• A single orange sticker on the left = Stay straight, continue on current route

• Green stickers = WRONG WAY – turn back!

These markings will be visible throughout the route, with extra support during timed stages to keep you focused on racing, not second-guessing directions.

🛰️ Bring Your GPS – Just In Case

While the course is well-marked, we highly recommend using a GPS device with the route preloaded. It acts as a fail-safe in case signage is missed or weather interferes with visibility.

Before the event, we’ll send out:

• The official route files

• Step-by-step tips on how to load and follow GPS tracks

• Video tutorials for first-timers or those needing a refresher
  👉 Click here to watch GPS navigation tips

A GPS ensures peace of mind — so you can ride hard and never worry about taking a wrong turn!

Bikes Allowed

The route will be designed with Gravel Bikes in mind, meaning we expect the fastest bike on the day to be a gravel bike. This doesn’t mean that if you don’t have a gravel bike, you can’t join. we will have different classes available for all of the below bikes, please ensure you pick the correct batch when signing up.

Cancellation Policy

By entering the 2026 GravDuro you agree to the following as well as the documents contained in the
Red Cherry Events terms and conditions

Your entry and batch are only secured once full payment has been received

Riders wanting to cancel, need to do so in writing and email Team@redcherryevents.co.za should they wish to cancel

75% of the entry fee amount paid will be refunded if written notice is received before 30 March.
50% of the entry fee amount paid will be refunded if written notice is received before 31 April.

All entries after 1 May will not be eligible for any refunds, although you can transfer your ticket to another rider at a cost of R100. This transfer can be done up until 7 days before the event.

Should the race be cancelled due to weather, riders will receive a 100% carryover to any future Red Cherry Events, event for two years from the cancellation date. No refunds will be given should the organisers need to cancel the event due to adverse weather conditions.